Occupational therapy functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in screening and evaluating children, adolescents and adults for neurological, musculoskeletal, sensory integrative and developmental levels of function
As part of a treatment team, occupational therapy assists in diagnosing and planning treatment. Occupational therapy treats individuals on an inpatient, day treatment, home-based, school and outpatient basis per physicians' orders, and collaborates with other professionals for coordination of services to patients. The department provides consultation to other professionals, parents, teachers, health aides and in community settings such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, day care centers, schools and homes. The occupational therapy department is involved in training activities, research and community outreach activities.
Inpatient Programs:
The occupational therapy department provides evaluation and treatment services to patients in the following Kennedy Krieger inpatient units:
Outpatient Programs:
The occupational therapy department provides evaluation and treatment services to patients in the following Kennedy Krieger outpatient programs and clinics:
- Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation
- Day Feeding Program
- Assistive Technology Clinic
- Down Syndrome Clinic
- Feeding/ Swallowing Disorders Clinic
- Occupational Therapy
- Spina Bifida Clinic
The occupational therapy department also provides consultations to multiple Kennedy Krieger outpatient clinics including, but not limited to, the following:
- Center for Development and Learning (CDL)
- Phelps Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center
- Movement Disorders Clinic
Community Programs:
The occupational therapy department plays an integral role in evaluating and treating patients in Kennedy Krieger's:
- Child and Family Support Center
- Specialized Transition Program (STP)
- Home and Community
- Early Childhood Development and Education Center
School Programs:
The occupational therapy department plays an integral role in evaluating and treating patients in Kennedy Krieger's:
Professional Training:
The occupational therapy department has an educational link with Towson University, and provides training to Level I and Level II fieldwork students from accredited universities.
Research:
The occupational therapy department is currently involved with four major research grants in the following areas: Spina Bifida, Feeding, Botox and Ataxia Telangiectasia. For information on current related KKI research projects, please click on the links below:
- Cerebral Palsy and Other Movement Disorders
- Behavior and Feeding Disorders
- Neurorehabilitation
- Traumatic and Environmental Brain Disorders
Professional Certifying Organizations:
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Occupational Therapy Certification Board, Inc.
Staffing (Licensure):
- Occupational Therapists
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants
- All OTR/COTA staff are licensed in the State of Maryland