What Is Occupational Therapy (OT) for Kids?

Occupational therapy helps children do everyday things like:

• Getting dressed

• Eating a variety of different foods at meals

• Using the toilet

• Staying calm when things feel too noisy, bright, or busy

• Being able to communicate body cues (hunger, thirst, pain, temperature, having to go to the bathroom)

• Fine-motor skills (writing, dysgraphia, tying shoes, zipping, doing buttons)

An OT works with your child to build these important life skills. They make the activities fun and match them to your child’s age and needs.

Why Would a Child Need OT?

Every child is different. Some kids need more help because they:

• Get upset with certain clothes, sounds, or bright lights

• Avoid messy foods or won’t eat many types of food

• Have trouble dressing themselves or using the toilet

• Can’t stay calm or focused at home or in daycare or school

• Don’t like hugs or touch, or need too much touch to feel safe

• Have messy printing/writing, have difficulties learning new tasks (tying shoes)

These may be signs that your child needs support with sensory regulation—how their body and brain react to the world around them.

When to Talk to an OT

If you notice your child is struggling with:

• Feeding (being a very picky eater or refusing certain textures)

• Dressing (getting very upset with tags, shoes, or tight clothes)

• Toileting (not wanting to use the toilet even after age 3 or 4)

• Big reactions to noise, busy places, or changes in routine

• Fine-motor skills (writing, tying shoes, drawing shapes)

You don’t have to figure it out alone. An OT can work with you and your child to make daily life easier and calmer.

Check out these OT developmental milestones:

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Occupational Therapy at Beyond Speech Therapy Services

You are the expert on your child. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help. Occupational therapy is not just for children with diagnoses. It’s for any child who needs a little help growing, learning, and doing things on their own. Our Occupational therapists have experience working with children of all ages and needs.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us @info@beyondspeech.ca

OR

Book an assessment session with one of our Occupational Therapists!