Whats an OT and does my DS need one?

[WavesTheWhiteFlag]

Ok probably a totally daft question but Im not sure what an OT is. My DS has GDD and hypotonia, currently he is seen by physio/paeds/SALT but Ive heard people talk about their OT and wonder if I should see if he needs to see one.
Please dont laugh, hes only 7mths and all of this is taking some getting used to. My HV is coming tomorrow to fill in a pre-school panel form (whatever one of them is) so Im feeling a bit down by it all. Guess I still havent come to terms with it, but I want to make sure hes not missing out on anything.

Hi Waves.Sorry you are feeling a bit down. However, if there are a few concerns with your son's development, it's great that you have some intervention so early so good for the people who run the services in your area!

I think this is a pretty good definition:

Occupational therapists address the question, "Why does this person have difficulties in his or her daily activities (or occupations), and what can we adapt to make it possible for him or her to manage better to impact his or her health and well-being?? Occupational therapists use careful analysis of physical, environmental, psychosocial, mental, spiritual, political and cultural factors to identify barriers to occupation. The primary goal of an occupational therapist is to enable individuals, groups and communities to participate in activities which are meaningful to them, reflect their beliefs and values, and produce a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction. Occupational therapy has been described as addressing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for "living life to its fullest."

Important to remember that it is not necessarily a case of the more people that are involved the better though. You are his mother and you know your child best so trust your instincts. Easy or people's lives to become a merrygoround of appointments and to miss out on the pleasure of just enjoying your baby.

Keep posting-lots of friendly support nad advice here.

Hi Waves,
My dd is 2.8 and has an OT. She was first seen when she turned 2 years old and I was told this was a very early intervention so it is fairly unlikely you would see one at this stage. We were offered OT because we were refused Portage - have you been offered this??

My dd mainly has problems with her fine motor skills and core stability (low tone in her trunk) and OT has been the perfect service to address these issues.

Thanks for the replies. Kinda guessed that was what it might be, just couldnt see why kids would need one IYSWIM

We have just been referred to portage but long waiting list I believe.