Frequently Asked Questions in Anchorage AK

Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) is a specialized branch of occupational therapy that focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to grow, learn, play, and become as independent as possible in their daily activities (or "occupations").

If you’re using insurance:

Yes, a referral is usually required.

Most insurance companies ask for a doctor’s prescription or referral to:

• Approve coverage
• Start treatment
• Get reimbursed

Check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements.

If you’re paying out of pocket (private pay):

No medical referral is needed, but your child will need to qualify through an evaluation.

In Summary:

• Insurance-covered OT: Usually yes
• Paying out of pocket (private): No doctor referral required
• School-based OT (IEP/504): No doctor referral required
• Early Intervention (0-3): No doctor referral required

Refer to Answer Above.

PlayWorks Pediatric Therapy Services accepts all insurances

1. Introduction & Intake

The therapist will meet with you and your child and gather background information.

You'll discuss:

• Medical history
• Developmental milestones
• Daily routines (e.g., dressing, eating, school, play)
• Any concerns you or the child’s teachers/doctors may have
  Goals you have for therapy (e.g., better handwriting, self-care skills, emotional regulation)

2. Observation & Assessment

The therapist will observe your child’s abilities and may guide them through structured or playful tasks to assess:

• Fine motor skills – using hands/fingers for small tasks
• Gross motor skills – balance, coordination, posture
• Sensory processing – reactions to touch, sound, movement, etc.
• Visual-motor integration – hand-eye coordination
• Self-care skills – dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, etc.
• Social/emotional regulation – frustration tolerance, attention, transitions

For younger kids, this might look like playing with blocks, puzzles, drawing, climbing, or pretend play.

The OT might use standardized tests or informal activities depending on your child's age and needs.

3. Discussion & Recommendations

At the end (or in a follow-up session), the therapist will:

• Share their initial impressions
• Discuss whether ongoing OT is recommended
• Outline next steps (e.g., creating a therapy plan, setting goals)
• Answer your questions

How long does it take?

Usually 45–60 minutes

Pro Tips for Parents:

• Bring any relevant reports (from doctors, teachers, or previous therapists)
• Dress your child in comfy clothes they can move easily in
• Let your child know it’s a fun session to help them learn and grow (not a test!)
• Be honest about concerns—this helps the therapist help you

Depends on the Plan of Care and dx

Sessions include 60 mins, 90 mins and 120 Mins

Fine Motor Skills

• Improve handwriting or pencil grip
• Use scissors, buttons, zippers, or shoelaces
• Strengthen hand muscles for drawing, eating, or self-care

Goal example: “I want my child to be able to write legibly and tie their own shoes.”

Gross Motor Skills & Coordination

• Improve balance, posture, or body awareness
• Navigate playground equipment safely
• Coordinate both sides of the body together (bilateral coordination)

Goal example: “I want my child to be able to ride a bike and catch a ball.”

Sensory Processing

• Decreased sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights
• Help with meltdowns or shutdowns related to sensory overload
• Improve focus and calmness in stimulating environments (like school)

Goal example: “I want my child to tolerate loud places and new clothing textures.”

Self-Care / Daily Living Skills

• Feed themselves independently
• Dress without help
• Brush teeth, bathe, and use the toilet

Goal example: “I want my child to get dressed for school on their own.”

Social and Emotional Regulation

• Take turns and share
• Express emotions appropriately
• Manage frustration or transitions better

Goal example: “I want my child to play cooperatively with others and handle frustration without hitting.”

School-Related Skills

• Focus in class and follow directions
• Sit still during lessons
• Organize their desk or backpack

Goal example: “I want my child to stay focused and complete tasks at school.”

How to Set Your Occupational Therapy Goals:

When thinking about your goals, ask yourself:

• What daily tasks does my child struggle with?
• What do I want them to be more independent in?
• Are there any behaviors or sensory reactions that concern me?
• What would make school or home life easier for them?

Depending on plan of care, yes.

Pain is subjective.

What You Can Expect Instead:

• Play-based activities that feel like games (especially in pediatric occupational therapy)
• Gradual challenges that match your child’s ability level
• Encouragement and praise to build confidence
• A therapist who pays close attention to your child’s comfort and limits

When It Might Be Uncomfortable (But Still Safe):

While occupational therapy isn’t painful, some activities can feel frustrating or tiring, especially if:

• The child is working on a skill that’s difficult for them (e.g., handwriting, balance)
• They're building strength or endurance
• They're experiencing sensory processing challenges

But the therapist is trained to adjust the activity so it's always manageable and encouraging.

