Why Would A Child Need Occupational Therapy?

A child may need occupational therapy if they struggle with everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating, writing, and playing. Children might need this therapy if they face delays in development, physical disabilities, sensory processing challenges, or behavioral issues.

As a licensed therapist with years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how this therapy can help children develop the skills they need to succeed. 

In this article, ‘Why Would A Child Need Occupational Therapy?’, I’ll explain how this therapy can give your child the tools to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.

What Is Occupational Therapy For Kids?

Occupational therapy for kids is a type of therapy that helps children develop the skills they need to perform everyday tasks. This can include things like writing, drawing, playing, and even dressing themselves. 

The therapy is designed to help kids overcome developmental challenges and gain the confidence they need to succeed. 

Occupational therapy is often used to treat conditions like autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, but it can benefit any child who is struggling to perform daily tasks.

Why Would A Child Need Occupational Therapy?

As a child psychologist, I understand that every child is unique and faces different challenges. Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialized form of therapy that can help children who struggle with a range of developmental, physical, or emotional challenges. 

OT focuses on improving a child’s ability to perform the daily activities they need to do, like getting dressed, eating, writing, or playing with friends. 

Through OT, children can improve their coordination, fine motor skills, and social interactions, which can lead to lasting improvements in their overall well-being.

Your child has Birth Injuries or Defects

If your child has suffered a birth injury or has a congenital defect, they may benefit from occupational therapy. Some examples of birth injuries or defects that can impact a child’s development include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Brachial plexus injuries
• Down syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy

These conditions can affect a child’s ability to perform daily activities and can lead to challenges with mobility, communication, and socialization.

Your child has Sensory Processing Disorders

As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle with sensory processing disorders. Here are some reasons why your child may need occupational therapy to help manage their condition: 

1. Difficulty with fine motor skills such as holding a pencil or buttoning clothes
2. Avoidance of certain textures, tastes, or smells
3. Over or under-sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or movement
4. Difficulty with balance and coordination
5. Difficulty transitioning between activities or environments
6. Challenges with social interaction and communication
7. Inability to regulate emotions or behaviors
8. Difficulty with self-care tasks such as brushing teeth or getting dressed
9. Limited play skills or engagement in age-appropriate activities
10. Difficulty with attention and focus.

Your child has Traumatic Brain or Spinal Cord Injuries

If your child has experienced a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, they may benefit from occupational therapy to help them regain function and independence. Here are some reasons why your child may need occupational therapy to manage their injury: 

1. Difficulty with fine motor skills such as grasping objects or manipulating buttons
2. Difficulty with self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, or feeding
3. Challenges with balance and coordination
4. Difficulty with memory or problem-solving
5. Difficulty with communication or social interaction
6. Changes in vision or perception
7. Inability to regulate emotions or behaviors
8. Difficulty with attention and focus
9. Pain or discomfort that limits function
10. Limited mobility or range of motion.

Your child has Learning Problems

If your child is struggling with learning difficulties, occupational therapy may be a valuable resource to help them overcome these challenges. Here are five examples of reasons why your child may benefit from occupational therapy:

• Trouble holding a pencil
• Feel lost in class
• Easily getting distracted
• Messy marks – messy handwriting
• Mixing up letters or numbers

Your child has Autism

Children with autism often require occupational therapy to help them develop the skills they need to function effectively in their daily lives. Here are five reasons why a child with autism may need occupational therapy:

• Sensory integration
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills
• Social skills
• Self-care skills

Your child has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

If your child has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), they may benefit from occupational therapy. JRA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, and it can have a significant impact on your child’s ability to perform daily activities. 

Occupational therapy can help your child develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Your Child Has Mental Health Or Behavioral Problems

If your child is struggling with mental health or behavioral problems, occupational therapy can be a highly effective tool for helping them improve their quality of life. 

By working with an occupational therapist, your child can learn valuable skills that will help them manage their emotions, build social connections, and succeed both at home and in school. 

Consider exploring occupational therapy as a potential solution to support your child’s mental and behavioral health.

Your child has Broken Bones or Orthopedic Injuries

If your child has suffered from broken bones or orthopedic injuries, occupational therapy can help them regain strength, mobility, and independence. 

An occupational therapist will work with your child to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help them recover. 

Additionally, they can provide adaptive equipment to help your child perform daily activities with ease and comfort during the healing process.

How Do Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Differ?

Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are both important branches of rehabilitation medicine that help people recover from injuries or illnesses. While both types of therapy focus on improving a person’s physical abilities, there are key differences between the two.

