If you’re like many parents whose child has been referred to pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT), you may be wondering, “Why does my child need Occupational Therapy? What is Occupational Therapy, anyway?” These are completely valid questions, especially because when you hear the word “occupation”, it makes you think of a job or career path.
Whether you’re a parent who’s just beginning to explore the world of OT for their child, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of the benefits it can offer, you’ve come to the right place. Westside is a leading provider of Occupational Therapy Services and a one-stop-shop for all of your child’s pediatric therapy needs.
What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy is so named because it focuses on helping children engage in the “occupations” or activities that are meaningful and important to them. When we think of “occupation,” our minds may jump to traditional jobs and careers. But in occupational therapy, the idea goes much further. OT looks at all the activities people do every day to live meaningful, satisfying lives.
These can be self-care tasks like getting dressed, taking a shower, or making a meal. They can be productivity tasks like doing homework or running errands. And they can be leisure and social activities like hobbies, visiting friends, or going to concerts. The aim of occupational therapy is to help you do the activities you want and need to live life to the fullest. OT gives you the support to take care of yourself, be productive, and enjoy life in ways that feel purposeful and meaningful to you as an individual.
With OT, you can gain skills and confidence to participate in your most valued occupations, big or small. Whether it’s being able to work, pursue a passion project, keep up with self-care, or have fun with friends – OT makes it possible for you to focus on what matters most and find fulfillment. The goal is for you to do the things that make you, you.
When it comes to children, we envision their everyday “activities” like playing, running, biking, swinging, crafting, coloring, and building. However, for children facing challenges related to Autism or experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental differences, these activities can pose more difficulties than they do for their peers. Additionally, mastering everyday tasks like dressing, teeth brushing, or completing homework can feel like climbing a mountain.
Pediatric Occupational Therapists help children participate fully in these meaningful activities by addressing barriers and challenges. They help children develop skills, adapt to their environment, and use assistive tools or strategies to improve their independence and quality of life. Ultimately, they help kids be kids.
Signs that Your Child May Need Occupational Therapy
There can be a broad range of reasons that your child needs OT. Determining the need for pediatric OT can be more complex than other disciplines, such as Speech Therapy or Physical Therapy. After all, it’s generally recognizable when your child has a speech or motor delay compared to other kids their age. When it comes to pediatric OT, there can be a wide range of symptoms treated that may or may not be obvious.
There are some common developmental and behavioral signs to look for to determine if your child could benefit from OT. However, it’s worth noting that most parents don’t regularly assess their child’s fine motor skills or sensory profile. At Westside, we often hear from parents things like:
- Everything at home feels difficult
- My child melts down constantly
- My child can’t wear certain types of clothing, like socks with seams or shirts with buttons
- Activities like haircuts, clipping fingernails, or bathtime are almost impossible
- My child never colors or does art projects, or their handwriting seems much sloppier than other kids their age
- My child doesn’t have any friends
These are all signs of underlying developmental challenges, such as fine motor delays, sensory processing issues, or social/emotional difficulties. The good news is that these can all be addressed in OT!
Fine Motor Skill Challenges
Keep an eye out for difficulties in tasks that require precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity, such as holding a pencil, using utensils, or fastening buttons. If your child struggles with these activities, it could be an indication of fine motor skill challenges.
Generally, children with fine motor delays will avoid activities that require hand strength and coordination, such as coloring, cutting with scissors, or writing. They may prefer gross motor activities, like running around, bouncing, swinging, etc.
Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory processing involves how your child’s brain receives and responds to sensory information from their environment. Signs of sensory issues may include hypersensitivity (overreacting to certain stimuli like textures or sounds) or hyposensitivity (underreacting to sensory input).
Hypersensitive children may hear things that nobody else can hear, or cover their ears when they hear a siren or other loud noise. They may avoid certain textures, sounds, smells, or activities.
Hyposensitive children tend to crave touch and rough-and-tumble activities. This heightened enthusiasm for physical play can make them appear remarkably adventurous, particularly in the playground setting.
Social and Emotional Difficulties
Children who require pediatric OT might face challenges in social interactions, like making friends, understanding social cues, or managing their emotions. For some, having an age-appropriate back-and-forth chat can be tough. Reading facial expressions may not come naturally. And knowing how to react appropriately across different social settings can be hard.
These difficulties can take a real toll on self-confidence and overall wellness.
That’s why it’s so important to provide support through occupational therapy approaches customized to the individual. The goal is to give them the tools to connect, understand social cues, and feel at ease in various situations. With the right help, they can gain the skills to build meaningful relationships and live life to the fullest.
Delays in Self-Care Skills
Observe if your child struggles with essential self-care tasks, such as dressing, brushing teeth, or tying shoelaces. Delayed development in these skills could indicate a need for pediatric OT to improve their independence.
For a list of age-appropriate developmental milestones, click here.
What to Expect In Pediatric Occupational Therapy
When your child with ASD is undergoing pediatric occupational therapy, you can expect a personalized and holistic approach to address their unique needs. Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on enhancing their developmental skills and overall quality of life. In therapy, your child will take part in all kinds of play that’s not just fun but also meant to boost sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and self-care.
An experienced pediatric occupational therapist will make sure your child feels at ease. Together, they’ll do activities tailored to help your child gain important abilities needed day-to-day. Whether it’s through games, art projects, pretend play, or music – the therapist will find creative ways for your child to practice key skills. It’s all about making progress in a welcoming space where your child feels comfortable, supported, and uplifted.
With the right activities and encouragement, your child can build their skills for now and the future. Therapists may use sensory integration techniques, assistive devices, and tailored exercises to promote independence and confidence. With occupational therapy, you can look forward to seeing your child make steady progress in managing their senses, relating to others, and tackling daily tasks. Sessions are designed to equip your child with skills for the long run. The goal is to help them gain confidence and independence to unlock their potential. You’ll notice them better regulating reactions to noises, textures, and other inputs. Social interactions will become easier as they learn to read cues. Completing routines like getting dressed or feeding themselves will get smoother. All this progress adds up to your child being empowered to participate more fully in life and continue on a positive developmental path. With the therapist’s guidance, your child will gain tools to thrive now and blossom into the future.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Recognizing these signs early is crucial for your child’s development. Early intervention with Occupational Therapy can help address these challenges when they are most responsive to treatment. The sooner you seek assistance, the greater the potential for your child to build essential skills and achieve their full potential.
Remember that every child is unique, and these signs should not cause unnecessary worry. However, if you notice a consistent pattern of these challenges in your child’s daily life, it’s worth consulting with a healthcare professional or an Occupational Therapist for a comprehensive evaluation. Early intervention can empower your child to overcome challenges and thrive in their daily activities.
If you are interested in learning more about Westside’s therapy services, please click the link below or call us at (815) 469-1500 and our team will walk you through the process.
