Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Department at Franciscan Children’s promotes participation in activities or occupations that are meaningful to our patients. Occupations are a means to an end, enabling children to learn and develop life skills, be creative, play and thrive.

Through a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s abilities, including Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology (ACAT), Feeding, and Multidisciplinary Evaluations, our Occupational Therapists develop individual treatment programs that enable our patients to accomplish their goals.

About Our Program

Program Description

At Franciscan Children’s, Occupational Therapists work with infants, children, and teenagers (birth to 22 years of age) in a variety of settings, including inpatient Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs, outpatient, Kennedy Day School, and CBAT. We provide treatment for congenital, developmental, and acquired disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Stroke, Sensory Processing Disorders, and Autism.

Our experienced clinicians specialize only in Pediatrics, using evidence-based practice and cutting-edge technology. Our Occupational Therapists work as a team to provide the best treatment based on an understanding of typical development and the impact of disability, illness, and impairment on the child and family.

Specialty Areas

Our Occupational Therapists specialize in:

Fine motor skills
Sensory motor skills
Visual motor skills
Handwriting
Feeding
Visual perceptual skills
Function cognitive skills
Self-care and functional living skills (ADLs)
Adaptive equipment and Assistive technology
Upper extremity splinting
Function electrical stimulation (Bioness H200)

Therapy Pool

The Occupational Therapy Department’s Aquatic Program uses the Hydroworx 2000 pool. This versatile pool provides warmth, buoyancy, adjustability and a supportive environment to help patients make progress. Occupational Therapy is provided on an individual basis with therapists who are experienced in pediatrics both in the water and on land. Patients are able to use the water to improve sensory processing, flexibility, strength, and movement. Most importantly, the pool is highly motivating. Children can move easily, work on goals, improve their skills and have fun, all at the same time.