Occupational therapy

At the Princess Máxima Center, we strive for the best possible quality of life, both during and after treatment. We look at the child’s physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As an occupational therapist, you support children in carrying out daily activities and help them participate in life in ways that are meaningful to them. You also support parents, siblings, and teachers so they can help the child become as independent as possible.

The impact of cancer on a child’s daily life

Cancer and its treatment can have a major impact on a child’s ability to take part in age-appropriate and social activities. This can affect different areas, such as:

• self-care

• play and leisure

• going to school and learning

• social contact with friends

• energy levels and sleep

• movement and sports

With the growing number of survivors, the role of occupational therapy is becoming increasingly important. Many of the limitations these children experience affect their daily lives.

Changes before, during, and after treatment

Cancer and its treatment, from diagnosis through survivorship, affect a child’s physical and cognitive functioning. This often reduces independence in daily activities. The occupational therapist supports both the child and the parents in this process.

Some children already experience limitations at diagnosis. For example, a child with a brain tumor who has difficulty writing or participating in physical education because of ataxia. Or a child with a bone tumor in the leg who can no longer walk or cycle independently.

Other children develop limitations during treatment, for example due to chemotherapy that can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to difficulties with fine motor skills. In the case of long hospital admissions, children have less access to age-appropriate activities, which can result in motor and or cognitive developmental delays.

Late effects

Other functional limitations, such as cognitive impairments caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may only become apparent later. These sometimes invisible limitations can have a major impact on a child’s independence, for example when returning to school or in social interactions. A child may develop fatigue and concentration problems, making a full school day too demanding. As an occupational therapist, you have the expertise to support children with cancer-related fatigue in finding a balance between activity and rest.

E-learning

By completing our e-learning, you will learn more about occupational therapy treatment, as well as the role of other allied health professionals such as the physical therapist, dietitian, speech therapist, and psychologist. After completing the e-learning, you can register as an occupational therapist affiliated with KinderOncoNet and gain access to the learning portal.

Contact

Do you have questions or would you like to discuss a patient? Feel free to contact one of the occupational therapists at the Princess Máxima Center.