Pediatric occupational therapy helps a child reach goals and developmental milestones that improve their daily life. It focuses on how your child moves, plays and communicates with the world around them. A healthcare provider may recommend occupational therapy after an injury or if your child has a neurological condition.
Pediatric occupational therapists provide treatment to help children meet developmental milestones, overcome sensory challenges and improve self-care, play and self-regulation skills. Occupational therapy can help your child in the following areas:
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 pediatric occupational therapist is a highly trained healthcare professional. They’re certified in occupational therapy with a specialty in pediatrics and child development. Pediatric occupational therapists can work in hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools and more.
Pediatric occupational therapy can treat or manage physical or cognitive conditions that may affect your child’s:
Common conditions that may require seeing a pediatric occupational therapist include:
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Pediatric occupational therapy can help your child learn new skills. This takes time. You can talk with a pediatric occupational therapist or a healthcare provider to learn more about what to expect during your child’s first appointment, second appointment, etc. as there may be differences in how each facility runs its program.
Your child’s first visit with a pediatric occupational therapist is an evaluation. This is a session that helps your child’s therapist learn more about what your child can do and what skills therapy can help them develop.
A parent or caregiver will be in the same room as your child and the pediatric occupational therapist. It’s important that other siblings aren’t in the same room during this evaluation.
During this session, your child’s therapist will offer assessments that review your child’s fine motor skills and observe your child’s behavior as they play and move. Examples of what your child might do during their first occupational therapy session include:
Your child’s therapist will also ask you about their daily habits, your concerns about your child’s development and if you have any questions about what to expect. This initial session can take an hour or up to two hours to complete.
After the initial evaluation, your child’s pediatric occupational therapist will create a treatment plan to identify goals for your child to reach. Each session following the evaluation will incorporate your child’s goals with age-specific activities to keep your child interested and engaged. Activities that your child does won’t necessarily be the same as the activities of one of their peers. Examples of activities include:
Pediatric occupational therapy can help your child meet their personal goals and reach developmental milestones for their age. These may include but aren’t limited to the following:
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There aren’t risks associated with pediatric occupational therapy. Your child may encounter the following while participating in pediatric occupational therapy:
Supporting your child and keeping an open line of communication with your child’s therapist can prevent some of these emotional responses. Your child will feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Your child’s therapist can help you learn more about how you can assist your child while they’re in occupational therapy.
The duration of each occupational therapy session and the frequency varies based on your child’s needs. Similar to going to school, a child won’t learn everything they need to learn in one day. They need continued practice and encouragement. Your child’s occupational therapist can give you guidance on their progress and the expected time they’ll need to meet their goals.
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You can support your child’s goals by practicing with them at home as instructed by your child’s therapist. Each child will reach their goals at their own pace. It’s important to have patience and understanding while your child learns new skills. Don’t get impatient with them if they’re not meeting their goals as expected. Talk to your child’s therapist to see if there are ways that you can help them outside of therapy.
Contact a pediatric occupational therapist if your child:
Age is the main difference between occupational therapy for adults and pediatric occupational therapy. The goals of occupational therapy are the same across all age groups: to help you build skills that you can use in your daily life. The activities of a child are different from the activities of an adult. For example, a child’s treatment may be school-focused to help them learn in a classroom. An adult may want to improve their skills to adapt to the workplace.
Most insurance companies cover pediatric occupational therapy. Contact your insurance company to learn more about what’s covered under your plan.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Pediatric occupational therapy takes patience. Your child will need time to adjust and adapt the new skills they learn into their daily routine. If you have any questions about your child’s progress or notice behaviors at home that differ from therapy, let your child’s occupational therapist know. They’ll do their best to help your child meet their goals so they can reach their full potential.
Last reviewed on 06/21/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy