For a parent who is new to the world of pediatric therapy, there is a lot of information that can be overwhelming. Learning the ins and outs of therapy can be confusing and daunting. One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How long will my child need occupational therapy?” To many parents’ frustration, the answer is, “It depends.” Each child …

Occupational therapy is the process by which people of all ages improve their ability to participate in everyday activities (occupations). For the pediatric population, this type of therapy is critical to help children participate fully in school activities and social play. Fine and gross motor movements are critical to success in school and a child’s overall life. Writing with a …

Oral-motor development is the process by which a child’s oral structures, such as the lips, tongue, and teeth, begin to work together to accomplish a variety of important tasks, such as eating and speaking. Proper motor skills for eating is important for a child’s nutrition. As a child grows, their nutritional needs will no longer be met solely by breast …

For children of all ages, homework time can be a struggle. After a full day of school, homework is often one of the last things on a child’s mind. But homework is critical, not only for gaining specific content knowledge, but also for gaining skills related to responsibility, time management, and organization. Below are some tips from occupational therapists that …

Many activities require fine and gross motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, social interaction, and other cognitive abilities. Any skill that is necessary to carry out an activity is considered an occupational skill; strengthening those skills may help your child live their lives more successfully and enjoyably. Occupational therapy is appropriate for children who have deficits in their daily living skills, for …

While bottles are the safest method for infants, eventually children must make the transition to cup drinking. Coming of age for cup drinking correlates with lots of other life events for children, such as eating at the table, joining preschool, and so on. However, many children see the bottle as a comforting icon. The familiarity of the bottle can be …

Developmental Milestones Occupational therapists who work with children are extremely knowledgeable in the areas of child development, and can assist children who are not meeting these milestones through individualized, targeted therapy. For these children, a full evaluation will be necessary to determine if the child could benefit from this type of therapy. This evaluation will provide insight into your child’s …

Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that is often grouped with physical therapy and speech therapy in the rehabilitative process. But what is occupational therapy (OT), and why is it important? According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is the process by which people of all ages improve their ability to participate in everyday activities (occupations). For …

Play is a critical part of a child’s development; a means to which children explore and understand the world around them. Through play, children are able to discover new environments, learn social skills, navigate interpersonal relationships, and develop their physical coordination. In fact, occupational therapists would say a child’s job is to play! Occupational therapists (OTs) who work with children …

Drooling is a typical stage of development for young children. Drooling is defined as the inability to manage one’s secretions. Infants have less volitional control over their head and neck area, so drooling is a common side effect of that lack of control. Infants begin to gain control of their swallowing and mouth muscles between 18 and 24 months. Drooling …