Five Signs Your Child Might Need Occupational Therapy

A child’s main occupation is playing and learning. It helps them explore the world around them, learn to interact with it and develop essential life skills that will allow them to connect with others and do things independently.

 However, some children may have trouble mastering the skills. They might experience issues with physical (fine or gross motor skills), sensory processing, cognitive and academic skills.

In those cases, Pediatric Occupational Therapy at Mobile Therapy Centers can make a big difference. The purpose of Pediatric Occupational Therapy is to help children become as independent as possible in all areas of life.

Here are five signs that your child might need Occupational Therapy:

1. Difficulty achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones – If a child is behind in developing skills that are common during a particular age or during a particular time period.

2. Avoids eye contact and inappropriate social interaction – Social interaction skills are skills that help us to bond and build relationships with other people in our life and help to understand those around us. Your child may have delayed social skills. Discover the role of speech in child development through our article on Pediatric Speech Therapy in Libertyville.

3. Inadequate or inappropriate play skills – Play is a crucial activity in children developing age appropriate skills and understanding their place in the world. A child can build his/her motor skills, build their cognitive skills, learn problem solving and develop social skills through play.

4. Issues with gross motor and fine motor skills – Gross Motor (physical) skills are those which require whole body movements, and which involve the large (core stabilizing) muscles of the body to perform everyday functions such as standing, walking, running and sitting upright. It also includes eye-hand coordination skills such as ball skills (throwing, catching, kicking).

Fine motor skills are those such as writing, cutting, holding a small object, picking up a spoon and tying shoelaces.Understand the intricacies of physical development in children by reading about Fine Motor Development

5. Sensory Processing Disorder – Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD is a neurological disorder in which the sensory information that the individual perceives results in abnormal responses.

Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into responses. For those with Sensory Processing Disorder, sensory information goes into the brain, but does not get organized into appropriate responses. Those with SPD perceive and/or respond to sensory information differently than most other people. Gain deeper insights into how sensory processing impacts development by reading about the importance of sensory processing.

A child with sensory processing concerns has difficulty using sensory input from his/her eyes (vision), ears (sound), skin (touch), nose (smell), mouth (taste), muscles and body joints (body awareness) and inner ear (balance & position of body in space).

Act Now to Support Your Child’s Development – Schedule a Free Occupational Therapy Consultation Today!

Mobile Therapy Centers follows a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to evaluate and treat clients with these types of struggles. In addition to Occupational Therapy, Mobile Therapy Centers services include ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, Behavioral Therapy and Counseling.

We see children at our clinic, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare making it convenient for you and your family. We also provide Telehealth services.

Learn about the synergy of different therapies in our feature onEnhancing Early Autism Care. If your child is having difficulty with these areas, call us at 847-816-7200 or email us for a free consultation.

For a comprehensive understanding of the services offered, explore our detailed guide on Occupational Therapy Services.

People Also Ask

What are the key signs that my child might need occupational therapy?

The key signs include difficulty in achieving age-appropriate developmental milestones, avoiding eye contact and inappropriate social interaction, inadequate or inappropriate play skills, issues with gross and fine motor skills, and signs of Sensory Processing Disorder.

How does occupational therapy help children?

Occupational therapy helps children develop essential life skills, improve motor skills, enhance sensory processing, and foster better social interaction. It aims to make children as independent as possible in all areas of life.

At what age should I consider occupational therapy for my child?

There’s no specific age to start occupational therapy. It’s more about observing developmental milestones and behaviors. If you notice any developmental delays or challenges in your child at any age, it’s advisable to consult a professional.

Can occupational therapy help with my child’s academic performance?

Yes, occupational therapy can help improve cognitive and academic skills by addressing underlying sensory, motor, or social challenges that may be impacting your child’s learning.

What does an occupational therapy session for a child involve?

Sessions are tailored to each child’s needs but typically involve engaging activities to improve motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction. Therapists use play and other child-friendly methods to work on specific developmental areas.

How long does a child need to be in occupational therapy?

The duration varies depending on the child’s individual needs and progress. Some children may see improvements in a few months, while others might need longer-term support.

Can parents be involved in the occupational therapy process?

Absolutely! Parental involvement is often encouraged to reinforce learning and strategies at home. Therapists may provide guidance and exercises that parents can do with their child.

Is occupational therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage for occupational therapy services.