Does your child report neck or arm pain? Does your child report any tingling in their arms or hands? Does your child seem fatigued? This could be due to having a backpack that is too heavy or overpacked. Having poor backpack habits can cause a child discomfort, muscle soreness, fatigue, or even musculoskeletal pain. Below are some beneficial tips from …

Learning to write is an important milestone for children; it marks a time in their development where they are able to communicate through an entirely new medium, and begins a lifetime of that communication. Handwriting is a complex process that requires a child to combine their language skills (what they’re writing) with their body posture, writing utensil grip, letter formation, …

The bedtime routine can be a struggle for many parents of younger children. Occupational therapists frequently work with kids whose functions and senses are benefitted from a good night sleep. Below are some tips from occupational therapists on making the bedtime routine more successful, leading to a better night sleep for everyone in the family! Goal: To establish a specific …

Play is critical for children, as it is one of their most important occupations. It is through play that young children begin to discover their world around them, build language and social relationships, and develop the fine and gross motor skills that will serve them their entire lives. Occupational Therapists are highly trained professionals who work with children to enhance …

Occupational therapists are highly-trained professionals who work in a variety of environments for different needs. School-based occupational therapists are critical in helping ensure that children are able to meet their full potential when it comes to academic activities. These functions may include the fine motor skills required for handwriting, cutting with scissors, or physical and sensory organizational skills that will …

For a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), participation in daily life activities may require extra support, depending on his or her age and level of independence. Autism may affect a child’s ability to meet developmental milestones, participate in play activities, make friends, and follow appropriate social behavior. When a child is diagnosed with autism, it affects the whole family, …

Pediatric Occupational Therapists are trained professionals who are experts in working with children with developmental disorders that may affect their fine and gross motor skills and/or cognitive skills. The therapy they provide can help children improve their ability to participate in everyday activities, such as writing with a pencil, getting dressed, jumping, and climbing. Occupational therapy can be critical in …

Learning to write is a fun and exciting time for your child as they learn to communicate in a new way! Handwriting is important for daily life skills across the lifespan and for academic success. Handwriting is a complex process that requires a variety of skills all used simultaneously. Your child will need good posture, grasp skills, hand-eye coordination, hand …

Occupational therapy is the process by which people of all ages rehabilitate their fine and gross motor skills and/or cognitive skills in order to improve their ability to function in everyday activities. Pediatric occupational therapists are highly trained professionals who determine the best course of treatment for your child. Frequently, traditional methods of therapy are best suited for many children …

AOTA stands for the American Occupational Therapy Association, which is a member-based organization that exists to support the field of occupational therapy (OT). The AOTA was established in 1917 and is comprised of staff, volunteers, and occupational therapists, who together support the field through advocacy, education, and research. The AOTA, based in Bethesda, Maryland, estimates around 42,000 members from all 50 …