Occupational Therapy
Our team of dynamic, passionate therapists all follow a unique movement, sensory based, play based approach to treatment and development, and are closely supervised by Emma Wijnberg, Occupational Therapist.
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We are
passionate
about uncovering and treating the underlying cause of challenges, not just the functional difficulties that the child presents with.
Our aim at Little Lives Occupational Therapy is to connect with the people and family members of the Little Lives we treat. To match each client’s individual personality to the right therapist. To provide acceptance, support and love.
At Little Lives Occupational Therapy, we do not see “disability”, instead we see “Different Abilities”. Each and every person has strengths and weaknesses. We highlight the strengths, and use them as a tool to build up the weaknesses, so that the child is able to function at their optimum. Every single person has something unique and beautiful to offer the world.
Our goal at Little Lives Occupational Therapy, is to find the key to help unlock that potential.
Book an appointment today
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Feedback from some of our parents…
Passionate, dedicated and skilled are just a few words to describe the amazing ladies at Emma Wijnberg OT.
My son Ayush has been under their kind gentle loving care for the past 4 years. He has managed to navigate his way through so many hurdles in his life with continuous therapy as well as hippotherapy. Their commitment to the well-being of all their kiddies is most admirable.
There are no words to describe how thankful we are for all that they have done and continue to do for Ayush.
Emma has been working with my son Knox over the past few months, her kind nature, passion and attention to details has made such an impact in his little life.
We are seeing daily progress and are so blessed to have found Emma.
Why was my child referred to Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy can be a vital resource for children facing a range of challenges that impact their daily functioning. These challenges may manifest in various ways, including difficulties with motor coordination, maintaining balance, fine motor skills, grasping concepts, visual perception, emotional regulation, self-esteem, anxiety, postural difficulties, sustaining attention, task completion, social skills and social interaction.
A child may be referred to occupational therapy if they experience delays or difficulties in activities such as handwriting, dressing, feeding, playing, managing emotions, or participating in school activities.
Occupational therapists work collaboratively with children, their families, and other professionals to assess individual needs, set goals, and implement personalised interventions aimed at enhancing independence, participation, and overall quality of life. By addressing underlying difficulties and building essential skills, occupational therapy empowers children to thrive and succeed in their everyday activities.
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At our practice, we offer a comprehensive range of OT services tailored to meet the unique needs of each child
Our core services include:
Occupational Therapy
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Our experienced occupational therapists provide personalised assessments and interventions to address a wide range of challenges, including sensory processing difficulties, fine and gross motor skill development, visual perception, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI®)
We have a special interest in Ayres Sensory Integration, a specialised approach within occupational therapy aimed at addressing sensory processing challenges. Our therapists are trained in ASI® techniques to help individuals effectively process and respond to sensory information, promoting improved engagement, attention, and participation in daily activities. (Read more on Sensory Integration below)
DIR Floortime®
We offer DIR Floortime®, an evidence-based intervention approach aimed at promoting social-emotional development, communication skills, and positive behaviours in children with developmental challenges, particularly those on the autism spectrum. (Read more on DIR Floortime® below)
Assessment and Evaluation
Our team conducts thorough assessments using research-based tools and methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of each individual’s strengths and areas for growth. These assessments inform personalised intervention plans and recommendations.
Therapy Sessions
We provide individualised therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs and goals of each client. Our therapists use a collaborative and client-centered approach to promote engagement, participation, and progress in therapy.
Sensory Profiles
The way an individual processes sensory information directly influences the parts of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, sustaining attention and maintaining levels of alertness. A sensory profile looks at the unique way an individual processes sensory input, how it influences their mood, learning, sleep and engagement. We then provide specific, individualised strategies for the person to incorporate into their day to improve function. Sensory profiles are useful for individuals of all ages, from birth to adult.
Parent and Caregiver Support
We empower parents and caregivers with education, training, and support to implement strategies and techniques at home, reinforcing progress and promoting generalisation of skills beyond therapy sessions.
