Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational therapy at Speech Tactics focuses on improving a variety of developmental challenges that children may face as they grow and learn to explore the world around them! Most parents and caregivers ask, “What exactly is occupational therapy, and how can it help my child?” The term occupation is define as “a person’s regular work or profession.” A child’s occupation is to LEARN, PLAY, and GROW! This is where pediatric occupational therapy comes in to support a child’s development in all of those areas as it relates to daily life skills such as dressing, eating, socializing, self-care, brushing teeth, tying shoes, playing with others, taking turns, regulating emotions- just to name a few. Occupational therapy is an essential service that helps children with varying developmental delays and disorders reach their full potential one milestone at a time.

Here are some of the areas we address in Occupational Therapy

Sensory Processing/Regulation

Many children struggle with sensory processing issues, which can make it challenging for them to regulate their responses to sensory stimuli. Occupational therapy helps children develop strategies to manage sensory input, improving their ability to engage with their environment comfortably.

Fine Motor Skills

Occupational therapy focuses on developing fine motor skills, such as handwriting, drawing, cutting, and tying shoelaces. These skills are vital for school readiness and everyday activities, and our therapists work with children to build the strength and coordination they need.

Gross Motor Skills

For children who may experience difficulties with coordination, balance, or muscle strength, our occupational therapists offer interventions that promote the development of gross motor skills. This is crucial for physical activities and sports, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Handwriting Improvement

Handwriting is an essential skill for school success. Our occupational therapists provide specialized interventions to help children improve their handwriting, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.

Self-Care Skills

Occupational therapy aids in the development of essential self-care skills, including dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, grooming, and personal hygiene. These skills are essential for independence and daily living. Our ultimate goals is to help children achieve independence at each milestone they reach!

Social and Play Skills

Children often need support in developing social skills and the ability to engage in play with their peers. Occupational therapists offer strategies and activities to enhance social interactions, communication, and playtime. Speech Tactics also addiitonal programs such as Social Time to help kids develop social skills outside of therapy!

OT In Action!

Next Steps…

Here’s a list of signs that might suggest your child could benefit from occupational therapy!

If your child struggles with everyday tasks like dressing and eating.
If your child has sensory sensitivities or seeking sensory experiences.
If your child has difficulty with fine motor skills (coloring, tying shoelaces).
If your child has challenges with gross motor skills (running, catching a ball, jumping, throwing)
If your child has poor handwriting
If your child has trouble with organization, planning, time management, and following multi-step directions
If your child has difficulty with emotional regulation (Cries or angers easily, low or high arousal)
If your child has social interaction difficulties.
If your school-age child has short attention span and is easily distracted.
If your child has feeding problems or picky eating.
If your child has academic challenges at school.