Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy
From grappling with a pen to grasping success, a life transformed by OT-PSRD
Celebrating a 24-year-old man who’s reaped the benefits of independence and handwriting skills, all thanks to our effective therapy. Our Occupational Department’s assessment revealed struggles including a weak tripod grasp, involuntary hand contortions, inadequate thumb opposition, isolated finger movement, and hand extensor weakness. These writing issues had formed a significant roadblock to his employment prospects. However, regular OT sessions three times a week for two months have worked wonders. He can now write legibly with his right hand, employing a firm tripod grasp, while managing thumb opposition during tasks and keeping hand twisting to a minimum. Monthly follow-ups are in place to uphold these functional gains. His self-confidence has seen a remarkable boost, and he’s thankful to OT-PSRD for this.
Sixteen-year-old Abdullah, struggling with puberphonia (a condition resulting in high-pitched vocals post-puberty), has been successfully guided to articulate in a lower, masculine tone through consistent speech therapy sessions. This therapeutic triumph was made possible by a referral from the ENT Department of Services Hospital.
Occupational therapists (OTs) assist patients who are unable to do daily chores as a result of illness, injury, or disability (both mental and physical). Occupational therapists assist patients in regaining control over their health. They are encouraged to be more self-sufficient in several ways, including meal preparation, personal hygiene, dressing, and using the restroom. This may necessitate the use of assistive devices or the provision of splints, braces, or other equipment.
The objective of a speech therapist is to enhance communication and swallowing skills. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to assist patients with a variety of communication disorders, such as those involving voice, resonance, voice quality, language, cognition, and articulation (stuttering). Evaluation and treatment for swallowing may entail food as well. SLPs treat patients of various ages and diseases, including autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain damage, vocal fold nodules, and stroke. SLPs conduct both rehabilitative and rehabilitative therapy, with the latter involving helping patients maintain or improve their present communication and swallowing skills.
SLPs also make an attempt to consider the individual’s holistic requirements. By strengthening the patient’s ability to talk and swallow safely and their ability to participate in social activities such as mealtimes to express their needs, their chances of employment can be increased. Patients and their families work with speech-language pathologists to set individualised goals that will improve the patient’s quality of life.
Initiatives added were:
School-based occupational therapy at PSRD High School, with therapists providing assessments and therapy in classrooms
Making orthosis and adaptive equipment for patients
An inclusive, adaptive washroom was designed to initiate toilet training for patients.
Improved assessment forms for paediatric and adult patients have been introduced.
Screening of all patient needs prior to their registration
Mental health occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and mobility aid assessments and prescriptions have been introduced.
The Speech Therapy Department has:
Advanced procedures for the assessment and screening of speech therapy
Established different tools for speech therapy
Modification of speech session rooms as per therapy protocols
Improved patient care through regular intra-professional patient rounds
Created awareness of this disability