Kids and Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of health care that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT can help them regain independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational Therapists help with barriers that affect a person's emotional, social, and physical needs. To do this, they use everyday activities, exercises, and other therapies.

Occupational Therapy is a great resource for kids and can help them play, improve their school performance, and aid their daily activities. It also boosts their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. With OT, kids can:

• Develop fine motor skills so they can grasp and release toys and develop good handwriting or computer skills.

• Improve eye–hand coordination so they can play and do needed school skills such as bat a ball and copy from a blackboard.

• Master basic life skills such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and self-feeding.

• Learn positive behaviors and social skills by practicing how they manage frustration and anger.

• Get special equipment to help build their independence. These include wheelchairs, splints, bathing equipment, dressing devices, and communication aids.

Who Might Need Occupational Therapy?

OT can help kids and teens who have:

• birth injuries or birth defects

• sensory processing disorders

• traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord

• learning problems

• autism

• juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

• mental health or behavioral problems

• broken bones or other orthopedic injuries

• developmental delays

• post-surgical conditions

• burns

• spina bifida

• traumatic amputations

• cancer

• severe hand injuries

• multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other chronic illnesses