Why OT as ADHD Therapy?

Have you ever had a pair of shoes that you LOVED!?  The fit, the style, everything was perfect but they were loved so much that they lost their sparkle.  Maybe you take them to a cobbler or bust out that shoe polish and start buffing away until they regain their shine.

Occupational Therapist, Cobbler to the Mind

Pickles received a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder before her ADHD diagnosis.  I remember thinking it was so odd that she would often go through a room running her hand over multiple surfaces.  She would even step on toys or other items on the floor intentionally.  I couldn’t wrap my brain around it.

We were sent to an Occupational Therapist (OT) and at first I was very skeptical.  How were swings, crash pads and playdoh going to help my daughter?  My mommy instints told me there was something going on neurologically and she needed help…not a glorified playdate.

But, I kept coming back mostly because she loved it but I also got a sense that this place and her amazing OT finally understood her.  They saw that beautiful and perfect shoe that needed to be buffed.  A few more crashes into the foam pit or dives into the rice box would give her vestibular system that feedback it was desperately craving.

Vestibular? Sensory Integration Therapy? What Does All this Mean?

The first time I walked into the run down but very loved home that housed the Occupational Therapy facility I was overwhelmed with new vocabulary.  Next week I will explore these terms further.  But, I am here to tell you to trust the system!  If you suspect that your son or daughter might have sensory issues seek out an Occupational Therapist in your area and start polishing.

What is your expierince with Occupational Therapy?

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