Occupational therapy aims to help children with cognitive, physical, motor, and speech delays develop their skills. It also focuses on how a child carries out his/her daily tasks. Pediatric occupational therapists work in various settings such as homes, schools, healthcare facilities, etc.
These therapists\' primary goal is to improve the function and independence of children and teens with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, etc. They provide therapeutic assistance that helps develop their cognition, language, motor skills, and more.
During a Pediatric occupational therapy session, therapists work on analyzing and designing activities to help patients with all their needs.
Who benefits from Pediatric occupational therapy programs?
Pediatric occupational therapy programs are highly beneficial for children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental delays in all domains of development. Occupational therapy has also been proven helpful for kids recovering from a brain injury or stroke.
There are several reasons your child might need a little help, even if they had a normal birth and have no developmental problems. Often, there might be this one small area where the child doesn\'t seem to be up to speed compared to their peers. If you see this in your child, you may like to consider a session of Pediatric occupational therapy in the north fork or your area.
Signs that show your child might need Pediatric occupational therapy
- The child does not use both hands.
If the child does not use both hands together while playing, they may need assistance developing their fine motor skills. It can be due to plenty of reasons. However, with regular Pediatric occupational therapy sessions, you will see visible improvements, sometimes even right away. The therapist might also provide some suggestions to parents to help the child develop their skills at home.
- The child avoids certain surfaces.
If the child avoids certain surfaces or textures, it may be a sensory processing disorder. The Pediatric occupational therapy programs will help the child overcome it by designing certain activities to make it fun for the little patient.
- The child has difficulty dressing.
If the child has difficulty tying their own shoelaces or dressing themselves, it is high time to consider Pediatric occupational therapy. Being unable to get oneself dressed can be a sign that fine motor skills need a little improvement.
However, you must note that the child will master these skills one at a time. Try not to criticize them as it can make the situation worse. While this is hard for some parents, taking the time to let them learn and do it themselves is critical.
- The child avoids eye contact.
Avoiding eye contact is another sign that your child needs Pediatric occupational therapy as it is a sign of autism. Although avoiding eye contact is not the only sign of autism, it is undoubtedly the most vital and one you should never dismiss. So if your child often avoids eye contact, it\'s time to have them visit a pediatric occupational therapist.
Pediatric occupational therapy for children
Pediatric occupational therapy for children is an essential part of a child’s development, especially if you see the signs mentioned above in them. This therapy focuses on activities based on the tasks in daily life. The therapist will provide treatment for self-help, sensory and motor skills, social skills, play, fine motor skills, cognitive development, and school readiness.
Pediatric occupational therapy helps kids develop the skills and abilities they need to shine in all aspects of everyday life. Through these activities, they can learn things like self-care skills that otherwise seem impossible for them. They also learn to act appropriately at school and in other social situations, and more.
If you are a parent and have concerns about your child\'s proper development or want to prepare them for the future, Pediatric occupational therapy might be something you should consider as soon as possible. Call an expert therapist today and gift your child a life full of happiness and success!