Slow learner. Everyone knows how painful it is for any child to be described in such negative words.

Although it's a common term used mainly by the black community to describe someone with learning disabilities, the truth is that it is a painful, disparaging term, especially if used to describe your own child.

But, there is help for a child with learning disabilities, allowing the child to have a meaningful, fulfilling life where they know how to handle their condition.

Appropriate intervention with the help of professionals can allow children to excel in their studies, and go on to be successful later in life.

The answer to the problem is occupational therapy (OT).

Occupational therapist Lesego Mashishi who practis es in Hatfield, Pretoria, answers some questions .

What is occupational therapy?

OT is treatment that assists people whose roles or functioning in their daily activities of leisure and socialisation have been disrupted by physical or mental illnesses.

Why do children need it?

It enhances the development of children and assists them to achieve their developmental milestones within set appropriate age norms.

It is extremely beneficial for children battling with learning problems, such as with reading, writing, concentration and behavioural issues.

Occupational therapists carry out assessments to identify barriers to learning followed by designing treatment programmes to either re-mediate, rehabilitate or compensate for these barriers to enable the child to function fully.

Can't kids outgrow problems without therapy?

No, most learning barriers are as a result of sensory integration problems.

The child does not process information received through their senses (vision, hearing, smell, touch, taste) adequately enough through their brains.

Does it mean something is wrong with the child if he/she needs therapy?

There is never anything wrong with the individual or child requiring OT, however there are barriers that impact negatively on their ability to adequately interact with their environment in a manner that brings meaning and purpose to their lives.

Our approach is to aid each individual or child to reach their full potential in the context of their own unique skills, mental and physical capacity.

How would you respond to someone who says "We grew up perfectly without this OT nonsense, why must my child go for it, it's a waste of money"?

Times have changed, the education system has evolved and there are greater demands on children to process information more efficiently and effectively.

OT facilitates more effective information processing tools in children which empowers the child to keep abreast with demands of the education system.

OT also enhances self-esteem and confidence which is key in addressing bullying.

What are the benefits of OT?

Individuals who have received OT stand a greater chance of reaching their full potential in their occupational performance areas of school, work, and daily living.

They live more balanced lifestyles and are better equipped to fulfil their roles.

How young should a child start?

Children are never too young for OT. It is fundamental at birth, particularly with premature babies. Children can be exposed to it literally from when they are one second old.

How does a parent explain to a child why they are going for sessions without them feeling something is wrong with them?

The good thing about paediatric OT is that we use games and toys during treatment. So children are often happy to attend sessions and do not attach any of their limitations as to why they need to attend.

Discover Their hidden strengths:

TWO moms whose children have undergone occupational therapy tell us about their experiences.

Millicent Makhubo from Centurion says the therapy proved to be the answer to her child's woes.

"It all started when my son was two years old in pre-school, and I would get a lot of complaints from the caregivers that he was hyperactive and not paying attention in class.

"He was diagnosed with having attention deficit disorder (ADD) by the occupational therapist," she says.

"The sessions have really changed his life. I am getting good reviews from his teachers at school. The therapy has also helped to tap into his strengths. He is a crowd pleaser, a performer, and is excelling at drama and singing classes," she says.

For Tshwane resident Lebo Mokuisi, attending occupational therapy helped her finally understand her child.

"He seemed like he was delayed in his development, and just wanted to always remain a child," she says.

Mokuisi says she had considered many options, including "stout skool" for children with behavioural problems.

"It wasn't until I searched the internet that I came across occupational therapy. Therapy has helped him discover his strengths. He is really good at maths, and I'm glad that my son is no longer considered a problem at school, but is rather a very special boy with a bright future."