We Have Hope

84. Building Trust in Occupational Therapy

• Love Your School West Virginia

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In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Tiffany Parsons, a licensed occupational therapist, about the importance of occupational therapy for children, especially in homeschooling and private school settings. Tiffany discusses the role of occupational therapy in child development, how to identify warning signs that a child may need assistance, and the holistic approach to treatment that focuses on the child's overall well-being. She also shares her journey of transitioning to private practice and the importance of building trust within the community to support families in need of therapy services. In this conversation, Tiffany Parsons and Kim Dully discuss the importance of building trust and rapport in occupational therapy, recognizing developmental milestones in early childhood, and the significance of early intervention. They explore parental concerns regarding child development, the initial conversations with families seeking help, and the various resources available for support. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the meaning of hope in child development and the community's role in supporting families.

Episode Highlights:

  • Occupational therapy is essential for child development.
  • Warning signs for needing OT include inability to focus and sensory sensitivities.
  • OT focuses on the child's occupation, which is to learn and play.
  • Holistic approaches address the root causes of challenges.
  • Building trust in the community is crucial for therapy services.
  • Parents and providers should work as partners in the child's development.
  • Discharging children from therapy is a sign of success.
  • Awareness of OT services is lacking in homeschooling environments.
  • Reflex integration can significantly impact a child's learning abilities.
  • The HOPE Scholarship can benefit various therapy providers. Building trust takes time but is essential for lasting relationships.
  • Helping students and families should be the primary goal of therapy.
  • Developmental milestones are crucial for future skills.
  • Meltdowns in children can often be traced back to missed developmental stages.
  • The W sit position can indicate core weakness in children.
  • Frustration in children is a normal part of development.
  • Parents should encourage independence in their children.
  • There are numerous resources available for families seeking help.
  • Hope in child development is rooted in community support.
  • Every child deserves access to the services they need.

More on Tiffany Parsons: 

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This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.