(304) 933-3073Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy concentrates on assisting children as they learn the skills needed to operate in their daily lives. Simple tasks like brushing one’s teeth, taking turns while playing, and remembering sequences are the building blocks to becoming a functioning, independent adult. Occupational therapy can be an essential part of that growth.
Occupational therapy can improve a child’s life in many different areas such as:
- Social development – following instructions, listening, taking turns
- Fine motor skills – coloring, grasping and releasing toys
- Cognitive skills – problem solving
- Visual motor skills – recognizing and following visually
- Self-care routines – self-feeding, bathing, dressing
There are a variety of reasons a child can benefit from occupational therapy including:
- developmental delays
- birth defects and birth injuries
- sensory processing disorders
- broken bones or other orthopedic problems
- autism spectrum disorders
- ADD/ADHD
- post surgical conditions
- cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis
Problems can compound the longer a child goes without learning these skills, which makes the training of an occupational therapist so important. With the help of a pediatric OT, children can make strides in their developmental milestones.