Children may benefit from OT if they experience difficulties in daily activities such as dressing, feeding, handwriting, or interacting with peers. Signs include delays in developmental milestones, challenges with fine or gross motor skills, sensory sensitivities (e.g., overreacting to sounds or textures), or behavioral concerns impacting daily routines. Consulting with a pediatrician, developmentalist doctor or an occupational therapist can help determine if OT is appropriate for your child.

A typical occupational therapy session follows a top-down approach, focusing on the child’s daily activities and meaningful participation rather than isolated skill-building. Sessions are designed to be engaging and play-based, incorporating real-life tasks and games that mirror the child’s everyday experiences. Instead of working solely on fine or gross motor skills, therapists embed these skills into functional activities. For example, a child may practice dressing skills by playing a dress-up game, develop hand strength through fun kitchen activities like stirring or squeezing bottles, or refine coordination by setting up and navigating an obstacle course as part of an imaginative adventure. The therapist sets individualized and holistic goals, using play and daily routines as the primary tools to enhance independence, confidence, and skill development in a way that feels natural and motivating for the child.

At our clinic, the occupational therapy process is family-centered and goal-driven, following the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (4th edition) OTPF-4. We begin with an evaluation, where we collaborate with families to understand the child’s strengths, challenges, and daily routines, developing a personalized occupational profile. During intervention, therapy is embedded in real-life activities, play, and daily tasks, ensuring skills are built in meaningful and engaging ways. Parents and caregivers receive practical strategies and coaching to support progress at home and school. We continuously monitor outcomes, adjusting interventions to help children gain independence, confidence, and success in daily activities, improving both their well-being and family life.

Parental participation is crucial in occupational therapy, as children learn and develop best within their natural environments. By actively engaging in the process, parents help reinforce occupations learned during therapy, ensuring progress extends beyond sessions into daily routines at home, school, and play. Through collaboration, coaching, and tailored strategies, parents become empowered to support their child’s growth, making therapy more effective and meaningful. A strong family-therapist partnership enhances outcomes, promotes consistency, and fosters a child’s independence and confidence in everyday life.

The length of occupational therapy varies for each child and depends on their individual needs, goals, and progress. Therapy is regularly monitored and adjusted, progress is evaluated and assessed in recommended time frames, ensuring it remains effective and aligned with the child’s development. The therapist will work closely with families to set realistic goals and determine the best course of action, always aiming to promote independence and meaningful participation in daily activities.