Pediatric occupational therapy is a specialized field of therapy that focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to succeed in daily activities. The goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to help children build their physical, cognitive, and social abilities so that they can become more independent and participate fully in school, play, and other important aspects of their lives.
If you’re a parent of a child who has been recommended for occupational therapy, it’s natural to feel uncertain and even a bit overwhelmed. However, the benefits of occupational therapy for children are numerous, and working with a pediatric occupational therapy clinic can help your child achieve their full potential.
Here are a few things you should know about pediatric occupational therapy clinics:
What is pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to engage in daily activities. This includes activities such as self-care, schoolwork, play, and social interactions. A pediatric occupational therapist works with children to develop their physical, cognitive, and social skills, as well as to address any emotional or behavioral issues that may be impacting their development.
What types of services are offered at pediatric occupational therapy clinics?
Pediatric occupational therapy clinics offer a wide range of services to help children achieve their goals. This may include:
- Evaluations and assessments to identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses
- One-on-one therapy sessions to work on specific skills or behaviors
- Group therapy sessions to help children develop social skills and interact with their peers
- Home-based therapy to help children generalize their skills to their home environment
- Parent education and support to help parents understand their child’s needs and how to support their development at home
Who can benefit from pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy can benefit a wide range of children, including those with:
- Developmental delays
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Sensory processing disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fine motor or gross motor delays
- Visual-motor or visual-perceptual deficits
- Behavioral challenges
What are the benefits of pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy can help children improve their physical, cognitive, and social skills. Some of the benefits of pediatric occupational therapy include:
- Increased independence in daily activities
- Improved fine and gross motor skills
- Enhanced visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills
- Increased social skills and peer interactions
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- Better school performance and academic success
- Improved behavior and emotional regulation
How do I know if my child needs pediatric occupational therapy?
If you are concerned about your child’s development or notice that they are struggling with daily activities, it may be beneficial to seek an evaluation from a pediatric occupational therapist. Your child’s pediatrician or school may also recommend occupational therapy if they observe any areas of concern.
At a pediatric occupational therapy clinic, your child will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their strengths and areas for improvement. From there, a customized treatment plan will be established to help your child reach their goals and achieve their full potential.
If you think your child would benefit from OT services, feel free to fill out our screening request form. We offer complimentary screening calls to help you better understand if your child 1) needs OT, and 2) if we are the best fit for providing those supports. If not, we will help you to understand what other supports may be available to help.
