FAQ

Pediatric occupational therapists (OT) help children and teens facing

. The goal is to help them regain

in all areas of their lives.

We help with barriers that affect a child or teen's

, and we use a range of activities, exercises, and other therapies to accomplish this.

We help to improve school performance, to develop skills for daily activities, and to boost 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.

Children might need occupational therapy, whether or not they have a medical condition. However, kids with the following medical conditions are considered to be ‘at risk’ for various skills that have an effect on their participation at home or school.

• Sensory processing disorders

• Birth injuries and birth defects

• Traumatic injuries (spinal cord or brain)

• Autism/pervasive developmental disorders

• Learning problems

• Behavioral problems

• Spina bifida

• Developmental delays

• Cerebral palsy

• Post-surgical hand conditions text goes here