Pediatric occupational therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities, such as self-care, play, and school. Occupational therapists work with children and their families to identify areas of difficulty and develop strategies to improve their functional abilities.
Pediatric occupational therapy can help children with a wide range of conditions or challenges, including developmental delays, sensory processing issues, fine motor delays, handwriting difficulties, feeding difficulties, visual perceptual difficulties, and more. Occupational therapists can work with children of all ages, from infants to adolescents.
A pediatric occupational therapy session may include a variety of activities, depending on the child’s needs and goals. Activities may include fine motor tasks, sensory play, handwriting practice, feeding therapy, self-care tasks, and more. The therapist may also work with the child’s family or caregivers to provide education and support.
The length of pediatric occupational therapy can vary depending on the child’s needs and goals. Some children may benefit from just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy for several months or more.
Depending on the child’s needs and goals, the occupational therapist may provide homework or practice activities for your child to do at home. These activities are designed to reinforce the skills learned in therapy and help your child make progress toward their goals. The therapist will work with you to develop a plan that fits your child’s needs and schedule.
Some signs that your child may benefit from occupational therapy include difficulty with self-care tasks (such as dressing, grooming, and using utensils), delays in fine motor development (such as difficulty with writing or manipulating small objects), sensory processing issues (such as overreacting or underreacting to sensory input), feeding difficulties (such as gagging or choking on food), and self-awareness or self-advocacy needs.
Signs that a child may have sensory processing issues can include over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to touch, sound, or other sensory input; difficulty with transitions or changes in routine; and aversion to certain textures or sensations.
Handwriting development can vary widely among children, but there are certain benchmarks that can be used to determine whether a child’s handwriting is developmentally appropriate. Some signs that a child may need help with handwriting include difficulty with letter formation, inconsistent sizing or spacing of letters, and discomfort or fatigue when writing.
At this time, we are out of network with insurance companies for occupational therapy.