Bridging Milestones: Vinny Merin Tharakan on Pediatric Occupational Therapy (Part-1)

Vinny Merin Tharakan: I am Vinny Merin Tharakan, a DHA-licensed pediatric occupational therapist based in Dubai. With a strong passion for supporting children in achieving their developmental milestones, I specialize in providing evidence-based therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: I was particularly inspired by the transformative role therapy can play in fostering independence and confidence in children with developmental delays or disabilities. Witnessing the resilience of children and the joy on their faces when they achieve something they once thought impossible motivated me to pursue this profession.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: I was drawn to Dubai because of its advanced healthcare system, diverse patient population, and the opportunities available for specialized therapists. The city offers a dynamic work environment where I can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on children’s lives.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: Absolutely! The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensing process involves several steps:

• Eligibility Check – First, I had to verify my qualifications and ensure I met the DHA’s eligibility criteria.

• Dataflow Verification – This step involved submitting my academic certificates, work experience, and other credentials for primary source verification.

• DHA Exam – After verification, I had to pass the DHA licensing exam, which tested my knowledge in occupational therapy, patient care, and clinical decision-making.

• Application Approval – Once I cleared the exam, I submitted my final application and received my DHA license, allowing me to practice legally in Dubai.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: I dedicated time to revising key occupational therapy concepts, especially pediatric interventions and case studies. I also referred to international OT guidelines and practice exams available online. Time management and understanding the exam pattern were crucial for success.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: My day begins with reviewing my schedule and treatment plans for the children I’ll be working with. I prepare materials, tools, and activities tailored to each child’s therapy goals. Before each session, I coordinate with parents or caregivers to gather updates about the child’s progress or concerns.

During sessions, I continuously monitor the child’s progress, adjusting my approach as needed to ensure the therapy remains effective. Afterward, I provide guidance to parents and caregivers, offering strategies for continuing therapy at home and addressing any challenges they face. Lastly, I maintain detailed records of each child’s progress, including assessments, session notes, and therapy goals.

Vinny Merin Tharakan:

1. Children’s reluctance or anxiety: Some children may be uninterested, anxious, or unwilling to participate in therapy sessions, especially if the activities feel difficult or unfamiliar. To address this, I focus on building rapport and trust through playful, child-centered approaches. I incorporate their interests into activities, ensuring sessions are fun and motivating. Gradually, I introduce therapeutic tasks in ways that feel like games.

2. Parental involvement: Some parents may have difficulty understanding the importance of their role in therapy or find it hard to implement strategies at home. I prioritize education and open communication. I explain therapy goals clearly, provide simple home exercises, and encourage regular updates from parents.

3. Sensory or behavioral challenges: Children with sensory or behavioral issues may struggle with self-regulation, making it difficult to complete tasks. I create a sensory-friendly environment and use calming strategies, such as deep pressure or sensory breaks, to help children self-regulate. I also use visual schedules and positive reinforcement to promote cooperation.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: One child I worked with had difficulty with fine motor skills and was uninterested in traditional activities like using a pencil. I learned that he loved dinosaurs, so I incorporated dinosaur-themed activities like “feeding” small plastic dinosaurs with tweezers and drawing dinosaur footprints in sand. This approach kept him engaged while still targeting his therapy goals.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: I focus on understanding the unique goals and priorities for each child. By maintaining detailed therapy plans and progress notes, I can identify which goals need immediate attention and which can be addressed in subsequent sessions. Flexibility and organization are key to ensuring every child receives the care they need.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: Motivation starts with connection. I make therapy enjoyable by incorporating each child’s interests into the session. For example, if a child loves cars, I’ll integrate toy cars into activities. I also celebrate small victories, ensuring children feel a sense of accomplishment after every session, no matter how small the progress.

Vinny Merin Tharakan: I use standardized assessments, session observations, and feedback from parents or caregivers to track progress. I document milestones, noting improvements in motor skills, sensory regulation, or social interaction. Progress is regularly reviewed, and therapy goals are updated to reflect the child’s evolving needs.