Why Your Child May Need Occupational Therapy

April 19, 2019

At every stage of life, infants, toddlers, children and adolescents are expected to meet individualized and specific milestones. However, an injury or learning disability can affect a person’s occupational performance, affecting their ability to participate in daily occupations.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists assist with skill development and rehabilitation by using sensory based and neurodevelopmental techniques. They provide appropriate exercises, develop adaptive strategies and collaborate with parents and other health professionals to create home and hospital-based activity programs.

Which types of milestones should youth be meeting at each new life chapter and how can occupational therapy help with daily occupational skills?

Signs your child needs Occupational Therapy

Infants

Infants have multiple opportunities during the day to achieve a relaxed and alert state as they communicate with caregivers and the environment. Their main “occupation” is to stay calm and interactive as they begin to reach for toys, gain awareness of their body parts and uphold a general curiosity for the world. If infants are fussy or sleepy all the time, they miss out on these necessary periods of skill development. Occupational therapy can be used to help infants become more attentive and vibrant.

Toddlers

Toddlers are often on an explorative mission — they are mobile and begin to learn the value of independence. During this stage, they should experience enhanced awareness and independence. Toddlers must learn how to use both hands effectively, play and feed themselves and be comfortable around other children. If toddlers have not developed upper extremity skills, struggle with sensory experiences or show a lack of independence, occupational therapists can provide care.

Children

During childhood, kids should be able to play independently and in groups. They are expected to be autonomous in self-care and feel comfortable using tools, such as scissors, feeding utensils and writing implements. Being able to adapt to schedule changes and adjust to motor and sensorial demands are central for development. When they cannot adequately perform these skills, occupational therapy is an advantageous outlet.

Adolescents

Adolescence often brings a heightened sense of responsibility at home and school. Societal interaction and personal well-being are essential for teens as they navigate the highs and lows of life. Common accomplishments they should acquire include: being able to organize work, participate in recreational activities and develop complex social and emotional skills. An adolescent who has an injury or medical condition can find these tasks challenging, requiring intervention from occupational therapists.

In collaboration with rehabilitative peers in audiology, orthotics and prosthetics, physical therapy and speech and language pathology, in addition to other clinical teams, our occupational therapists strive to help youth, young and old, reach their greatest potential.

Learn More About Lurie Children's Occupational Therapy Program