Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy helps your child build the everyday skills they need to participate successfully at home, in school, and in the community. Therapy is based on the information derived from an occupational therapy evaluation and is completely individualized to your child’s needs.

Your child may be working on improving fine motor skills (like handwriting, coloring, cutting, and fasteners), visual-motor integration, coordination, strength, and endurance. Occupational therapy may also support sensory processing and self-regulation so children can better manage their bodies, attention, and emotions throughout the day. Goals are selected to help your child achieve success through a carefully designed sequence of activities. Your child learns new skills that can reduce barriers to independence, learning, and participation.

Children learn best in a warm, supportive environment that uses hands-on activities, play-based tasks, games, and positive reinforcement. When appropriate, therapy may also focus on re-learning skills that were impacted by injury, illness, or developmental changes.

How Much Therapy Will My Child Need?

The length and amount of occupational therapy depends on your child’s age, the nature of the challenges, and the impact those challenges are having on daily routines. Severity and consistency are important factors as well.

Most commonly, young children are seen one to two times weekly for thirty to forty-five minute sessions. As your child gains skills and becomes more independent, sessions may decrease in frequency, transition to periodic check-ins, or focus on specific goals (such as handwriting, self-care, or regulation). Consultation with the occupational therapist is recommended to determine what will be most beneficial for your child.

Some areas (such as significant sensory regulation needs or more complex motor planning challenges) may require more intensive intervention. Some children make immediate progress, while others show slow, steady improvement. Every child is different, so the rate and pattern of progress will depend on your child’s unique strengths and needs.

Are Parents Involved In Therapy?

Parental involvement in the therapy process is highly encouraged. The occupational therapist consults with parents on an ongoing basis regarding progress, strategies, and how skills are carrying over into daily life.

Parents are often given simple activities or “home practice” ideas to try before the next session. Parent coaching and training on techniques used in therapy can significantly improve a child’s success and helps your child continue practicing skills outside of sessions during real routines like getting dressed, mealtime, homework, play, and bedtime.