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Occupational Therapy

In early intervention, occupational therapy promotes independent functioning in infants and toddlers by assessing and addressing motor control, sensory processing, adaptive coping, sensorimotor development, socio-emotional growth, daily living skills, and play.

The main treatment approaches used include:


Neurodevelopmental Theory
Rood's Approach
Sensory Integration
Behavior Modification

Children in occupational therapy often have conditions such as Autistic features, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Global developmental delay, Microcephaly, Hydrocephalus, ADHD, and more. Occupational therapists work with parents to create environments that prevent developmental delays and promote optimal growth and development.

Over 90+ children are currently undergoing intervention, supported by three professional occupational therapists and a range of specialized tools for targeted therapy.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy

Benefits of pediatric occupational therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy helps your child achieve personal goals and developmental milestones, including but not limited to:

  • Improving school performance.
  • Gaining independence.
  • Boosting confidence and self-esteem.
  • Playing well with others.

Pediatric occupational therapy can treat

Pediatric occupational therapy can treat or manage physical or cognitive conditions that may affect your child’s:

  • Movement and coordination.
  • Thoughts, perception and memory.
  • Sensory processing.
  • Visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills.
  • Self-regulation and coping skills.
  • Mental health conditions.

Common conditions that may require seeing a pediatric occupational therapist include:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Autism spectrum disorder.
  • Cerebral palsy.
  • Developmental delays.
  • Down syndrome.
  • Sensory processing disorder.

What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop skills for everyday activities and achieving developmental milestones, with OTs working across all ages to:

  • Improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory motor skills
  • Develop language skills and cognition
  • Work on social skills and play skills
  • Help children with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses
  • Increase participation and engagement in daily activities
  • Address difficulties with managing daily activities, such as dressing and feeding
  • Help children access their environment independently

Pediatric occupational therapy can encourage children to write with a pencil, feed themselves and play with their peers, for example. Each child enrolled in pediatric occupational therapy will have their own individualized goals to meet their needs after a full evaluation.

Children (infants to teenagers) may need occupational therapy if they have:

  • A congenital (present at birth) condition that affects their physical or cognitive function.
  • A condition that affects their development.
  • A neurological condition, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or cerebral palsy.
  • An injury that requires using adaptive equipment like prosthetics or mobility devices.

Pediatric OT helps children to overcome physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges to:

  • Develop fine motor skills (e.g., hand-eye coordination, grasping).
  • Improve gross motor skills (e.g., balance, coordination).
  • Enhance sensory integration and processing.
  • Develop daily living skills (e.g., dressing, feeding).
  • Improve social and play skills.
  • Address behavioral and emotional challenges.

Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

  • Improved independence
  • Enhanced participation in school and social activities
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Better coordination and balance
  • Improved ability to manage emotions and behaviors

Common Conditions Treated

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Sensory processing disorder
  • Developmental delays

Treatment Strategies

  • Play-based therapy
  • Sensory integration techniques
  • Adaptive equipment training
  • Parent-child interaction therapy
  • Group therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

A pediatric occupational therapist is a certified and a highly trained healthcare professional specializing in pediatrics and child development, working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and more.

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop new skills over time. Consult with a therapist or healthcare provider to understand what to expect at each appointment, as programs may vary by facility.


Pediatric occupational therapy evaluation

Your child’s first visit to a pediatric occupational therapist is an evaluation to assess their skills and identify areas for development. A parent or caregiver will be present, but siblings should not attend. The therapist will assess fine motor skills and observe behaviour through play and movement. Examples of activities may include:

  • Writing or coloring.
  • Eating familiar foods with various textures (crunchy, soft, etc.).
  • Stringing beads or stacking blocks.

During the initial session, the therapist will discuss your child’s daily habits, address your concerns, and answer any questions. This session typically lasts one to two hours.


Pediatric occupational therapy sessions

Following the evaluation, the therapist will create a personalized treatment plan with goals tailored to your child. Each session will include age-appropriate activities to keep your child engaged, which may differ from those of their peers. Examples of activities include:

  • Writing the alphabet.
  • Putting on their socks and shoes.
  • Playing a game.
  • Practicing using assistive equipment and devices.

Pediatric occupational therapy helps your child achieve personal goals and developmental milestones, including but not limited to:


  • Improving school performance.
  • Gaining independence.
  • Boosting confidence and self-esteem.
  • Playing well with others.

Pediatric occupational therapy carries no significant risks, though your child may experience the following during sessions:


  • Stress.
  • Fear.
  • Frustration.
  • Confusion.
  • Sore muscles.
  • Lack of interest.
  • Avoidant behavior.

The duration and frequency of occupational therapy sessions depend on your child’s needs. Like school, progress takes time, requiring ongoing practice and support. The therapist will guide you on your child's progress and the time needed to achieve their goals.

Support your child's goals by practicing at home as directed by the therapist. Each child progresses at their own pace, so patience and understanding are key. If goals aren't met as expected, consult with the therapist for ways to assist outside of sessions.