HOW DOES OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WORK
Occupational therapists (OTs) work with children and their families to promote active participation in the meaningful, everyday activities—occupations—that support their overall growth and development. Children who have challenges participating in home, school, or community activities may need an occupational therapy (OT) evaluation in order to determine whether or not they can benefit from occupational therapy services.
SIGNS THAT MY CHILD NEEDS AN EVALUATION
MY CHILD HAS difficulty participating in
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
feeding/eating, bathing, dressing (including manipulating fasteners on clothing), grooming, toileting
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
safety procedures/emergency responses, meal preparation, handling money, management of personal possessions and environment
Education and Work
completing schoolwork; participating in the classroom, on the playground, or at snack/lunch
Play and Leisure
appropriate play activities, participation, exploration, imagination, and development of interests
Social Participation
developing and maintaining relationships with family members, friends, and other acquaintances; successfully interacting in the community
MY CHILD HAS delays with any of the following skills:
Motor
gross motor, fine motor, oral motor, visual motor; generating, sequencing and executing a motor plan
Sensory Perception
registration of sensory input, appropriate response/reaction to sensory input or sensory-based activities, adequate integration of sensory information to inform motor actions and activities
Self Regulation
sustaining attention, coping with everyday life, emotional regulation, maintaining daily biological rhythms
Social Skills
forming friendships, having successful social interactions with peers, initiating and maintaining interaction, turn-taking, cooperating, negotiating conflict, understanding non-verbal communication (eye contact, gestures, facial expressions)
Cognitive Function/Executive Function
problem-solving, organization, time management, concentration, self-confidence, self-control, and academic learning