Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Questions about Occupational Therapy? Give us a call anytime at 708-478-1820 or schedule a free screening below.

What is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT)?

OT’s are trained at identifying barriers that restrict a child’s success or independence in completing everyday “occupations”

What is a child’s “occupation”? With OT, kids CAN

Play independently
Be successful in school
Easily adapt to change and problem solve
Complete self-care tasks
Effectively communicate to maintain great relationships with family and friends
Learn beneficial behavioral skills, such as accountability, empathy, concentration, and self-esteem

Why would my child need OT?

Fine motor skills

precise hand movements

Holding pencil/crayon
Manipulating toys/small objects
Clothing fasteners

Bilateral Coordination

using both hands or arms together to complete tasks

Jumping jacks
Throwing/catching a ball
Pull/push toys
Crafting (cutting, glueing, etc…)

Visual-Motor Skills

Hand eye coordination

Handwriting (letters/numbers)
Drawing/coloring
Cutting
Ball skills

Visual Perceptual Skills

the ability of the brain to understand what the eye is seeing

Reading
Puzzles
Reversing letters/numbers
Visual scanning (example instead that doesn’t use the medical term)
Sorting

Self Care

activities of daily living

Dressing
Eating
Bathroom hygiene
Chores
Planning
Decision making

Sensory Processing

ability to receive and respond to aspects of our environment

Sensitivities to:

Sights
Sounds
Movement
Taste
Touch
Smell

Strength

Core Strength

Sitting still or sitting without support
Climbing/running/jumping
Balance
Frequent falls

Arm/Hand Strength

Turning doorknobs
Opening containers
Holding a pencil
Carrying multiple objects
Maintaining hold on objects

Range of Motion

the amount of movement a joint or body part has

Limited movement in hands/arms, head, legs, or other body parts
Difficulty straightening limbs

Emotional Regulation

the ability to control one’s own emotional state

Great Feedback from Great Families

BDI Playhouse has exceptional therapists... my son was evaluated at BDI and received Occupational Therapy - and loved his therapist at BDI! I cannot say enough about the entire staff. Qualified, caring, exceptional people."

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Getting Started With Occupational Therapy

Find answers here

Still not sure? Learn more about whether your child needs therapy here