WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
​
​
​
​
A child’s “occupation” is to play, participate in school, and be independent with self-care activities.
Our pediatric occupational therapists provide interventions to children who have or are at risk of having developmental delays and are experiencing difficulties functioning in one or more areas of their lives. Occupational therapy may include facilitating the performance of coordinated motor skills and/or use of the hands, as well as promoting skills for listening and following directions, self-regulation, social play, dressing, and grooming. Some other areas of focus may include helping children improve abstract reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, perceptual skills, as well as memory, sequencing, and motor planning. All of these skills are crucial for independent living and success across many environments.
​
HOW CAN OT HELP MY CHILD?
​
Occupational therapists often use a play-based approach to facilitate the development of functional skills. We help children develop the skills needed to perform everyday tasks by using creative methods to motivate children.
​
All of these areas are crucial for development and optimal participation at home, at school, and in the community. We value our relationships with caregivers, teachers, and physicians, and realize that collaboration is essential in creating effective carry-over from the clinic to the home and school environments.
​
Occupational therapists assist children in being successful in all of these areas. This may be addressed through facilitating improvement with:
​