What Does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do? A Parent's Guide

When many parents hear the term “occupational therapy,” they may think of adults recovering from an injury. But pediatric occupational therapy looks a little different.

For children, “occupations” are the everyday activities they need and want to do. This can include getting dressed, eating, playing, learning, interacting with others, and becoming more independent.

A pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to participate in these everyday activities. Therapy is individualized to each child's strengths, needs, and goals.

Here are some of the areas a pediatric OT may support.

Building Independence in Daily Routines

Everyday tasks can require many different skills. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, using utensils, tying shoes, and managing buttons or zippers all involve coordination, planning, and motor skills.

An OT can help children build the skills needed to participate in these routines more independently.

Developing Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers. Children use these skills for activities such as writing, drawing, colouring, cutting, using utensils, and manipulating small objects.

If a child has difficulty holding a pencil, using scissors, managing fasteners, or completing other hand-based activities, an OT can help develop the skills needed for these tasks.

Supporting Sensory Needs

Children experience sensory information in different ways. Sounds, textures, movement, lights, clothing, and other sensations can sometimes make it difficult for a child to participate comfortably in everyday activities.

An OT can help families better understand a child's sensory needs and develop strategies that support participation at home, in the community, and during everyday activities.

Strengthening Motor Skills and Coordination

Running, jumping, climbing, balancing, and playing on playground equipment all require coordination and motor planning.

Occupational therapy may support children who have difficulty with balance, coordination, strength, or learning new movements, helping them participate more confidently in play and physical activities.

Supporting School Participation

Children use many skills throughout the school day beyond reading and writing. Handwriting, using classroom tools, organizing materials, staying engaged in activities, and managing classroom routines can all require different motor and organizational skills.

An OT can work with children to support the skills they need to participate in their school environment.

Supporting Regulation and Transitions

Some children may have difficulty managing emotions, transitioning between activities, or adjusting to changes in routines.

An OT can help children develop strategies that support regulation and participation, while working with families to make everyday routines more manageable.

Encouraging Play and Social Participation

Play is an important part of childhood development. Through play, children practise movement, problem-solving, communication, social interaction, and independence.

An OT may use play-based activities to help children develop skills while participating in activities that are meaningful and enjoyable to them.

How Can Speech Ally Help?

At Speech Ally, our pediatric Occupational Therapists provide individualized, play-based assessments and therapy based on each child's needs.

Our OT services may support areas including sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, executive functioning, motor planning, self-care, emotional regulation, play and social skills, and school readiness.

Speech Ally offers flexible options, including in-clinic, in-home, and teletherapy.

If you have questions about your child's development or participation in everyday activities, speaking with an OT can be a helpful first step toward understanding their strengths and finding the right support.

Every child is unique, and their care should be too.

Written by Serina Bhurani | Speech Ally