Here are some differences between PT and OT:

Physical Therapy:

• Focuses on improving mobility, strength, and range of motion
• Often includes exercises and stretches to improve physical function
• May involve the use of assistive devices like crutches or braces
• Typically prescribed after an injury or surgery

Occupational Therapy:

• Focuses on helping people perform activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, and cooking
• May involve teaching new techniques or using adaptive equipment to complete tasks
• Can help people with physical limitations maintain their independence
• Often prescribed for people with chronic conditions or disabilities

What Are The Benefits Of Occupational Therapy For Kids?

As a child psychologist with years of experience in the field, I can tell you that occupational therapy can be incredibly beneficial for kids. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Occupational therapy can help children improve their ability to perform everyday tasks such as dressing, feeding themselves, and using the bathroom. 
• Occupational therapy can help children develop their communication and social skills through play-based activities and exercises. 
• When children are able to complete tasks independently or improve their skills, it can boost their self-esteem and confidence. This can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and mental health.
• Occupational therapists can help children develop their fine motor skills, which are important for activities such as writing, drawing, and using utensils. 
• Occupational therapy can also help children improve their hand-eye coordination, which is important for sports, playing musical instruments, and other activities.
• Occupational therapists can help children develop their sensory processing abilities, which can improve their ability to respond to stimuli and regulate their emotions.

Who Does Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is provided by licensed occupational therapists (OTs) or occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). 

OTs are healthcare professionals who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy, while OTAs have completed an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assisting. 

Both OTs and OTAs work with individuals of all ages to help them develop or regain the skills they need to perform everyday tasks and activities.

How Can We Find an Occupational Therapist?

If you’re interested in finding an occupational therapist for yourself or your child, there are several ways to go about it. One option is to ask your primary care physician for a referral. 

If you’re looking for a more convenient and accessible way to receive occupational therapy, you may want to consider using the services of our telepsychiatry platform PsychiCare. 

PsychiCare offers online occupational therapy services that allow you or your child to receive therapy from the comfort of your own home. 

Our licensed occupational therapists use evidence-based techniques and approaches to help you or your child achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being.

Some FAQs

How to Explain Occupational Therapy to a Child?

Occupational therapy is like playing games that can help you get better at doing things you need and want to do. 

An occupational therapist will work with you to make sure you can do things like brush your teeth, tie your shoes, write your name, and play with your friends. 

They will help you practice and learn new skills to be more independent and confident.

How Long Will My Child Need Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

The length of time your child will need occupational therapy will depend on their specific needs and goals. 

Some children may only need a few weeks or months of therapy, while others may require longer-term treatment. 

Your child’s occupational therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the therapy process.

How Can I Make Occupational Therapy Easier On My Child?

There are several things you can do to make occupational therapy easier for your child. This includes creating a positive and supportive environment, praising your child’s efforts and progress, and making therapy sessions feel like playtime.

You can also work with your child’s occupational therapist to identify activities and exercises to which your child enjoys and responds well.

When Should I Call My Child’s Pediatric Occupational Therapist?

You should call your child’s pediatric occupational therapist if you have any concerns about your child’s development or ability to perform everyday tasks.

This could include difficulty with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory processing, communication, or social skills.

Your child’s occupational therapist can help you determine whether therapy is necessary and provide guidance on the next steps.

Why Would A Toddler Need Occupational Therapy?

A toddler may need occupational therapy if they are struggling with everyday tasks like dressing, feeding themselves, or playing with toys.

Occupational therapy can help toddlers develop the skills they need to be more independent and confident.

Why Would a 3-Year-Old Need Occupational Therapy?

A 3-year-old may need occupational therapy if they are experiencing difficulty with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory processing, communication, or social skills.

Occupational therapy can help 3-year-olds develop these skills and prepare them for success in preschool and beyond.

Why Would A Student Need Occupational Therapy?

A student may need occupational therapy if they are experiencing difficulty with academic tasks like writing, drawing, or using a computer.

Occupational therapy can also help students develop the skills they need to participate in sports, music, and other extracurricular activities.

Why Does A Child With Autism Need Occupational Therapy?

A child with autism may need occupational therapy to help them develop social skills, sensory processing abilities, and communication skills.

Occupational therapy can also help autistic children improve their ability to perform everyday tasks and activities.

When Would A Child Need Occupational Therapy?

A child may need occupational therapy if they are experiencing difficulty with everyday tasks like dressing, feeding themselves, or playing with toys.

They may also need occupational therapy if they are struggling with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory processing, communication, or social skills.