A guide for families looking to support their child’s growth and independence
When parents first hear about Occupational Therapy (OT) for their child, the name can be confusing after all, what kind of “occupation” does a toddler have?
In reality, occupational therapy is all about helping children do the everyday things that are essential to life, learning, and play. It’s a powerful and supportive service that can make a meaningful difference in your child’s development and confidence.
Let’s explore what OT is, how it works, and how to know if your child might benefit from it.
What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric OT focuses on helping children build the skills they need to be as independent and successful as possible in daily activities their “occupations.”
These activities include:
- Getting dressed
- Eating and feeding
- Playing and interacting
- Holding a pencil
- Focusing during school
- Regulating emotions and behavior
- Navigating different environments (home, school, community)
Occupational therapists use play-based strategies and targeted exercises to build fine motor skills, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and more.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children
OT helps children who are struggling with:
Fine Motor Skills
These involve the small muscles of the hands used for grasping, writing, buttoning, and using utensils.
OT Can Help With:
- Holding a crayon or pencil correctly
- Zipping a jacket or tying shoes
- Manipulating small objects
- Cutting with scissors
Sensory Processing Challenges
Some children are overly sensitive (or under-responsive) to sights, sounds, touch, movement, or smells.
OT Can Help With:
- Tolerating grooming activities (e.g., brushing hair)
- Managing sound or light sensitivity
- Improving focus in noisy environments
- Developing calming strategies
Self-Care and Daily Routines
Many children with developmental delays struggle with dressing, toileting, or feeding.
OT Can Help With:
- Teaching step-by-step routines
- Building independence in bathroom and hygiene skills
- Introducing utensils or new textures in food
Attention and Regulation
Children may have difficulty staying on task, handling frustration, or managing transitions.
OT Can Help With:
- Developing routines and visual supports
- Practicing coping strategies
- Improving executive functioning (planning, sequencing, task completion)
Play and Social Participation
Play is a child’s most important job and sometimes they need help learning how to play with others.
OT Can Help With:
- Turn-taking and cooperative play
- Using imagination in play
- Building confidence in group activities
Does My Child Need Occupational Therapy?
Consider an OT evaluation if your child:
- Has trouble holding or using small objects
- Struggles with dressing, eating, or hygiene tasks
- Is easily overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or movement
- Shows poor balance or coordination
- Avoids drawing, coloring, or playing with toys
- Has frequent meltdowns during transitions or daily routines
- Has trouble sitting still or following instructions
You do not need a formal diagnosis to begin OT services many children benefit simply by getting extra support for everyday skills.
How OT Works at Our Center
Our occupational therapists provide:
- Individualized therapy plans based on your child’s strengths and needs
- Play-based sessions that are fun, engaging, and child-centered
- Parent coaching to support success at home
- Sensory-friendly spaces where children feel safe to explore and grow
- Ongoing progress updates and collaboration with your therapy team
Whether your child is working on using scissors, managing emotions, or tolerating new textures, we are here to guide their journey with care and expertise.