Who Can Benefit?
It’s not always obvious why children are having difficulty or how to help… but that’s where I come in!
Children need Occupational Therapy because they:
- Have challenges with coordination or planning movements
- Need more physical assistance than other children
- Have delays in development as an infant, toddler, or preschooler
- Received a medical diagnosis
- Were born with medical complications
- Went through physical or emotional trauma
- Demonstrate avoidance or refusal to do activities
- Need extra help to socialize with other children
- Dot not play well with children their own age
- Have difficulty switching from one activity to another
- Show extreme reactions to changes in routine
- Demonstrate difficulty following directions
- Have difficulty in school
- Have trouble with writing
- Have low self-esteem
- Are easily frustrated
Click here for an OT referral checklist!
Fine Motor Skills
Drop things all the time.
Cannot tie their shoes.
Squeeze too tightly or not tight enough.
Are not reaching for toys/objects.
Have trouble with handwriting.
Have difficulty using both hands together.
Need help using their hands with a communication device.
Are having trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps, a fork, spoon, or knife.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Self-Care Skills
Dressing
Buttons/Zippers
Tying shoes
Using feeding utensils
Hand-washing
Using the bathroom
Brushing/combing hair
Brushing teeth
etc.
Gross Motor Skills
Rolling and crawling.
Sitting and standing.
Walking independently.
Decreased fear of falling.
Decreased clumsiness, improved coordination.
Increased strength.
Increased balance.
Increased body awareness.
Increased participation in team sports/classes.
Visual Motor Skills
Paying attention.
Writing and reading.
Finding objects in a busy environment.
Matching shapes and letters.
Completing puzzles.
Manipulating fasteners.
Getting dressed.
Playing sports, gymnastics, swimming, or other physical activity.
Falling frequently or bumping into things more than other children.
Social Skills
Eye contact
Waiting
Frustration tolerance
Direction following
Self-confidence in social settings
Age appropriate social interactions
Expression of wants and needs with verbal and non-verbal strategies
Reciprocal interactions (turn taking, play with peers, etc)
Sensory Integration
Are constantly moving or wiggling.
Have difficulty playing with friends.
Cover their ears often.
Have irrational fears.
Startle easily to noises.
Show impulsive behavior.
Are sensitive to touch.
Get easily frustrated.
Have difficulty wearing specific clothing items.
Show emotional difficulty switching from one activity to the next.
Over-react to hair brushing or washing, teeth brushing, or bathing.