How Can Occupational Therapy Help My Child?

Occupational therapy helps kids do the things they want to do, need to do, or are expected to do. OT focuses on daily activities, or “occupations” so your child can live a full and meaningful life! Treatment sessions may include working on skills needed to perform certain tasks (such as strength, visual perception or fine motor skills) as well as addressing the actual “occupation” they are struggling with in real time! Whether it is helping your child modify a task like toothbrushing, providing recommendations for modifications at school or home, or working to build fine and visual motor skills needed for daily life, OT has a role in helping get to the bottom of why an area of your child’s life may be challenging, and providing solutions to help.

If your child is struggling to perform or participate in certain activities in their life, OT might be the right fit! Check out the list of common difficulties OT can address :

  • Self-care (wiping their bottom, dressing, brushing their hair, brushing their teeth, diaper changes, etc. )

  • Struggles on the playground (tripping and falling, difficulties coordinating their body, appearing fearful of swings or slides, etc.)

  • School performance (difficulties with attention, fidgeting, regulation, homework, handwriting, etc.)

  • Frequent meltdowns

  • Difficulties with transitions

  • Difficulties with community outings

  • Holding a pencil and using scissors

  • Sleep

  • Sensory processing challenges (challenges with textures, sounds, smells, movement, etc.)

  • Difficulties with routines

Diagnoses/ challenges we see (but are not limited to):

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • ADHD

  • Behavioral disorders

  • Brain injury

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Delayed milestones

  • Down syndrome

  • Dyspraxia

  • Emotion regulation difficulties

  • Generalized muscle weakness

  • Genetic disorders

  • Hypotonia

  • Learning disabilities

  • Muscular dystrophy

  • Neurological disorders

  • Prematurity

  • Sensory processing disorder

  • Toewalking

  • Visual processing disorder