How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Author: Kelsey Huss, New Hope Healing, OT

It was not until I was in graduate school for occupational therapy (OT) that I realized I probably could have used OT as a kid. I was a picky eater, clumsy, accident prone, and didn’t like completing certain fine motor activities such as cutting with scissors. While these problems may seem “typical” for a child, as I am sure my parents assumed at the time, there comes a time when intervention becomes necessary. You may be asking yourself, “Who can help with these areas?” That is where occupational therapy comes in.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Something I have gotten quite used to answering is “what is occupational therapy?” People often assume it assists in finding someone a job- after all that is what an occupation is, right? In all actuality, occupation is a much more broad term. Think of an occupation as anything you do that takes up time in your day – brushing your teeth, going to the bathroom, taking a shower to name a few. As occupational therapists, our goal is to help people engage in whatever occupation is meaningful to them.1

What can occupational therapy work on?

You might be thinking “my child can brush their teeth and get themselves dressed, why would they need OT?” For children, engaging in their environments may look different than adults. 

Below are some reasons why a child may need occupational therapy services:

1. They are unable to sit still in the classroom and are constantly fidgeting.
2. They have sloppy or illegible handwriting.
3. They are unable to attend to tasks at school or at home.
4. They are unable to regulate their emotions and may have difficulty expressing negative emotions.
5. They are not meeting age appropriate milestones.
6. They are picky eater or do not use utensils appropriately.
7. They have difficulty maintaining friendships.
8. They are sensitive to sounds, lights, touch, taste, or smells.

The reasons a child may need occupational therapy are varied, but it all boils down to one question: Is your child able to fully participate in daily activities? If the answer is no, OT might be just what they need to thrive.

If your child is ready to have fun while learning new skills, our occupational therapist can help them build confidence, grow, and succeed through activities that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Reach out today to schedule a session and begin their journey toward greater independence and joy!