6 signs your child needs Occupational Therapy (And what to do about It)

As a pediatric occupational therapist with over a decade of experience working with children and families, I understand the concerns that arise when you notice your child developing differently than their peers. I'll share insights to help you recognize when occupational therapy might benefit your child and explain how it can make a difference in their development.

Understanding Occupational Therapy for Children

Before we dive into the signs, let's clarify what pediatric occupational therapy really means. Children's primary "occupations" are playing, learning, and developing the skills they need for daily activities. Occupational therapy helps children master these essential life skills through engaging, purposeful activities designed for their specific needs.

6 Key Signs That Indicate Your Child May Need Occupational Therapy

1. Developmental Milestone Delays Children generally develop skills in predictable patterns, though timing can vary. Watch for:

• Noticeable delays in crawling, walking, or climbing

• Challenges with age-appropriate self-care tasks

• Difficulties with handwriting or using utensils

• Consistent struggles with basic daily routines

2. Fine Motor Skill Challenges These small but crucial movements affect many daily activities:

• Difficulty managing buttons, zippers, or shoelaces

• Struggles with drawing or using scissors

• Problems manipulating small objects

• Challenges using eating utensils independently

3. Gross Motor Skill Development Large body movements require complex coordination. Look for:

• Frequent balance difficulties

• Coordination challenges during play

• Unusual posture or core weakness

• Reluctance to participate in physical activities

4. Sensory Processing Differences Many children experience sensory challenges that affect daily life:

• Strong reactions to sounds, textures, or lights

• Difficulty tolerating clothing tags or certain fabrics

• Significant food texture sensitivities

• Challenges with crowd tolerance or noisy environments

5. Self-Regulation Challenges Watch for consistent patterns such as:

• Difficulty managing emotions compared to peers

• Extended recovery time after upsets

• Challenges transitioning between activities

• Ongoing struggles with attention and focus

6. Social Skill Development Social interaction challenges might include:

• Being more of an observer than participant

• Persistent difficulty engaging with peers

• Challenges navigating playground interactions

• Struggles with group activities