Occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in helping individuals of all ages perform tasks in various aspects of their lives, such as school, work, home, play, sports, or staying active. Pediatric OTs, in particular, focus on evaluating how children perform activities and tasks, and then develop personalized plans to improve their abilities, making it easier and less painful. These professionals employ a wide range of techniques and tools, including sensory integration therapy, play-based therapy, fine motor skill development, and adaptive equipment to help children reach their goals.
OTs address numerous skills and aspects that enable children to perform their “jobs” effectively:
- Motor Development and Motor Planning
- Feeding and Oral Motor Skills
- Cognitive Development
- Visual Processing Skills
- Sensory Processing
- Self-regulation
- Social and Emotional Skills
- Emotional Regulation
- Social Participation
- Executive Functioning Skills (organization, attention, working memory, planning, prioritization, impulse control, and more)
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Home and Community Safety
- Balance and Coordination
Occupational therapy supports children in various ways, from enhancing play experiences to boosting school performance and facilitating daily activities. It also fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Through OT, children can:
- Develop fine motor skills for tasks like grasping and releasing toys, handwriting, or using computer devices
- Improve eye-hand coordination for activities such as playing sports, copying from a blackboard, or other school-related tasks
- Master basic life skills like bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, and self-feeding
- Learn positive behaviors and social skills by practicing how to manage frustration and anger effectively
- Enhance attention and social skills to foster interpersonal relationships
Occupational therapists are dedicated to providing evidence-based, client-centered services. This means that the assessments and treatments they utilize with your child are supported by research and experience (evidence-based) and tailored to your child’s interests and needs (client-centered). By combining their expertise with a personalized approach, OTs effectively help children overcome challenges and lead more fulfilling lives.