What is OT?

This is the ability to take in information from internal and external inputs, integrate it and then react in a contextual manner. When working efficiently, this process includes filtering out irrelevant information while attuning to the salient information. Having a primary, adaptive response that increases motor efficiency reinforces physiologic availability and in coordination with the affective process the end result is that the child can make meaning out of their experiences. When the integration process is not happening well the individual can experience heightened stress, frequently be misunderstood, and physically not achieve their desired outcome.

Sensory information is popularly thought of as the five senses: taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell. The field of occupational therapy research and clinical contributions has significantly furthered this understanding by emphasizing the importance of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Further, these systems are crucial pieces in postural stability upon which further foundational skills are built.

A few, tangible examples that are observable when sensory motor integration is not happening efficiently are an escalation in overt behavior, stress in social interactions, unable to pursue or share an idea for play schema, a delay in pre-academic skills such as fine motor skills, continued reliance on caregivers for self-care and activities of daily living or spending a lot of time in repetitive or limited play schemas.

The ability to obtain, maintain, and or restore a stable state of balance is referred to as postural control (Pollock et al., 2000). Postural control is dependent on peripheral sensory systems; with significant influence from the visual and the vestibular systems. The quality of the performance of this system depends on the integration of visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile inputs, which have a role in the modulation of muscle tone and strength regulation and ultimately, maintaining balance (Felson et al., 2009; Nieto-Guisado et al., 2022).

Observed examples when a child has decreased postural control and a lack of stability include difficulty with or avoidance of fine, visual and gross motor skills as well as social engagement, frequent tripping or falling, or motor tasks that appear very laborious for the child to complete.

This is how it all comes together. What drives babies to reach for their caregiver's face, roll or crawl toward an object out of reach or a toddler pick up a crayon and put it to the page? Affect. This term suggests desire, interest, curiosity, etc. This is what drives all development.

How does affect become action? A dynamic process of activation, emotional signals, organization, intention and execution. Praxis is the ability to conceive, organize and carry out a novel task. This is a process comprising four parts: ideation, (motor) planning, execution and monitoring (or adaptation). Examples of interference with this automated process include: insufficient attention and the child is unable to hold the idea long enough to make it materialize, being derailed from the motor plan because the tactile input they got was unpleasant, or the child lacks postural stability and cannot move their leg high enough to get up on the couch they are trying to climb on.