How can I get a child evaluated?

Many of our patients are referred to us by physicians or Child Development Services Agency (CDSA). Frequently, other adults in a child’s life such as daycare providers, teachers or relatives observe behaviors which concern them and make a referral for evaluation. With the parent’s permission, they call us and schedule a free screening. We evaluate the child and offer a comprehensive report on our findings. The report also indicates short and long term goals we believe we can achieve through therapy

How do occupational therapists determine whether problems exist?

The skills children should have at certain ages are fairly well determined. Occupational therapists use standardized testing, clinical observations, and input from caregivers to identify any challenges a child may have. Depending on the types of difficulties reported, assessment can include evaluation of sensory processing, postural development, motor planning and coordination, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive skills and visual perceptual development. Occupational therapists will also consider the quality of the child’s performance, how a child functions across different settings, and to what degree a child’s difficulties are impacting his ability to participate in the activities of daily life. This assessment can clearly identify if and how therapy would be beneficial.

Occupational therapy assessment can also help to identify problems that may need further evaluation and referral to other specialists such as physicians, physical therapists or speech-language pathologists.

We help children who have diagnosis such as:

What treatment techniques do we use?

• Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention
• Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Administration
• Wilbarger Brushing and Sensory Diet
• Greenspan Floor Time
• Handwriting Without Tears
• MORE Connection by Patti Detter
• Developmental Approach
• Handy Learning Approach to Hand Development
• Neurodevelopmental Treatment
• How Does Your Engine Run

Will insurance cover the services of Creative Hands?

Creative Hands participates with Medicaid and several other private insurance providers such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Tricare, MedCost, United Healthcare, First Health & Healthcare Savings. Occupational Therapy is a tax deductible medical expense.

Please call 910.755.6075 today to schedule a free screening!