What is an appropriate strategy for an occupational therapist to adopt for a child with a developmental delay but normal cognitive skills?

An appropriate strategy for an occupational therapist working with a child who has a developmental delay but normal cognitive skills is to focus on enhancing dynamic balance through play-based activities. This approach recognizes that while the child’s cognitive skills are intact, their developmental delay may affect their physical skills and motor coordination. Engaging the child in play-based activities allows them to practice and improve their balance in a fun and motivating context.

Dynamic balance is crucial for many everyday tasks and activities, and by using play as a medium, the therapist can encourage the child to explore movements that support their overall development without the pressure that might come from more structured or serious tasks. This strategy not only addresses physical skills but also leverages the child’s normal cognitive abilities to learn and adapt during the activities, making it a holistic approach to therapy.

Other approaches, like focusing solely on cognitive skills or limiting activities to template-based worksheets, do not adequately address the child's physical developmental needs or do not utilize the benefits of play in promoting overall growth and engagement. Imaginative play could potentially benefit creativity but does not specifically target the development of dynamic balance, which is more beneficial for the child’s physical and motor development.