A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Celebrating every milestone and guiding our children through every difficulty, parents are children’s main supporters. What happens when daily chores, like holding a crayon, getting dressed, or playing with friends become difficult? That’s where pediatric occupational therapy (OT) can help. This blog will explain all you need to know about pediatric occupational therapy so you can see how it might enable your child to flourish. 

What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy can be important for some children to acquire the skills they need to properly engage in their daily activities, including playing, learning, and engaging with their peers and environment. 

Pediatric occupational therapy works to help children from birth through puberty acquire the daily living skills they need. It tackles physical, cognitive, and sensory issues that can affect a child’s capacity for daily activities. 

Pediatric occupational therapy employs different therapeutic approaches and play-based activities to enhance a child’s:

• Fine motor skills (handwriting, using scissors, buttoning clothing)
• Gross motor skills (running, jumping, balancing, coordination)
• Sensory processing abilities (e.g., reacting suitably to sights, sounds, touch)
• Cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving
• Self-care abilities (dressing, eating, bathing)
• Social skills (such as obeying rules and chatting with friends) 

Knowing Developmental Milestones: The Foundation of Growth

Developmental milestones are collections of abilities most children reach by a given age. They provide a roadmap for monitoring a child’s development and recognizing any possible delays. Every child grows at their own pace, therefore, minor differences are natural. On the other hand, notable delays in obtaining milestones could indicate that a kid might benefit from expert assistance, including occupational therapy.

Age Appropriate Milestones in the Early Years:

• 0 to 3 Months

• • • grasps objects momentarily
    • smiles naturally
    • responds to loud sounds
    • lifts head and chest when on tummy

• 3 to 6 months

• • • rolls over
    • sits with help
    • reaches for objects
    • babbles

• 6 to 12 months

• • • sits independently
    • crawls
    • pulls to stand
    • says “mama” and “dada” (nonspecifically)

• 12-18 Months

• • • uses a few simple words
    • follows simple one-step directions
    • walks independently 
    • feeds self with fingers 

• 18–24 Months:

• • • walks up steps with aid
    • scribbles
    • uses two-word sentences
    • identifies known items

• 2 to 3 years:

• • • runs 
    • kicks a ball
    • uses three-word sentences
    • follows two-step directions

• 3 to 4 years:

• • • uses scissors
    • knows colors and shapes
    • hops on one foot
    • tells stories

• 4 to 5 years:

• • skips
  • draws a person with details
  • speaks effectively
  • counts to ten or more

Activities of Pediatric Occupational Therapy:

• Assess a child’s strengths and challenges in many areas of development, keeping age and milestones in mind.
• Creates unique treatment plans catered to the particular needs and developmental objectives of the child.
• Uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including play-based activities, exercises, and adaptable equipment, to help kids acquire new skills and practice current ones.
• Give parents and other caregivers tools and techniques to assist the child’s growth at home and clarify age-appropriate benchmarks.
• Works with educational institutions and other community resources to advocate for the child’s needs. 

Who Can Benefit From Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

• Children who struggle with fine motor skills such as handwriting, utensil use, opening containers, and getting dressed.
• Have difficulty with gross motor skills such as coordination, balance, righting reactions, and remaining seated.
• Experience sensory processing problems such as being over- or under-responsive to smells, touch, sounds, and tastes.
• Experience delays or difficulties in self-care abilities (e.g., eating, bathing, and dressing).
• Experience difficulties with play skills, socializing, making and keeping friends, etc.
• Have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, or other developmental or neurological diagnoses. 

What to expect from an occupational therapy evaluation?

To evaluate your child’s skills, an occupational therapist will:

• See how your child interacts and plays
• Inquire about your child’s everyday activities and development
• Evaluating certain abilities using standardized tests. 

Advantages of Pediatric Occupational Therapy:

• Increase hand-eye coordination, strength, and dexterity, for improved fine and gross motor skills.
• Increased independence in dressing, feeding, bathing, and other daily activities, therefore improving their self-care abilities.
• Increased processing of sensory input, therefore reducing meltdowns and enhancing the ability to regulate emotions and focus.
• Stronger friendships with peers due to greater communication and interaction skills, enhancing their social skills.
• Increasing confidence and self-esteem due to new skills and increased self-confidence.
• Increased self-sufficiency and independence to fully engage in daily life.

Selecting the Right Occupational Therapist:

Search for a therapist who:

• Has a friendly and caring demeanor
• Is licensed and experienced in pediatric occupational therapy
• Works cooperatively with families to create customized treatment programs.
• Focuses on play-based therapy 

Occupational therapy services are an investment in your child’s future. It’s about enabling them to grow more confident, autonomous, and successful in every area of their lives. See your pediatrician or go directly to an occupational therapist If you have concerns about your child’s development, consult your pediatrician or reach out directly to an occupational therapist. At Extra Steps, our expert occupational therapy services provide the support children need to thrive.