Pediatric occupational therapy helps kids with disabilities or delays do everyday activities. It focuses on how a child moves, plays, and communicates with the world around them. A doctor may suggest occupational therapy for a child after an injury or if they have a condition that affects their brain or body.
Who can benefit from pediatric occupational therapy?
Children with a wide range of challenges, including developmental delays, physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders, attention difficulties, and more, can benefit from pediatric occupational therapy.
What does a pediatric occupational therapist do?
A pediatric occupational therapist works with a child to assess their challenges and develop a therapy plan to help them improve their ability to perform daily activities. The therapist may use a variety of tools and exercises to achieve this, including games, toys, and special equipment.
How is pediatric occupational therapy different from other types of therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy is different from other types of therapy in that it focuses specifically on improving the child’s ability to perform daily activities. It is unique in that it takes into account the child’s developmental stage and needs, and focuses on making everyday tasks more manageable and enjoyable.
Pediatric occupational therapy is a healthcare field that helps children with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges develop the skills needed to perform daily activities and interact with their environment. Occupational therapists use therapeutic techniques and adaptive equipment to improve a child’s motor skills, sensory processing, visual perception, cognition, and self-care abilities. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States have a developmental disability that may benefit from occupational therapy services.
Pediatric occupational therapy addresses a wide range of developmental challenges in children. Some common areas of focus include:
| Age Group | Common OT Goals |
|---|---|
| Infants and Toddlers | Reaching milestones, sensory integration |
| Preschoolers | Fine motor skills, self-care, social skills |
| School-Age Children | Handwriting, attention, organization |
Occupational therapists work closely with parents and other professionals to create individualized treatment plans that target each child’s unique needs. With the right support and intervention, kids can develop the skills they need to thrive at home, school, and in the community.
