What is pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children build the skills needed for independence. The scope of activities a therapist may work on varies from child to child. Some kids may need help with self-care skills such as eating, dressing and going to the bathroom. Others may have sensory issues or difficulty interacting with other children. Occupational therapy focuses on identifying and remediating these challenges.
Does my child need therapy?
Occupational therapy can help children with motor coordination, self-help development, and sensory processing. There are some common signs that your child may benefit from occupational therapy.
- Limited reaction to stimuli such as touch, movement, sights and sounds
- Overreaction to stimuli such as touch, movement, sights and sounds
- Challenges with transitions
- Slow language processing
- Difficulty following directions
- Challenges with play or social interactions
- Poor balance and coordination
- Illegible handwriting
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
Additionally children with the following medical conditions are at risk to have delays developing skills. These delays are likely to have an impact both at home and school.
- Sensory processing disorders
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- Downs Syndrome
- Spina bifida
What are the potential benefits?
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children build the skills needed for independence. The scope of activities a therapist may work on varies from child to child. Some kids may need help with self-care skills such as eating, dressing and going to the bathroom. Others may have sensory issues or difficulty interacting with other children. Occupational therapy focuses on identifying and remediating these challenges.
Getting started with occupational therapy
Still not sure if your child needs occupational therapy? We offer screenings that will help identify potential areas of improvement. Depending on how well your child performs to similar-aged kids we may recommend moving forward.
Reach out and schedule a screening to get started.