Treatment intensives

Simply put, treatment intensives involve therapy in high frequency over a short period of time. This approach can accelerate progress when applied under the right circumstances. So, how do you know if this approach is right for your child?

Author: Jake Robinson, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
5 min read

What are treatment intensives?

In the world of Occupational Therapy intensives refer to participating in a high volume of sessions over a short period of time. This form of therapy is targeted to address specific challenges and goals. Intensive formats of therapy can include multiple sessions within a day or multiple sessions over a one to two week period. 

Intensives can provide children and their families with new tools to address and support significant changes to a child’s daily functioning.

What can I expect from an intensive? 

Intensives can cover a wide range of challenges and goals for a child, as such, families are asked to narrow down a specific goal or challenge for the intensive to focus on. Research suggests that intensive therapy provides a greater opportunity for summative gains in sensory, motor and social emotional performance. Intensives provide a cumulative effect, where children and parents are able to practice and build on strengthening and skills obtained in previous sessions.

Who can benefit from treatment intensives?

Treatment intensives are beneficial for children with a variety of diagnoses. At MoveAbout, our therapists support many children with diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, Anxiety, as well as children that experience a range of challenges impacting their participation in daily life.  

Intensive programs are commonly run to support children within a range of areas including: 

• Gross Motor skills
• Fine Motor skills
• Emotional regulation capacities
• Sensory processing
• Social skills
• Communication skills
• Attention and engagement capacities
• Motor planning skills
• Play abilities
• Functional daily living skills, e.g. feeding, dressing

Therapy intensives are effective tools to stimulate an increased rate of positive progress, and are designed to complement your child’s ongoing therapy program.

If you think your child could benefit from this intensive approach, speak with your therapist about what’s involved. This will determine how suitable it is for your child and your family. 

For more information about treatment intensives or to make an enquiry about an assessment for your child, contact MoveAbout Therapy Services and you’ll be connected with an experienced and compassionate paediatric OT.

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