Pediatric Therapy Clinic

How Do I Know if My Child Need a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?

As children, playing is their occupation. It is through play that they learn about the world, develop essential life skills, and interact with others and do things independently.

5 signs that your child might benefit from Pediatric Occupational Therapy:

1. Difficulty achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones. 

If your child is showing signs of developmental delays, occupational therapy can help bridge the gap.

2. Issues with fine motor skills. 

Some children struggle with tasks that require strength, control, and dexterity of the small hand muscles. Fine motor skill difficulties can make it challenging for children to use scissors, draw, button clothes, tie shoelaces, and use utensils.

3. Trouble with gross motor skills. 

Gross motor skill issues can affect a child's balance, strength, endurance, and coordination, making it challenging for them to climb stairs, walk, hop, and play catch, among other activities.

4. Inadequate or inappropriate play and social skills

Play is a vital activity in developing age-appropriate skills, understanding their place in the world, and building social connections. Through play, children can improve their motor skills, cognitive skills, problem-solving skills, and social skills.

5. Sensory processing and regulation problems

• Overreact to touch, taste, sounds, or smells, that’s a common sign that he or she could have sensory processing issues 

• Constantly moving, jumping, crashing, bumping

• Easily distracted by visual or auditory stimuli

• Difficulty coping with change

• Inability to calm self when upset