Other OT-Related Information Confused Volunteer

[lao27746]

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Several months ago, I shadowed two pediatric OT''s. I spent over 100 hours with both of them. Even though I enjoyed this experience, I always felt confused while volunteering because it was difficult for me to see the progress the OT's perceived their clients as making. Every day after volunteering, I felt confused about the role of OT's in this type of setting.

Has anyone else had a similar experience while shadowing OT's?

 

[10ninja]

I shadowed for 100 or so hours and I observed the OTs and OTAs helping kids with neurological disorders (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) eat, balance, and plan their physical motions or their emotional outbursts. Even though working with small children was new, I saw so much progress and the parents seemed incredibly grateful.

For example, the therapist that was trained in feeding has gotten the kids to eat so many foods that they were sensory aversive to. I saw some kids going from eating just one fast food item to eating home cooked meals. Ultimately, this will help the child socialize at meal time at school and open his/her body to new nutrients and promote better health.

 

[10ninja]

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