Appointments

In pediatric occupational therapy, the child’s development and daily functioning are supported. The aim of therapy is to promote the development of age-appropriate skills, increase independence, and support participation in activities at home, in kindergarten, at school, and during leisure time. When necessary, therapy helps the child better cope with developmental challenges, sensory processing difficulties, or self-regulation issues.

Occupational therapy may support the child in the following areas:

• Movement – fine motor skills (e.g., use of hand and finger muscles) and coordination
• Learning – attention, memory, initiating and completing tasks, and problem-solving
• Play and communication – social and emotional skills, cooperation with peers, and self-expression
• Activities of daily living – dressing, eating, hygiene, and other independent self-care skills
• School-related skills – pre-writing skills, writing, using scissors, and hand–eye coordination

For example, occupational therapy helps a child learn to write, tie shoelaces, eat independently, maintain balance, concentrate more effectively, and play with other children.

Therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment, during which the child’s developmental level, daily functioning, and participation in various activities are evaluated. Based on this assessment, individualized goals are established according to the child’s needs and abilities.

Occupational therapy may benefit children who have:

• developmental delay, including delayed speech development;
• sensory processing differences;
• a neurological condition, such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy;
• a congenital or acquired condition affecting movement, learning, or daily functioning;
• an injury requiring the use of assistive devices (e.g., an orthosis or mobility aid).

The occupational therapist works with children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years.