Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
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Paediatric occupational therapy

Self help skills

Dressing

Dressing is one of the earliest self care skills children start to master. Although taken for granted, aspects of dressing can be challenging e.g. tying laces, doing buttons, getting clothes the right way around, etc. It also utilises many different skills, for example, dexterity, balance, movement planning, spatial organisation etc. It provides children with one of their first experiences of independence.

Eating and drinking

Being able to manage to eat and drink independently and neatly is an important aspect of social acceptance.

There are common issues affecting eating and drinking. These include issues with oral motor control such as chewing and swallowing that require specialist assessment. This following document deals with the practical problems of managing eating and drinking, using utensils and independence during mealtimes.

Toileting

Toilet training is an important part of a child becoming independent. It also helps with social acceptance and inclusion.

 
page last reviewed: 19 February 2013