Pediatric occupational therapy is a branch of occupational therapy that focuses on helping children with various physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities or delays to perform daily activities and tasks.  It helps children gain independence while also strengthening the development of fine motor skills, sensory-motor skills, and visual motor skills that children need to function and socialize

Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need for daily living and functioning. It addresses areas such as neuromotor development, sensory integration, fine motor skills, self-care, and play skills. This therapy is beneficial for children with various special needs and diagnoses, as it aims to improve their independence and ability to interact with their environment. Through tailored interventions, pediatric occupational therapists help children reach developmental milestones and improve their overall quality of life. 

For kids, occupational therapy helps those who are having difficulty with the normal daily “occupations” of childhood. This includes play skills, self-help skills, self-care activities, social-emotional development and learning.

Sensory integration treatments provide challenging therapeutic activities with an enriched sensory experience to maximize your child’s ability to participate in daily life activities.

Who benefits from Occupational Therapy Services?

Children might require occupational therapy for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Gross and fine motor delays
• Sensory processing delays
• Sensory defensiveness
• Visual perceptual deficits
• Decreased attention and focus
• Coordination difficulties
• Handwriting deficits
• Social interaction
• Clumsy or poor balance
• Low muscle tone
• Poor endurance

Poor motor planning new activities

• Difficulty transitioning
• Craving for, or hypersensitivity to: movement, heights, touch from others, feel of clothes, tastes/textures of foods, sounds, and smells
• Poor awareness of surroundings or attention to detail
• Hyperactive, distractible, or lethargic behaviors
• Easily frustrated (showing withdrawn or aggressive behaviors)
• Difficulty calming down or falling asleep
• Difficulty with coloring, cutting or handwriting skills

Comprehensive Assessment Includes

• Neuromuscular status
• Gross motor skills
• Coordination and balance
• Fine motor skills
• Handwriting performance
• Sensory processing
• Visual motor/ visual perceptual skills
• Activities of daily living

Therapeutic Intervention

• Fine Motor Skills
• Sensory Integration (SI)
• Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
• Visual Motor & Visual Perceptual Skills
• Daily Living Activities
• Upper extremity strength and endurance
• Core Strengthening
• Motor Planning
• Balance/Coordination Activities

Does MY CHILD NEED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Your child may be recommended occupational therapy if they are showing signs of developmental delay in physical, social, emotional or mental domains. They may also benefit from occupational therapy to improve their handwriting, attention, or self-regulation.

Although each case is unique, occupational therapy is usually recommended to help your child become more independent.

Following the evaluation process, a precise treatment plan is then developed. Occupational Therapy helps children develop sensory awareness, strength, and coordination needed for self-care and early learning skills. Pediatric Occupational Therapy will help your child excel in their daily life as they play, attend school, and engage in social interactions as they grow into adulthood. 

The goal of pediatric occupational therapy (OT) is to help children achieve independence and enhance their quality of life by addressing their unique needs and challenges.

Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) utilize a range of techniques and tools, including sensory integration therapy, play-based therapy, fine motor skill development, and adaptive equipment, to help children achieve their goals.

Who do pediatric occupational therapy providers work with? 
Some of the conditions that pediatric OTs may treat include autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, and more. Pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) also work closely with those who support their clients, including parents, caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare professionals, to create individualized treatment plans that address the child’s specific needs and goals.

In addition to helping children with physical and developmental disabilities, pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) also assist with emotional and behavioral issues that may affect their ability to function and participate in daily activities.