Helping Kids Thrive: Occupational Therapy at Floyd Valley Healthcare

When people hear “occupational therapy,” they might think of adults recovering from an injury, a medical event, like a stroke. However, the Floyd Valley Occupational Therapy team plays a vital role in helping children develop, overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

“Occupational therapy (OT) can be beneficial for kids too,” says Christin Konz OTD, OTR/L. “For children, it’s about helping them succeed in their ‘occupations’: playing, learning, socializing and developing skills. Our goal is to help each child learn the skills they need to thrive in all their environments – at home, at school and in their daily lives.”

The OT team at Floyd Valley Healthcare address a wide range of developmental milestones. These foundational skills affect everything from a child’s ability to hold a pencil and write their name to cutting with scissors and catching a ball.

“If a child is having trouble with handwriting, it can affect their academic performance and self-esteem,” says Hannah Schramm OTD, OTR/L. “Handwriting challenges may be a result of decreased fine motor skills or visual processing difficulties. Once we identify the specific challenges, we can develop a treatment plan that makes a world of difference.”

Floyd Valley’s occupational therapy team use therapy as play.

“Children are motivated by playful activities, so we use that natural behavior to help them build the strength and skills they need.”

Perhaps one of the most significant areas of focus for children at Floyd Valley’s OT department is sensory processing.

“Sensory processing challenges can be extraordinarily difficult,” says Konz. “A child who is overwhelmed by certain clothing textures might have daily meltdowns when getting ready for the day. Another might be so sensitive to sounds that succeeding in school becomes nearly impossible.”

The OT program at Floyd Valley has gained recognition for its comprehensive approach. Occupational therapy is frequently combined with physical and speech therapy, and therapists work in tandem with primary providers and any specialists.

OTs at Floyd Valley help children master skills such as brushing teeth, dressing and other self-care routines that foster a sense of confidence and independence.

“Self-care independence not only prepares children for long-term success but also builds self-confidence and reduces family stress,” says Schramm.

Floyd Valley Therapies’ specialized feeding therapy program has become particularly valuable for families dealing with selective eating or sensory aversions to food.

“Feeding difficulties are among the most stressful challenges,” says Konz. “Food is essential for nutrition and affects our participation in social activities. Our feeding clinic provides a supportive environment where children can gradually explore new foods at their own pace.”

Floyd Valley’s pediatric OT team recognizes that emotional regulation and socialization skills are crucial for children to engage and succeed in various social environments. Their approach integrates strategies to help children identify and manage their emotions while developing appropriate coping and social skills.

“The ability to identify their emotions, manage frustration and adapt to changes in routine is essential for success in school and social settings,”  says Schramm. We work with children to build these skills through structured activities and provide parents with strategies to reinforce them at home.”

Schramm emphasizes that emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing emotions but about giving children tools to express them appropriately.

What sets the Floyd Valley pediatric occupational therapy program apart is its comprehensive, integrated approach.

“No child exists in isolation, and neither should their therapy,” says Konz. “We’re constantly communicating with other providers and families to ensure that strategies successful in the therapy room translate to home, school and social settings.”

“Our ultimate goal is to help each child participate fully in life,” says Schramm. “Whether that means being able to join in playground games, succeed academically, enjoy family meals or simply get through daily routines with less stress, we measure our success by how well children can engage in their world.”

And when a child achieves a milestone, these changes ripple through the entire family system, reducing stress and opening up new possibilities. From improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination to addressing sensory issues, Floyd Valley Therapies’ dedicated team works with children and their families to improve daily living skills and promote independence.

For families concerned about their child’s development, the occupational therapy team at Floyd Valley Hospital offers comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans designed to help each child reach their highest potential. Call (712) 546-3377 or visit floydvalley.org to learn more.