Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy works with children to improve their upper body and hand strength and coordination as well as achieve higher levels of independence in self care. Occupational therapy is defined as “the therapeutic use of self-care, work, and play activities to increase independent function, enhance development, and prevent disability." This may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life. The therapist will use age appropriate daily life play and activities to engage a child and caregivers in the therapeutic process. Activities of daily living (ADL) for children include, but are not limited to feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming, playing, learning and household chores – activities vital to their daily function. Pediatric occupational therapy may include making changes to tasks and environment, as well as special equipment training, in order to increase independence and quality of life of a patient.  Pediatric occupational therapy also addresses handwriting in preschool and school age children, as well as developmental grasp patternsin infants.

Occupational therapy evaluation and treatment requires a prescription from the physician.

• Self-care skills
• Visual motor skills
• Fine motor skills
• Upper extremity strength and coordination
• Grasp development
• Handwriting skills
• Sensory processing/Perceptual skills
• Play/Socialization skills
• Task Management Skills
• Upper extremity strength and coordination
• Cognitive Function