If Your Child Has Sensory Sensitivities:

Some kids may feel overwhelmed by certain textures, sounds, or movements, but:

• The occupational therapist will work slowly and gently
• They will never force a child into something upsetting
• A big part of occupational therapy is helping kids manage and reduce these sensitivities over time

What to Tell Your Child (if they're nervous):

You can say something like:

“You’re going to play some fun games that help your body and brain get stronger and faster. The therapist will help you and stop anything that doesn’t feel right.”

Important:

If something does feel painful or really upsetting during a session, it’s important to tell the therapist right away. They will adjust immediately.

Through assesements and measurable outcomes utilizing short term goals and long term goals-progress is documented through graph goal charting.

Developmental & Cognitive Skills

• Improving attention and focus
• Problem-solving and reasoning
• Memory and organization
• Executive functioning (planning, completing tasks)

Fine Motor Skills

• Writing, coloring, cutting
• Buttoning, zipping, tying shoes
• Using utensils (fork, spoon), toothbrush, or hairbrush
• Picking up small objects

Gross Motor Skills & Coordination

• Balance and posture
• Climbing, jumping, catching, and throwing
• Body awareness and movement control
• Core strength and endurance

Sensory Processing

• Managing sensitivity to sound, touch, light, textures, or movement
• Helping with under- or over-responsiveness to sensory input
• Developing self-regulation strategies (e.g., calming tools, fidget use)
• Addressing meltdowns or shutdowns from sensory overload

Self-Care & Daily Living (ADLs)

• Dressing, grooming, and hygiene
• Toileting
• Feeding (including picky eating or oral-motor challenges)
• Sleep routines
• +Learning routines and independence at home

School Readiness & Participation

• Sitting still and paying attention
• Following directions and transitioning between tasks
• Holding a pencil or writing neatly
• Cutting with scissors, using school supplies
• Organizing materials and managing time

Social & Emotional Skills

• Taking turns, sharing, and playing cooperatively
• Managing emotions and frustration
• Coping with transitions or changes
• Building confidence and resilience

For Children with Diagnoses like:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Developmental Delays
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Learning Disabilities
• Anxiety or trauma-related challenges

OT Helps By:

• Breaking skills into manageable steps
• Using fun, engaging, and meaningful activities
• Creating customized strategies for home, school, and community
• Empowering children and families with tools and confidence

Occupational Therapists (OTs):

• Are not MDs (Medical Doctors)
• Typically hold a master’s (MOT) or doctoral degree (OTD) in occupational therapy
• Must pass a national certification exam (e.g., NBCOT in the U.S.)
• Are licensed to evaluate and treat people with physical, developmental, emotional, or sensory challenges

Some OTs do have the title “Doctor” if they’ve earned a clinical doctorate (OTD) — but they are not physicians.

How They Work with Doctors:

• OTs often work alongside medical doctors (like pediatricians or neurologists) as part of a care team
• A doctor’s referral or prescription is sometimes required for insurance coverage
• Doctors diagnose medical conditions; OTs treat functional and daily life challenges

Example:

• A doctor diagnoses a child with autism or ADHD
• An OT helps that child:
  • Improve focus and attention
  • Regulate emotions
  • Strengthen motor or self-care skills
  • Succeed at school or home routines

In summary, Occupational Therapists (OTs) are not doctors (unless they are an OTD). They help with daily living skills, development, and function, while medical doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Cater to those in need and base treatments of their plan of care working with OTPs.

Weather Appropriate

Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield

Talk with your primary care provider

We need a referral and can communicate with your provider

Orthopedics, Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Cognitive Deficits

To maximize the function needed for ADL/IADL skillsets

We will work with the patient

Yes

• We believe that being an effective Occupational Therapist goes far beyond just having the right qualifications; it’s about having the heart, the drive, and the ability to truly connect with people. I am deeply passionate about helping others regain independence, find confidence in their daily lives, and achieve goals they may have thought were out of reach.
• Empathy is at the core of everything we do. We take the time to truly understand each person’s unique story, challenges, and goals. I don’t just see a diagnosis, we see a human being with potential, strength, and resilience. That mindset shapes how we approach therapy: with compassion, patience, and personalized care.
• Alongside our passion and empathy, we bring strong clinical skills, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous learning. We are confident in our ability to deliver effective, evidence-based interventions that are tailored to each individual’s needs ,whether we're working on motor skills, cognitive functions, or adapting environments for better daily living.
• If you're looking for someone who will not only treat but truly someone who is not only skilled but invested, then we hope you’ll choose us as your Occupational Therapist. Together, we can work toward meaningful progress, step by step, day by day.