What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps children learn the skills they need to do everyday activities with confidence and independence. Whether it’s getting dressed, holding a pencil, playing with friends, or managing emotions, pediatric OTs use fun, play-based activities to support your child’s growth and development. Every child is unique, so therapy is tailored to their needs, helping them feel successful and thrive at home, at school, and in the community.​​​​​​​
How OT Supports Your Child’s Development
OT supports child development by enhancing the skills needed to move, think, play, learn, and engage in everyday life, promoting independence, confidence, and overall well-being. This is achieved by working on some of the following skills:
Fine Motor Skills
These skills involve the small movements of the hands and fingers used for tasks such as holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, buttoning clothing, and tying shoes.
Gross Motor Skills
These skills involve larger body movements that require strength, balance, and coordination—such as running, jumping, or climbing—helping children develop body control and stability.
Self Care Skills
These skills include teaching independence in dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, and toileting routines.
Sensory Processing
& Self Regulation Skills
How children interpret and respond to information from their senses (touch, sound, movement, etc.). Some children may be overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory input. OTs can help children learn to regulate their responses to stay calm, focused, and comfortable in different environments.
Play and Social Skills
Play is central to OT intervention, and through play and social skill development, therapists promote creativity, problem-solving, and communication.
Visual Motor Integration Skills
This refers to how children use their eyes and hands together and how they interpret what they see—important for reading, writing, and coordination.