One of the most common questions we get at FOCUS is, “How does occupational therapy help my child?”

Occupational therapy (or “OT”) is a broad discipline, and it’s not well-understood – both generally, and by parents who are just starting out on their pediatric occupational therapy journey.

OT is a specialized field designed to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in their daily lives. Whether it’s improving motor coordination, building sensory regulation or fostering social skills, OT can make a significant difference for children with a variety of developmental challenges, including autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, traumatic injuries and more.

1. Enhancing Fine and Gross Motor Skills

One of the primary goals of pediatric occupational therapy is to improve both fine motor (small muscle movements) and gross motor (large muscle movements) skills. Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles in the hands and fingers, which are crucial for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or holding utensils. Gross motor skills, on the other hand, involve larger muscles used for activities like jumping, running, and climbing.

Children who struggle with these skills may have difficulty with everyday tasks like dressing themselves, using scissors, or even playing with toys. In OT, we use fun, engaging activities that target these areas to help children build the strength, coordination, and control they need.

For example:

• If a child is having trouble with handwriting, we might work on strengthening their hand muscles through activities like coloring, using playdough, or practicing specific hand exercises.
• For children struggling with balance and coordination, we may design obstacle courses, jumping games, or exercises that improve body awareness and strength.

2. Promoting Sensory Processing and Regulation

Many children, especially those with sensory processing disorder or autism, experience challenges in how they process and respond to sensory input. Some children may be overly sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or movements, while others may seek out more intense sensory experiences, like crashing into things or constantly moving.

In OT, we focus on sensory integration to help children make sense of the world around them and respond appropriately to sensory stimuli. We create individualized sensory-based activities to help your child become more comfortable with their environment and self-regulate.

For example:

• A child who is hypersensitive to touch might benefit from activities like brushing therapy, weighted vests, or playing with different textures in a safe and controlled way.
• A child who craves movement might engage in sensory-rich activities like swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or spinning to help meet their sensory needs in a productive way.

The goal of OT is to help children achieve a balanced sensory experience, so they feel more calm, focused, and able to engage with their surroundings.

3. Developing Self-Care and Independence

Self-care skills, such as dressing, brushing teeth, feeding, and toileting, are key aspects of everyday life. Children who have difficulty mastering these tasks often feel frustrated, which can impact their confidence and independence. Occupational therapy helps children break down these tasks into manageable steps, practicing them in a way that builds both skill and self-esteem.

We use adaptive techniques and sometimes assistive tools to support your child in gaining the independence they need in these self-care areas. Whether it’s learning to zip a coat, brush their hair, or use a fork properly, OT focuses on making your child more self-sufficient.

4. Fostering Play and Social Skills

Play is a critical part of a child’s development. It helps kids learn how to interact with their peers, solve problems, and develop creativity. For some children, particularly those with social or developmental challenges, engaging in play or socializing with other kids may not come easily.

Our occupational therapists in Fort Myers help children develop play skills by modeling appropriate play behaviors, teaching turn-taking, and guiding them in cooperative games that encourage interaction with others. Through play-based interventions, children learn how to share, communicate, and build relationships with their peers.

Social skills are also a prime area of concentration in OT for kids. We work on helping children recognize emotions in themselves and others, understand social cues, and manage social situations more effectively.

For example:

• If a child has difficulty joining in with others during group activities, we might use role-playing games to practice social interactions or use visuals to help them understand social expectations.

5. Improving Focus and Attention

Many children, especially those with ADHD or other attention-related challenges, struggle with staying focused on tasks. Occupational therapy helps children develop strategies to improve their focus, organization, and time management. By working on tasks in a structured and engaging way, we help children increase their ability to complete tasks with fewer distractions.

For example:

• We may use timers, visual schedules, or reward systems to help a child stay on task during homework or a chore.
• Activities that build up attention span, like puzzles or sequencing games, are also incorporated into sessions to gradually increase focus.

6. Addressing Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

Children who struggle with emotional regulation may act out or become easily frustrated when they face challenges. OT helps children develop the coping skills they need to manage frustration, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions. We teach calming techniques, such as deep breathing or using sensory strategies, to help your child feel more in control of their emotions.

By addressing emotional regulation, OT can help reduce meltdowns, improve emotional resilience, and encourage positive behaviors.

7. Preparing for School Success

For many children, challenges in motor skills, sensory processing, or attention can impact their ability to succeed in the classroom. Occupational therapists at FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida often work with children on skills directly related to school performance, such as sitting at a desk, staying organized, writing legibly, or following directions.

For example:

• If a child struggles with writing, we might incorporate exercises that strengthen hand muscles or use adaptive tools like pencil grips.
• For children with sensory sensitivities, we might recommend sensory breaks or provide tools like fidget toys to help them focus during class.

Bottom Line:

Our goal at FOCUS therapy is to help your child build the skills they need to thrive in their daily life. Whether it’s improving motor skills, developing social abilities, or learning to manage sensory input, OT is a powerful tool that helps children grow, gain confidence, and become more independent.

Each child is unique, and occupational therapy is tailored to meet your child’s individual needs, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed at home, school, and beyond. Through collaboration with families, we work together to help children reach their full potential and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

FOCUS offers pediatric occupational therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

What is occupational therapy? AOTA

More Blog Entries:

Why Do We Need Occupational Therapy? Aug. 1, 2024, FOCUS Therapy Blog