Pediatric occupational therapists focus on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults. Physical impairment, injuries and a host of other issues can hamper a child’s ability to perform common tasks or progress normally through the stages of social or cognitive development.

Our pediatric occupational therapists will assess any concern you may have as well as your child’s:

  • Fine-motor and preschool skills
  • Self-care skills
  • Sensory integration
  • Behavior concerns

Some conditions to look for when considering occupational therapy for your child:

FINE MOTOR AND PRESCHOOL SKILLS

  • Appears clumsy, drops items
  • Does not clap hands
  • Unable to grasp small objects with pad of thumb
    and index nger
  • Unable to snip with pediatric scissors
  • Unable to copy a circle and cross design
  • Difficulty using both hands at the same time

SELF-CARE SKILLS

  • Difficulty holding grooming, hygiene, eating and writing utensils
  • Trouble with dressing fasteners
  • Difficulty following a morning routine
  • Decreased safety awareness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Difficulty following simple directions
  • Not helping out with household chores

SENSORY INTEGRATION

Sensory processing disorder is the inability to respond appropriately to sensory experiences due to our central nervous system inaccurately processing the sensory input.

  • Sensitive to loud noise
  • Difficulty interacting in community environments
  • Picky eaters (refusing to eat specific food tastes or textures)
  • Hypersensitive oral area (dislikes tooth-brushing, face-washing or food consistencies)
  • Sensitive to clothing textures

BEHAVIOR CONCERNS

  • Following Directions
  • Interacting safely with peers
  • Attending to tasks