Could Your Child Benefit From Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy will help them navigate day-to-day tasks in a fun, engaging way!
Does your child struggle with everyday tasks for any reason? They may not have fully developed their final motor skills yet, so they find it challenging to use silverware. Or perhaps their sensory issues make it brushing their teeth a daily battle. Regardless of the reasons, the pediatric occupational therapists at Skills on the Hill can help your child thrive!
When you see the word “occupational,” do you immediately think of work? Most people do, so if that’s where your mind went, you’re not alone! However, when it comes to occupational therapy, “occupational” actually refers to everyday tasks. For adults, this might include work tasks, but it also includes household chores, self-care activities, and even recreation.
The same is true for kids. Pediatric occupational therapy can help your child with activities of daily living (ADLs) they might struggle to complete, whether taking a shower or interacting positively with kids at school. Kids with developmental delays, physical disabilities, or other conditions can all benefit.
At Skills on the Hill, we’ll work closely with you and your child to develop a program that builds on their strengths, acknowledges or addresses their impairments, and helps them find self-sufficiency. To learn more about how your child might benefit, schedule an appointment at our Washington, DC or Arlington, VA clinic today!
Who Can Benefit From Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy is most beneficial for children who struggle to be independent. For some kids, this may be due to physical limitations (such as those brought on by multiple sclerosis or spina bifida). For others, it may be due to cognitive or behavioral limitations (such as those brought on by autism or learning disorders).
Because occupational therapists help develop the skills needed for everyday tasks, we can address many limitations and impairments. If your child struggles with any of the following, they may be a good candidate for occupational therapy:
- Basic self-care: This refers to a wide variety of important everyday activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, combing your hair, and more. The root cause of these difficulties may be physical, cognitive, or emotional.
- Fine motor skills: This refers to the ability to use the small muscles in our hands and wrists. It includes difficulty holding a toothbrush, playing with small toys, or writing.
- Sensory processing disorders: This condition occurs when the brain has trouble interpreting sensory information. It generally manifests as a sensitivity to certain textures or environments.
- Emotional regulation: If your child struggles to calm themselves down or frequently acts out, they may benefit from pediatric occupational therapy.
- Social interaction: Similarly, if your child struggles to make friends at school or interact appropriately with others, you may want to try occupational therapy.
We also work with kids with specific conditions that can affect one or more of the factors, including:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Down’s syndrome
- Autism
- Severe brain or spinal cord injuries
- Developmental delays
- And more!
Often, your child’s doctor or another care team member might recommend pediatric occupational therapy. However, if you think your child might benefit, schedule an appointment! Our therapists will conduct a thorough assessment and let you know if pediatric occupational therapy is right for your child.
What Happens During Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
We always tailor our occupational therapy programs to your child’s and your family’s needs. We create a program around your child’s specific impairments: whether physical, cognitive, behavioral, or emotional. No two programs will ever look the same!
Our basic approach to occupational therapy involves teaching kids the specific skills they need to thrive. For a child with delays in their fine motor skills but not cognitive or emotional issues, we’ll focus on helping them build strength and dexterity in their fingers. We might ask them to play with blocks, roll out some Play-Doh, or string beads.
On the other hand, if a child struggles with behavioral issues, our sessions will focus more on developing proper social interactions through guided conversations with other kids or the therapist. We’ll discuss self-calming strategies or tips for avoiding sensory overwhelm.
Finally, we can help your child with any modifications or mobility aids needed to succeed. We can ensure they’re using equipment correctly and help them find strategies that work for them. We’ll also show your child how to advocate for themselves to ensure they have everything they need at home, in school, and with friends.
Regardless of your child’s specific needs, we’ll also work closely with you and your family to provide opportunities for your child to practice these skills outside of our clinic. This might include structured playtime activities, helping with certain chores, or different communication techniques for friends and family.
What To Expect During Sessions at Skills on the Hill
The initial sessions will consist of a thorough assessment to help us better understand your child’s condition. Our therapists will observe your child at play or while interacting with others to understand where their impairments might lie. We’ll also look at their health history, talk to you about any symptoms, and perform any necessary movement screens.
This information helps us develop the best possible treatment approach for your child. At subsequent sessions, we’ll guide your child through their customized program while monitoring their progress and making any necessary adjustments.
The sessions themselves–both the consultation and the following appointments–should feel like playtime. We do our best to make occupational therapy fun for our patients, ensuring they look forward to our sessions together.
Schedule A Consultation Today!
Pediatric occupational therapy is excellent for kids with physical, cognitive, or behavioral impairments. No matter where your child struggles, our pediatric occupational therapists will help them develop the skills necessary to thrive!
To get started, schedule your child’s initial appointment today.