Pediatric Occupational Therapy

About This Treatment

At Franciscan Health our pediatric occupational therapy team works with a child's entire support system to give them the skills and tools they need to improve function and independence. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, we strive to work with parents and caregivers, school therapists, and primary care providers to equip children with tools to help them in their daily lives.

What is pediatric occupational therapy? 

Pediatric occupational therapy addresses concerns relating to sensory processing disorders, fine motor skill delays, neurological conditions, neurodivergence, feeding difficulties, genetic disorders, cognitive or social delays, autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD and more. Whether your child has a diagnosed condition or you have a concern about behavior or development, our pediatric occupational therapy team works collaboratively to improve life skills and independence.
  
While there are a variety of reasons occupational therapy may been needed, some signs to look out for depending on the age of the child may include: difficulty meeting milestones, biting or deep pressure input, load noises or bright lights causing meltdowns, feeding issues, poor tolerance to change in environment or routine, sensitivity to clothing and textures, gagging on certain foods or limited food repertoire, infants unable to tolerate tummy time or lift head and catching a ball when age appropriate.

Early intervention is important to a child’s success, and we encourage you to talk with your primary care provider to address any developmental concerns you may have about your child.

What does treatment look like?

Pediatric occupational therapy varies from child to child depending on the child’s needs. Our team will start with an evaluation and determine a treatment plan. Once a treatment plan is determined, our providers will set goals with the child and parents/caregivers.

Treatment can include a variety of the following: 

• Play based activities 
• Puzzles 
• Shoe tying
• Sensory play
• Therapy balls
• Strengthening activities
• Heavy work
• Gym activities
• Bilateral coordination skills such as tying shoes or catching a ball
• Practice with utensils, toothbrushes, buttons or zippers
• Home adaptations 

Why choose Franciscan Health? 

In addition to some locations offering virtual appointments, we utilize a multidisciplinary approach. Our team of occupational, physical and speech therapy professionals work together with primary care providers, parents and caregivers, teachers and school therapists to enhance the life skills of children in need of help with daily functions. Our pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapists are often in the same location and appointments can be conveniently scheduled. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider or the location near you. 

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