Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that focuses on a child’s ability to achieve independence and participate in daily life activities, including play, self-care, school/community participation, and socializing. These “skills for the job of living” are necessary to ensure satisfying, fulfilling, and independent lives.

Occupational therapists (OTs) use their unique expertise to help children with social-emotional, physical, cognitive, communication, and adaptive behavior challenges. OTs design interventions that promote healthy development, establish needed skills, and/or modify environments, all in support of participation in daily activities. Since the work of children is play, it is through the use of this media that occupational therapists assist children in learning needed skills. Therapy can enhance the potential of a child throughout their developmental years and build self-confidence and self-esteem that last a lifetime.

Areas of concern often addressed by pediatric occupational therapists include:

SELF-CARE SKILLS: Difficulty with feeding, bathing, dressing, and grooming.

SENSORY INTEGRATION DISORDERS:  Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sounds, smells, sights, touch, movement, taste, and difficulty with the sense of body awareness.

DIFFICULTIES WITH FEEDING AND OTHER ORAL-MOTOR SKILLS:  Trouble chewing, drinking from a straw, or tolerating various food textures.  May be a “picky eater.”

FINE MOTOR SKILL CHALLENGES: Difficulty with writing skills, buttons/snaps, use of utensils & scissors, and grasping or picking up small objects.

PROBLEMS WITH MOTOR COORDINATION: May be awkward, seemingly careless, accident-prone, or “clumsy.”  May have difficulties with activities such as standing on one foot, catching a ball, or sitting to tie shoelaces. May be hesitant or nervous to try new tasks or activities.