Occupational therapy (OT) applies to the activities of children. These professionals assist with promoting independence in everyday life. Pediatric OTs see children from birth to age 18 for a variety of issues, such as developmental delays due to premature birth, ADD/ADHD, Autism, and struggles with reading and writing among other things.
The Occupational therapist can help with:
- Fine motor skills – finger dexterity, wrist and forearm control, and hand strength
- Gross motor skills – balance and body coordination
- Self-care tasks – dressing, bathing, and self-feeding
- Social skills – taking turns, listening, and following directions
- Emotion regulation – helping kids understand and process emotions
- Sensory processing – receiving information obtained through the five senses
