There are many different approaches to pediatric therapy. But in our experience, the best approach is one that closely approximates a child’s real world to prepare them for situations they will face in daily life.
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our goal is to equip children with the skills they need to thrive in their everyday environments. Today, I want to discuss how we prepare your child for the real world of school and play.
The Logic Behind an Open Gym and Therapy Areas
Children don’t spend most of their lives in small rooms, so treatment in confined spaces isn’t as beneficial as treatment in environments that mimic their natural surroundings. That’s why we utilize large, open spaces for our therapy sessions. This approach ensures that children work on their developmental goals in settings that resemble the real world.
Open gyms with unpredictable changes, due to other children also receiving therapy, better approximate the environments children will face outside of therapy. This gives them a greater chance of applying what they learn in therapy to their daily lives. While we do have smaller, individual treatment rooms for children who are just getting started with therapy, our goal is to build them up to the ability to handle working in our open gym.
An Alternating Schedule of Therapists Helps Children Prepare for School
Some clinics keep children with one dedicated therapist throughout their treatment. However, we intentionally change which therapist works with a child during their treatment. This strategy helps children become comfortable working on therapy and using their skills regardless of who is assisting them. It also helps them adapt to different teaching styles and authority figures, making it easier for them to listen to and interact with their teachers at school.
A Child’s Life Will Soon Happen in Large Rooms Around Many People
The combination of a large gym where multiple therapy sessions are occurring simultaneously and a revolving cast of therapists working with your child is key. This is because it helps them learn to navigate busy environments like schools, grocery stores, and other public places. By practicing their skills in these dynamic settings, children can build the confidence and adaptability needed to handle real-world situations.
Open Gyms Provide Social Skills as Well as Academic Skills
Working in an open gym helps children develop key academic skills such as focusing despite any environmental distractions. It also provides opportunities to practice social skills with other children who are also receiving therapy. These interactions are invaluable, as they help children learn to share, take turns, and communicate effectively with peers, all of which are essential skills for school and life.
Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation
If you’re interested in how No Limits Pediatric Therapies can help your child prepare for the real world, call us at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. Let’s work together to help your child grow beyond their limitations and thrive in all areas of life.
About Terrica
Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
