FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Our occupations are the things we do that “occupy our time.” This includes our work, play, self-care and our roles in family and society. For children this includes meeting their physical and emotional developmental milestones, play skills, school skills, feeding, dressing, attention, strength, fine and gross motor development, ability to self-regulate, transitioning between tasks and activities and efficiently processing sensory input. 

When any of these skills or roles are not happening efficiently and/or with relative ease, and when there is a lack of interest or any challenge participating in daily life activities (including at school, during play and in the community), a skilled occupational therapist can evaluate and treat the “why.”

During occupational therapy evaluation and treatment the goal is to determine and treat the underlying issues that are impacting function.  

WHAT IS SENSORY PROCESSING?

Sensory processing refers to the way a person processes and integrates sensory information (touch, sight, sound, movement). A person can be over-reactive or under-reactive to sensory information. They can avoid input or seek it out. Often, the behaviors related to inefficient sensory processing will impact a child’s ability to successfully engage in the daily life activities related to their roles as child, student and playmate, and can impede their independence in self-care. 

Signs of sensory processing disorder may include: avoids clothing, doesn’t like textures or playing ‘wet and messy,’ picky eater, poor motor skills, core weakness, balance and coordination issues, behavioral issues, attentional issues, reading and writing issues, anxiety, communication difficulties, very active, overly rough, difficulty sitting still, sits at desk with head in hands, bothered by sounds, and visual difficulties, to name a few.

WHAT ROLE DO PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS HAVE UN THE THERAPY PROCESS?

Parents and caregivers are a very important and welcomed part of the therapy process. Caregivers are included in all of our evaluations and treatment sessions. Our therapists tailor a home program for each individual child and educate caregivers so carryover at home is meaningful, realistic and bonding.

WHAT AGES DO YOU TREAT?

We treat all ages from infancy through college age students. In addition, we treat adults with sensory processing challenges.

DOES SPARK PEDIATRIC OT ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Spark Pediatric OT, PLLC is a private occupational therapy practice. While we do not accept insurance, we will provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED AT SPARK PEDIATRIC OT, PLLC?

Payment is collected at each OT session, or billed monthly via credit card. We accept the following:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• American Express

• Flexible Spending credit cards

• Check

• Cash

• Venmo