Occupational therapy is a field dedicated to the development of skills that help an individual to function in the world independently, or as independently as is possible based on their condition. Pediatric occupational therapy functions to prepare children for the tasks and responsibilities they will face physically in the adult world. Oftentimes, the work occupational therapists do with their patients is done in response to some form of impairment, disability, or even traumatic injury which makes it more difficult for the child than their peers to prepare for these adult tasks. In typical child development, there is a general progression in terms of skills acquired and phases surpassed. Sometimes, children who require the help of an occupational therapist has lagged behind in more significant areas of their social and physical development. In the case of occupational therapy, the sooner a specialist is able to intervene, the better off the child will be in the long run. The areas of help that a pediatric occupational therapist can offer their patients vary based upon the needs of the individual child.

Fine Motor Skills

Occupational Therapists work with children each and every day to help them improve their fine motor skills. This set of skills refers to the person’s ability to work with their hands effectively. The therapeutic techniques employed will aim to improve dexterity, strength, and control in the wrist and hands of the child.

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills refer more to the overall body as a whole. Therapy related to gross motor skills will focus on the individual’s balance abilities and coordination of their body to command most everyday tasks.

Social Skills

Social skills will, in many ways, supply the foundation on which most other important skills will rest. Many of the things we do as adults necessitate our ability to communicate with others in a social setting. With children, the concerns generally center around concepts like sharing, taking turns, and effective listening and following directions.

Self-Care Skills

Many children simply require help learning to care for themselves. Self-care includes skills like eating, cleaning, bathing, dressing, etc.