Willow OT is proud to offer our therapeutic services virtually! Families and clients will now have the ability to access assessments, interventions and other virtual programming remotely from the comfort of their home. We have been working hard to design therapeutic approaches that utilize the best combination of technological tools and interactive, hands on materials.

With the ever changing climate of COVID-19 it is our utmost priority to continue to provide a high level of service while ensuring the safety and health of all our our clients, families, and therapists. For more details for Virtual Sessions please visit Session Fees.

Fine Motor Skills 

Skills that require small, calculated movements of the hands, fingers, and wrists are formally termed "Fine Motor Skills". These include tasks such as, using zippers and buttons, pencil work, typing and using utensils for eating. Fine Motor Skills are also crucial for performing everyday skills like dressing, toileting, schoolwork, or using technology. While Fine Motor Skills are often overlooked during early-childhood, without developing an adequate skill-set, an individual can experience a diminished sense of independence, self-esteem, and academic performance can be compromised. 

Gross Motor Skills

Skills that require controlled body movement using large muscle groups are known as Gross Motor Skills. They allow individuals to perform functions such as, standing, walking, running, and sitting and also include less active competencies such as balance, hand-eye coordination, and body awareness. While Gross Motor Skills are most commonly associated with activities of daily living (dressing, eating and self-care) academic and leisure activities can also be impacted by Gross Motor issues.   

Play & Social Skills

Play is considered to be a child’s primary occupation. Whether it's running around with friends or participating in an organized game, play promotes both Fine and Gross Motor Skills and aids in the development of social etiquette. Encompassing both verbal and non-verbal ways of communication, play and the associated social experiences are how individuals learn to develop relationships, behave in society and manage challenging situations. 

Sensory Processing

Sensory Processing, often referred to as Sensory Integration, refers to the nervous system's ability to receive messages from the six senses and respond with the appropriate motor movement and emotional response. When children have a delayed or immature reaction to certain sensory inputs, it means that the information being received from their environment is being inaccurately interpreted resulting in an abnormal response. Issues such as being bothered by certain clothing fabrics, distress from light or unexpected touch and hypersensitivity to sound are common signs of Sensory Processing concerns. 

DaILY LIVING SKILLS

Daily Living Skills are the skills required for completing routine activities in one's day-to-day life. They can be skills necessary for maintaining fundamental functioning, such as toileting, dressing and feeding, or skills that promote independence, such as housework, cooking and managing money. In addition to promoting one's independence, the development of Daily Living Skills often results in heightened self-esteem and a positive sense of accomplishment. Individuals who lack certain Daily Living Skills can benefit from modified routines and adaptive equipment that make difficult tasks easier to accomplish. 

School Skills

School Skills refer to one's ability to learn and function within a school setting. Encompassing all of the skill groups listed above, School Skills range from the ability to sit quietly and follow routines to handwriting, paying attention and participating in social circles. Other competencies specific to successful integration into a school environment include time management and the development of behavioural norms. All of these skills serve as vital building blocks for achieving academic success and must not be overlooked during childhood development.

Recreational Services

Willow provides 1:1 support to individuals looking to engage in recreational activities. Through customized routines and evidence-based strategies, therapists work with clients to develop the skills necessary to become active members of their recreational communities.