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An occupational therapist is an expert in the field of human occupation. A child's occupation in life is play, self-care, school, and learning about their environment. A pediatric occupational therapist addresses any deficits which impede a child's ability to achieve an optimal level of independence in his/her environment. An occupational therapist holds a bachelor's or master's degree, state licensure,
and certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
How do I know if my child needs O.T.?
A referral to Occupational Therapy (O.T.) is appropriate any time there is an identified deficit or concern regarding a possible deficit. Like physical therapists, a pediatric occupational therapist works to rehabilitate after an injury and to habilitate where development is happening more slowly than anticipated.
A child's future success is tied directly to what they are doing today. Establishing skills and independence at appropriate ages will help your child maximize development in years to come.
If you have concerns or questions, contact one of our occupational therapists or your child's physician.
Click here to view a printable timeline (Adobe PDF document) to estimate where your child is developmentally. Fine motor skills have been charted according to chronological age. Of course, you should consider these ages as estimates. All children are different and will develop at different rates within a normal range of a few months.
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