Articles

Explore our collection of insightful articles at Chicago Occupational Therapy, where we share valuable information on various topics related to child development and therapy. Our goal is to empower parents and caregivers with knowledge and resources to support their children's growth and well-being.

Occupational Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis: When should these disciplines work together?

For children facing developmental, behavioral, or sensory challenges, occupational therapy (OT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA) are two of the most widely recognized and effective therapeutic approaches. While these fields...
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How Occupational Therapy Can Support Speech Therapy Services

When a child faces communication challenges, a combination of therapies can often be the most effective approach. While speech therapy is commonly recommended for improving language and communication skills, occupational...
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Fun Vestibular Activities Using Items You Have at Home

What is the vestibular system, and what does it mean for my child?  The vestibular system helps us interpret movement–if we are moving or standing still, how fast we are...
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Fun Proprioceptive Activities Using Items You Have at Home

What is proprioception, and what does it mean for my child?  Proprioception refers to our body awareness in space, such as how we move through our environments or even the...
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A-Z Guide for Sensory-Friendly Travel and Vacationing

Whether it’s across the ocean or right around the corner, planning and executing a perfect family vacation can take a lot of time and research. Here’s a condensed A-Z list...
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Top 10 Vacations for Families of Children with Sensory Challenges

Finding the right vacation spot can be a challenge for families, especially when a child has sensory sensitivities. Fortunately, more destinations are offering sensory-friendly experiences tailored to children’s unique needs,...
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You’re Not Alone-Travel Blogs from Parents & Individuals with ASD

When you plan a vacation, there are many factors that go into preparation and execution… Especially when you have to consider all the sensory experiences, transitions, and thousands of other...
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How to make your own weighted lap pad!

Weighted lap pads, and other weighted items are often used by occupational therapists. They are a helpful tool that promote regulation and body awareness by providing proprioceptive input to the...
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What to Expect from an Occupational Therapy Evaluation

Starting the journey with occupational therapy can feel like a big step for families. If you’re considering an occupational therapy evaluation for your child, understanding the process can help ease...
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Visual Perceptual Skills

Visual Perceptual Skills Vision is arguably the most critical of the senses.  According to the American Optometric Association, 80% of learning is acquired through our visual system. While many people...
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Early Childhood Self-Care Milestones: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Early childhood is a remarkable period of growth and discovery. During this time, children achieve numerous developmental milestones, including those related to self-care. These milestones are critical because they foster...
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What are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are the reactive actions that a newborn baby uses to survive in the beginning stages of life. These reflexes are essential in allowing the body to develop properly,...
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"I can’t express enough positive things about the wonderful team at CST. The therapist who has worked with my son over the past four years has been a key player in his development and therapeutic journey. They have taught him valuable skills ranging from self-regulation to fine motor tasks and self-care. Additionally, the therapists are prompt, professional, and extremely communicative—always providing feedback and collaborating on solutions for any challenges I present. If I send an email on a Tuesday night, I can expect a response by Wednesday morning. Now that my son is in kindergarten, I attribute much of his independence and success in Chicago Occupational Therapy. Our family will always be grateful for the care and dedication shown throughout this process!"
"The occupational therapists and staff at Chicago Occupational Therapy are remarkable. Our child has experienced significant growth in writing and many other areas since beginning therapy. Teachers have noticed improvements over the summer, and we truly appreciate the dedication and support provided throughout this journey. The therapists are patient, kind, responsive, and supportive, making a meaningful difference in our child's life. Thank you, Chicago Occupational Therapy, for having such exceptional professionals on your team."
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Occupational Therapy Services We Offer

Gross Motor Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Gross Motor Skills

Our gross motor skills programs focus on developing strength, coordination, and balance through engaging activities that promote physical activity and confidence.
Fine Motor Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Fine Motor Skills

We enhance fine motor skills through targeted exercises that improve hand strength, dexterity, and coordination for tasks like writing and self-care.
Visual Motor Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Visual Motor Skills

Our visual motor skills training helps children integrate visual input with movement, supporting their ability to perform tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
Sensory Processing | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Sensory Processing

We provide sensory processing support to help children interpret and respond to sensory information, enabling them to navigate their environments effectively.
Self-Care & Daily Living Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Self-Care & Daily Living Skills

Our self-care and daily living skills programs teach children essential routines, fostering independence in activities such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.
Visual Perceptual Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Visual Perceptual Skills

We develop visual perceptual skills to enhance children’s ability to understand and interpret visual information, crucial for academic success and daily activities.
School Readiness | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

School Readiness

Our school readiness programs prepare children for a successful transition to school by focusing on the foundational skills needed for academic and social success.
Handwriting Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Handwriting Skills

We help children improve their handwriting skills through personalized strategies that focus on grasp, posture, and letter formation for clear and efficient writing.
Play Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Play Skills

Our play skills development sessions encourage children to engage in cooperative and imaginative play, fostering social interactions and emotional regulation.
Executive Function Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Executive Function Skills

We enhance executive function skills through targeted strategies that improve planning, organization, and problem-solving abilities, essential for daily life.
Social Skills | Chicago Occupational Therapy Services

Social Skills

Our social skills development programs focus on helping children build positive relationships and effective communication skills through structured practice and guidance.