Occupational Therapy for Kids

 

Help your child develop sensory and motor skills.

The goal of occupational therapy is to improve a child’s ability to use motor skills. Motor skills are a result of our brains, nerves, and muscles working together to perform a controlled action. Motor skills develop from sensory skills, which are what allow us to perceive the world around us.
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Help your child develop sensory and motor skills.

The goal of occupational therapy is to improve a child’s ability to use motor skills. Motor skills are a result of our brains, nerves, and muscles working together to perform a controlled action. Motor skills develop from sensory skills, which are what allow us to perceive the world around us.
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Common Occupational Development Questions

Why isn’t my child able to perform simple motor tasks?

As children age, their motor skills begin to develop so they can perform more intricate tasks, such as picking up a spoon and feeding themselves. There are literally hundreds of reasons why some children aren’t able to perform motor skills at a young age. Often, the problem is simply a type of developmental delay, meaning something caused the child to develop his or her senses a little slower than others. Many times they grow out of it and other times therapy will help them through it.

Does my child need pediatric occupational therapy?

We understand that coordination delays can make you feel uneasy about how your child is developing. However, it’s important to remember that all children develop at different rates. If your child isn’t hitting motor skill milestones, it may not be a cause for major concern. You can, however, gain some peace of mind and get your questions answered when you schedule your child a development evaluation at our therapy center. The evaluation will help determine what action, if any, we recommend for your child.

How does pediatric occupational therapy help my child?

Occupational therapy is a proven way to help children develop their motor skills and sensory awareness. Our certified speech, occupational, and physical therapists work together with you and your child to help him/her develop those skills through activities and exercises. We’ve developed these activities through years of experience and research, but for your child, therapy will just feel like playing. Many children who complete occupational therapy see improvement in motor function.

Average Milestone

Remember, every child develops differently, so if your child hasn’t hit one of these milestones, it may not be a cause for major concern. For your reference, here are the average developmental milestones for sensory and motor development.
0-3 Months
  • Voluntarily grasps objects if placed in palm (Grasp Reflex)
  • Follows objects past midline
  • Clasps hands together at midline
  • Tolerates being held
  • Hands remain closed most of the time
  • Becomes upset when moved, picked up, laid down, or handed to another person
3-6 Months
  • Follows an object with his/her eyes
  • Holds own bottle
  • Swipes or reaches for objects
  • Grasps toys actively
  • Puts hands in mouth
  • Demonstrates purposeful reaching
  • Becomes irritable for no apparent reason
6-9 Months
  • Holds onto objects for a few minutes
  • Can transfer an object from hand to hand
  • Smiles at own image in a mirror
  • Does not get upset at leaving the home
  • Bangs two objects together
  • Takes objects out of a container
  • Feeds self finger foods
9-12 Months
  • Picks up small objects
  • Accepts a variety of food textures
  • Is not excessively upset by being dressed, diapered, or bathed
  • Sleeps through the night most of the time
  • Explores toys made for one-year-olds
  • Intentionally drops and releases objects
  • Pokes and points with index finger
  • Picks up small objects using thumb and fingers
Around 15 Months
  • Puts a round shape into a round shape puzzle
  • Stacks 2 cubes
  • Drinks from an open cup
  • Holds crayon with whole hand (thumb up)
  • Feeds self with a spoon
  • Removes socks
18-24 Months
  • Stacks 4 cubes (builds a tower)
  • Turns pages of a cardboard book, 2 to 3 pages at a time
  • Points to or names body parts, such as eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
  • Gives hugs and kisses
  • Throws a small ball
  • Turns a knob
2-3 Years
  • Removes socks, unties shoes, or pulls on pants without help
  • Plays with toys only by tapping, shaking, or throwing
  • Holds a crayon with thumb and all fingers (thumb down)
  • Completes simple puzzles
  • Holds pencil with tripod grasp
  • Imitates circular, vertical, and horizontal strokes
  • Buttons/unbuttons large buttons
  • Drinks from a cup
3-4 Years
  • Pretends during play
  • Imitates the actions of adults
  • Stacks 8-10 blocks
  • Removes/pulls on clothes
  • Feeds self with little to no spilling
  • Strings small beads
4-5 Years
  • Shows hand preference
  • Draws a person with 3 parts
  • Threads 1/4 inch beads
  • Copies squares
  • Manages buttons/zippers/snaps
  • Uses scissors to follow and cut both straight and curved lines
 

Have questions about your child’s motor skills?

As a parent, you’re naturally going to be concerned about your child’s sensory development. Instead of worrying, you can remove any uncertainty by following these steps:

1. Request a child development evaluation.

2. Work with a therapist to complete the assessment.

3. Receive a written Plan of Care with our recommendations for what to do next.

Request an Evaluation

Have questions about your child’s motor skills?

As a parent, you’re naturally going to be concerned about your child’s sensory development. Instead of worrying, you can remove any uncertainty by following these steps:

1. Request a child development evaluation.

2. Work with a therapist to complete the assessment.

3. Receive a written Plan of Care with our recommendations for what to do next.

Request an Evaluation