I-SHOU UNIVERSITYDepartment of Occupational Therapy

### Introduction to Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Occupational Therapy aims to promote the comprehensive development of infants and young children, enhancing their quality of life and joyful growth. Therapists assess individual differences in children, make problem judgments, and provide treatment, while also offering parents advice on developmental issues and home-based therapeutic activities.

The target population for pediatric occupational therapy includes individuals from newborns to teenagers who experience developmental disabilities or learning difficulties due to congenital diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, permanent central nervous system damage during prenatal, perinatal, or shortly after birth, adverse environmental stimuli, or abuse. Common diagnoses include cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, chromosomal disorders, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, behavioral and emotional disorders, muscular dystrophy, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or physical disabilities.

### Objectives of the Internship Room

- To simulate a clinical pediatric occupational therapy room, allowing students to become familiar with the clinical environment and routines of pediatric occupational therapy.

- To introduce assessment tools and provide hands-on experience, enabling students to understand the developmental comparisons between children with disabilities and their typically developing peers.

- To facilitate teacher demonstrations and practice, allowing students to accurately apply pediatric occupational therapy techniques in clinical cases.