20 Questions to Determine
If Your Child Can Benefit From OT:
As children grow, they reach certain developmental milestones that help their doctor, teacher, and caregivers know they are learning skills at an age-appropriate time. When children don’t hit these milestones, a doctor might refer the child to a specialist, such as a neurologist, occupational therapist or speech therapist, depending on the child’s needs.
However, what if it isn’t so obvious?
What if your child appears to be developing normally
but life still seems to be hard for them?
Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children learn the skills they need to function within their home, school, and community environments. OT focuses on improving your child’s school readiness skills, such as handwriting, cutting, and drawing. OT helps your child learn to dribble a ball, pump a swing, or jump rope so they can play outside with their friends. OT helps a child learn to hold a spoon, tie their shoes, and get dressed so they can be more independent. OT helps a child learn self-regulation strategies to decrease their anxiety or behavioral over-reactions.
DOES YOUR CHILD:
- seem clumsy or fall frequently?
- seem to lag behind other kids his/her age?
- seem fidgety?
- always on the move, enjoys crashing their body, or have trouble sitting still?
- appear reluctant to participate in physical activity or sport related activities?
- prefer sedentary activities or avoid/dislike playground equipment?
- appear awkward using crayons, pencils, and scissors?
- have trouble forming their letters or dislike handwriting?
- have trouble using a spoon and fork?
- have difficulty with or avoid coloring, copying, or cutting?
- over react emotionally?
- become dysregulated easily and has trouble calming down?
- over or under-react to pain?
- struggle when they are out of their routine?
- walk on their toes?
- seem sensitive to textures or fabrics, avoid messy play, dislike being touched, or have difficulty tolerating clothing?
- have difficulty keeping personal space or keeping hands to themselves?
- bump into people/things or seem unaware?
- seek out deep pressure, bear hugs, rough play, or use more force when playing with others or toys?
- have a limited diet, refuses new foods or eats from limited food groups?
If you checked any of the boxes above, a referral for an OT screening or evaluation may be warranted. You can discuss this with your child’s pediatrician, who can refer you to OT services. The Occupational Therapist will gain information about your child and their skills to see where their development is being impacted.
- Did you know that most health insurances will cover an OT Evaluation and Treatment?
We’re here to help your child gain self-confidence and independence!
AT OTA Wakefield – Kingston, we provide Occupational and Speech Therapy services that help your child take small strides that make a big difference.
(781)-245-4446