Collaborative Care
Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with other professionals involved in the care of our clients, including educators, speech therapists, mental health professionals, and medical professionals. This collaborative approach ensures holistic and coordinated care to support each individual’s overall well-being.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
We are committed to providing ongoing support and monitoring to track progress, adjust intervention plans as needed, and ensure that each individual receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
Our experienced occupational therapists provide personalised assessments and interventions to address a wide range of challenges, including sensory processing difficulties, fine and gross motor skill development, visual perception, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
We have a special interest in Ayres Sensory Integration, a specialised approach within occupational therapy aimed at addressing sensory processing challenges. Our therapists are trained in ASI® techniques to help individuals effectively process and respond to sensory information, promoting improved engagement, attention, and participation in daily activities. (Read more on Sensory Integration below)
We offer DIR Floortime®, an evidence-based intervention approach aimed at promoting social-emotional development, communication skills, and positive behaviours in children with developmental challenges, particularly those on the autism spectrum. (Read more on DIR Floortime® below)
Our team conducts thorough assessments using research-based tools and methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of each individual’s strengths and areas for growth. These assessments inform personalised intervention plans and recommendations.
We provide individualised therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs and goals of each client. Our therapists use a collaborative and client-centered approach to promote engagement, participation, and progress in therapy.
The way an individual processes sensory information directly influences the parts of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, sustaining attention and maintaining levels of alertness. A sensory profile looks at the unique way an individual processes sensory input, how it influences their mood, learning, sleep and engagement. We then provide specific, individualised strategies for the person to incorporate into their day to improve function. Sensory profiles are useful for individuals of all ages, from birth to adult.
We empower parents and caregivers with education, training, and support to implement strategies and techniques at home, reinforcing progress and promoting generalisation of skills beyond therapy sessions.
Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with other professionals involved in the care of our clients, including educators, speech therapists, mental health professionals, and medical professionals. This collaborative approach ensures holistic and coordinated care to support each individual’s overall well-being.
We are committed to providing ongoing support and monitoring to track progress, adjust intervention plans as needed, and ensure that each individual receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
A note on Sensory Integration:
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI)® stands as a specialised domain within occupational therapy, rooted in the theories pioneered by A. Jean Ayres. ASI® represents a dynamic sphere of practice, continuously propelled forward by ongoing research that substantiates its effectiveness. Proficiency in ASI® requires a post-graduate qualification from accredited institutions like the South African Institute of Sensory Integration (SAISI). To find ASI®-qualified therapists, visit SAISI’s website (https://instsi.co.za).
Sensory integration involves processing sensory stimuli to engage effectively with the environment. Challenges in sensory processing can manifest in children as difficulties in concentration, learning, and behaviour management.
Individuals with sensory integration issues struggle to regulate sensory input, leading to heightened or diminished responses. These challenges can significantly affect daily functioning, impacting tasks like grooming, tolerating certain textures, or navigating noisy environments.
Difficulties in sensory discrimination, such as recognising and interpreting sensory information, can compound sensory integration issues. This may result in difficulties with motor coordination, spatial organisation, and task planning. Children struggling with sensory discrimination may exhibit clumsiness or encounter difficulties in organising and completing tasks.
Occupational therapy grounded in ASI® aims to improve sensory processing, enhancing functional independence and reducing anxiety and behavioural challenges associated with sensory integration difficulties.
A note on DIR Floortime:
DIR Floortime is a specialised intervention designed to nurture individual development through a respectful and engaging approach. Rooted in the D.I.R.® model developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and his colleagues, Floortime prioritises playful interaction and connection, to foster engagement, communication, positive behaviours, and cognitive growth.
Utilised globally by educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, mental health professionals, parents, and caregivers, Floortime is an evidence-based methodology that promotes human development across various age groups. From children to young adults and even adults, especially those on the autism spectrum, Floortime offers a dynamic and holistic approach to support individuals with developmental challenges (https://www.icdl.com/).
