Dalisha
Would I be able to only stay in the pediatrics field in occupational therapy because I want to work with children? Does that include encouraging them to get physically fit and healthy again?
I originally wanted to be a pediatrician because I love working with kids and I believe that that's what I want to do with my life. I love helping people especially children. I started college as a biology major but after taking courses in Biology, I realized that Biology isn't for me. Many advisors and student I've spoke to me told me that I don't have to be a bio major to be a pediatrician. So, I started considering other things I was really interested in. After taking the Myer Briggs test, I discovered what I already knew, that I love helping, encouraging, and taking care of people and children. So, I got a lot of occupations in the medical field and the education field. The two occupations I'm leaning towards to now are Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy. i just have to find out more about them first. #doctor #pediatrics #occupational-therapy #occupational-health
4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
If your passion lies in working with children within the realm of occupational therapy (OT), pediatrics could be the perfect avenue for you. Here's why:
Pediatric OT is all about kids: Occupational therapists in this field dedicate their work to children, from infancy to young adulthood. They guide these young individuals in acquiring the skills necessary for day-to-day activities, such as self-care, play, and learning.
Promoting healthy lifestyles is a key aspect: OTs may not directly create fitness programs, but they play a vital role in helping children cultivate physical skills and routines conducive to a healthy lifestyle. This might include enhancing motor skills for sports or developing coordination for everyday tasks.
Here's a more granular look at how OT aligns with your interests:
Assisting children: The heart of pediatric OT lies in aiding children to overcome obstacles and achieve developmental milestones.
Creating impact: Occupational therapists hold a pivotal role in enhancing a child's life quality and independence.
While both speech pathology and OT share the common goal of helping children, they differ in certain aspects:
Speech pathology centers on communication: Speech-language pathologists concentrate on speech development, language abilities, and swallowing issues.
Occupational therapy targets everyday tasks: Occupational therapists assist children with activities such as dressing, feeding, handwriting, and sensory processing.
Moving forward:
Investigate pediatric OT programs: Explore accredited occupational therapy programs that provide a specialization in pediatrics.
Engage with a pediatric OT: Reach out to a practicing occupational therapist to gain insights into their daily interactions with children.
Experience OT firsthand: Get a real feel of the job by volunteering or shadowing a pediatric occupational therapist.
Remember, Dalisha, your enthusiasm for aiding children can fuel your journey in the OT field!
Blessings,
JC.
Lisa Merenda
Lisa’s Answer
You can work exclusively in pediatrics as an Occupational Therapist or Assistant in the school system, hospital or private practice but general physical fitness wouldn't necessarily be something you would be working on. Most likely they types of kids you would see for therapy are those with disabilities, serious illness or injury, or children on the autism spectrum. The job can be very physical though, depending on the particular child's need. OT deals with anything that your client needs to do in a typical day. With kids that means mostly play and school. You may spend a lot of your day playing and running around. You will use a lot of psychology and creativity if you choose OT. You should have good analytical skills and be able to think on your feet to keep children engaged and focused on the goals they need to achieve for therapy. Sometimes it's stuff they don't want to do and you have to figure out a way to lead them to it.
A lot of what OT does overlaps with Speech Pathology, particularly in the areas of feeding and helping with communication impairments. Both OT and SLP require lots of anatomy and physiology classes and continuing education throughout your career in order to maintain your license and stay current with best practices. If this doesn't sound like something you would enjoy, maybe you could look at being a special education teacher instead. I would recommend shadowing someone if you can or volunteering with an organization like Special Olympics to meet with people in different disciplines and see the types of challenges they are helping the children overcome.
Corinne Rubin
Corinne’s Answer
Dalisha,
Pediatrics and how we see children is evolving and not always from a disability lense but wellness is quickly emerging. With that comes mindfulness work, physical fitness and wellness, obesity management, ball skills, etc.....it is a field where you can take it do fit what your passion is......you can be the OT who fits into the box and works in schools or a clinic..or you can open a peds clinic with yoga, etc.........just need to know your clientele and budgets of patients as that kind of client = private pay vs insurance or Medicaid.
Good luck.
