BCCFA Early Intervention Therapy Program

Frequently Asked Questions about Occupational Therapy Services

My child has sensory integration challenges but does not have delayed development. Can OT at BCCFA help?

  • The EIT program is only able to provide OT services to children who have delayed development or neurological challenges.
  • Interested families are referred to private OT services who provide community and/or clinic based programs designed to support this type of need.
  • “Sensational Living”; parent education workshops which discuss sensory processing, are offered twice a year. Families whose children have sensory issues but who are not accepted into the program are welcome to register.

Does the EIT OT program provide sensory integration therapy?

  • A sensory framework is often used to help understand atypical behavioural responses and to help caregivers adapt a child’s environment in ways that better meet his/her sensory preferences.
  • A cognitive approach might be recommended to help selected older children understand and regulate their behaviour.
  • Classic one-on-one direct intervention involving specialized gym equipment designed to change a child’s underlying neurological functioning is not provided. Information on private clinics offering this approach can be made available.
  • Formal brushing intervention protocols (eg. Wilbarger Protocol) are not taught or implemented.
  • The above decisions are based on best available evidence and availability of resources to provide and follow-up with intensive interventions.

My main concern about my child’s development is toilet training. How can OT help?

  • Parent Workshops titled “Toilet Teaching for Children with Special Needs” are offered twice annually. These provide information and offer opportunity to hear other parent perspectives.
  • Individual consultation sessions are available to discuss your child’s readiness for toilet training.
  • Various training methods can be discussed. This includes which might be most suited to your family preferences and your child’s abilities and needs.
  • Consultation may include trial of equipment to achieve safe and comfortable positioning on the toilet to support your child’s physical needs
  • Advice about managing clothing adjustment as part of the toileting process.
  • OTs do not undertake ongoing responsibility for the goal of your child being toilet trained as this success is largely dependent on consistent implementation of toileting routines by all caregivers.

My child has been accepted into the program but my main concern is behaviour challenges. Will OT address this?

  • The EIT program does not include behaviour consultants or interventionists.
  • OTs will problem solve with you and might ask you to complete a sensory profile to determine whether some behaviours might reflect difficulties processing sensory information. If this is the case, OT will work with you to modify sensory environments your child finds challenging.
  • OTs consult with behaviour teams hired by families, to determine if OT has something to offer for inclusion in the child’s behavior plan.
  • If behaviour is interfering with a child’s ability to participate in a specific routine based therapy goal, OTs will take a positive behaviour approach

August 2011