Occupational Therapy Offers Free Pediatric Clinic

The Occupational Therapy (OT) program at Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is offering its annual OT Pediatric Clinic. This marks the sixth year the free OT clinic for children between 6 months to 16 years of age has taken place.

"The pediatric clinic is staffed entirely by occupational therapy students and supervised by a licensed therapist," explains Kate Hayner, EdD, OTR/L, and Department Chair of the Occupational Therapy Program. "The pediatric clinic is providing early intervention for children and a place for students to get hands-on experience in their field of study."

The SMU clinic is designed to provide consultation, evaluation, individual treatment and/or specialized group treatment.

"Occupational therapists help children improve their ability to perform self-care tasks, engage in play and social activities, and participate in academic activities," explains Ginny Gibson MS, OTR/L, CHT, Assistant Professor and clinic director. "Research shows that early intervention is best because the brain is more capable of change during that period of time."

Children enrolled in the OT Pediatrics Clinic typically have difficulty with performing at age level in one or more of the following areas: self-care skills including dressing, self-feeding, grooming, bathing, or toileting; play skills including manipulation of toys, initiation of independent play, and engaging in play with other children; and pre-academic skills including writing, cutting with scissors, and organizing work space and materials.

"Sometimes, when certain problems stand between a child and normal play, the help of an occupational therapist is needed," adds Gibson.

The ten-week OT course goes until December. Classes are held on Wednesday's at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 PM, located at the Lower Level One floor in the Peralta Building of the Oakland campus.

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