ORA – ONLINE CONSULTATION

Remote occupational therapy

ORA – ONLINE CONSULTATION

Online occupational therapy for DYS children

A paramedical specialty with medical, psychosocial and educational foundations, occupational therapy is designed for all people suffering from motor or psychomotor disabilities. Working on medical prescription, this state-certified therapist supports DYS children, helping them to compensate for their difficulties – particularly at school. After assessing the situation, the professional designs and adapts the environment to make it more accessible.

Who is occupational therapy for?

Occupational therapy is designed for people suffering from disabling conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, autism or rheumatoid arthritis. This specialty can also help with temporary or permanent disabilities caused by trauma or accident. She also works with children with learning disabilities.

More generally, occupational therapy is suitable for anyone who has difficulty performing daily activities. Regardless of the patient’s age.

How can occupational therapy help DYS children?

In the health insurance plan for a dyspraxic child, an occupational therapist is recommended to improve hand-eye coordination and precision of movement. Through physical and manual activity, the professional re-educates the gesture.

But this contribution is also aimed at other DYS disorders, such as dyslexia, dysorthographia and dysgraphia, with the aim of enabling the child to gain autonomy and relax. For dysgraphia, he proposes fun graphic exercises, which he adapts according to the child’s age. But he can also suggest tips and adjustments – such as how to use the computer keyboard.

How does a typical session work?

The first occupational therapy session is used to assess the dyslexic child’s day-to-day difficulties: the therapist confronts the child with concrete situations and studies the environment in which the difficulties occur (at school or at home). At the same time, he will study all the child’s medical and paramedical documents (check-ups, health record), his school documents (notebooks, evaluation copies…) and find out about the tools already in place.

Lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour, the occupational therapy session concludes with the establishment of a treatment schedule: traditionally weekly for dyslexic children, the number of sessions depends on the child’s motivation, maturity, dexterity and the extent of his or her difficulties.

Is online occupational therapy as effective as in-office therapy?

Contrary to popular belief, online occupational therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy, if not more so. At a distance, the DYS child needs to be more active, since he or she has to get involved in his or her own work. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “You tell me, I forget. You teach me, I remember. You imply, I learn.

If the child lacks attention, it’s easier to arrange the session so that he or she can take a break. What’s more, since exercises are given between sessions, this reinforces the learning process from one session to the next, often limiting the duration of rehabilitation.

Finally, with online occupational therapy, there’s no need to travel, so days are less hectic for both child and parent, and sessions can be held on weekends or vacations, as desired…

Is occupational therapy covered by the CPAM?

Online occupational therapy sessions are reimbursed by Social Security when they are carried out as part of an inpatient hospitalization, at home or in a specialized facility. Otherwise, they are not reimbursed, as this is not a profession under agreement with the Assurance Maladie.

On the other hand, mutual insurance companies can sometimes support this expense: don’t hesitate to send them a quote for details. In addition, if the DYS child has a disability recognized by the MDPH (Maison Départementale de la Personne Handicapée), it is possible to apply for reimbursement…