What Is Occupational Therapy—and How Can It Help My Child?
As a parent, you want your child to feel confident, capable, and happy as they learn and grow. But when your child struggles with things like staying calm, processing sensory input, or mastering everyday motor skills, it can be hard to know where to turn. That’s where occupational therapy, or OT, can make a big difference.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps children gain the skills they need for the “occupations” of childhood—things like playing, learning, self-care, and social interaction. Pediatric occupational therapists are trained to look at how children move, sense, feel, and engage with their world. They help identify challenges and create fun, individualized plans to build those skills in ways that feel natural and empowering to kids.
Let’s take a closer look at how OT can support three common areas: sensory processing, emotional regulation, and motor development.
Sensory Processing: “Why is my child so sensitive (or not sensitive enough)?”
Does your child seem to get overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain clothing textures? Or maybe they constantly seek movement, crash into furniture, or spin without getting dizzy? These behaviors may be signs of sensory processing challenges.
An occupational therapist can help your child understand and respond to sensory input in more comfortable ways. Whether your child is sensitive to touch or craves constant motion, OT can provide:
A sensory diet—custom activities that balance their sensory needs throughout the day
Strategies for managing sensory overload at home or school
Tools to improve focus and participation in daily routines
Emotional Regulation: “My child goes from 0 to 100 in seconds.”
Big emotions are a normal part of childhood—but when a child struggles to manage their feelings, it can impact their relationships, learning, and self-esteem. If your child has frequent meltdowns, difficulty calming down, or trouble with transitions, OT can help.
Occupational therapists work with children to build emotional awareness and teach regulation strategies such as:
Identifying emotions through visuals and body cues
Practicing calming tools like deep pressure, breathing, or movement
Creating co-regulation routines with parents and caregivers
Developing a toolkit for navigating frustration, anxiety, and change
Motor Development: “Why is my child having trouble with writing, coordination, or strength?”
Motor skills are the foundation for many tasks your child does each day—from getting dressed to playing at recess to writing their name. When those skills aren’t developing as expected, your child may avoid activities, feel frustrated, or struggle in school.
OTs support both fine motor skills (hand strength, pencil grasp, coordination) and gross motor skills (balance, posture, endurance). Therapy may include:
Fun exercises to strengthen core, hand, and shoulder muscles
Activities to improve coordination and body awareness
Support with daily routines like tying shoes or using utensils
Handwriting strategies that build confidence and ease
Supporting the Whole Child
What makes occupational therapy unique is its whole-child approach. It’s not just about building skills—it’s about empowering kids to participate fully in life, with confidence and joy. Therapy sessions are playful, engaging, and tailored to your child’s interests and goals.
As a parent, you’re part of the journey too. OTs collaborate closely with families to ensure progress continues at home, in school, and beyond.
Could Occupational Therapy Help Your Child?
If your child struggles with sensory challenges, emotional ups and downs, or motor delays, know that you’re not alone—and support is available. An occupational therapy evaluation can provide clarity, guidance, and a plan tailored just for your child’s unique needs.
Reach out today to explore your options with a free consultation phone call. Every step forward—no matter how small—is a step toward greater independence, connection, and joy for your child.
