Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) are both types of therapy offered under Mamre’s Allied Health services. Our therapists often have people ask them “do I/does my child need OT or SLP?”
If you’re wondering this as well, read more about each of these therapies below and see what could work best for you.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapists work with people to help them participate in the activities that are important to them. As well as assist in building new skills and growing independence. People often call Occupational Therapists enablers as they help with many important parts of people’s lives. This includes self-care, school and work readiness, fine motor skills, social and life skills, self-regulation, and sensory needs.
At Mamre, we have Occupational Therapists who work with both children of all ages and adults.
For younger children, the main activity in sessions is play! It’s often through play that children learn about themselves and the world around them. Our team love to use a relationship-focused approach where we work alongside parents to create a fun learning environment. Children who have delays may find making signals difficult. We recognise the power of taking the time to wait and get to know, read and understand each child’s unique signalling.
For older children, school is usually one of the main activities in their lives. OTs can help with the skills needed to pay attention in class, access assistance, write, join in and transition between tasks and places. OTs can also assist with other important life skills like going to the toilet, getting dressed, and eating.
For adults, OTs can help with skills needed for working, joining in their community, getting out and about and looking after themselves. OTs may change parts of daily activities to make it easier for a person to join in. Or think about strategies and equipment that could help someone with join in their community.
Speech and Language Pathology (SLP)
Speech Pathologists (affectionately known as Speechies) work with people to develop literacy, speech, and language skills. The core of SLP is about helping people in finding ways to communicate so that they can be heard, understood, express who they are, and receive information in the best way to support their understanding.
Communication is an important part of life. Speechies help people communicate their wishes, goals, and feelings. They assist someone’s important people to recognise and act upon their preferences. These activities help people have more choice and control in their lives and strengthen and build their relationships with others.
SLP can also assist with support in eating, drinking and swallowing at mealtime
So what should I choose?
Well, that’s up to you! At Mamre our therapists are able to work closely with you in the way that suits you. Many people have both Speech and OT and you can even have joint visits with both therapists there if you’re working on a specific goal.
If you are wondering about how OT and/or Speech could look for you, give our friendly Allied Health team a call.