Is OT right for my child?
Understanding When Occupational Therapy Can Help
As a parent, you want to see your child succeed — at home, at school, and during play. But sometimes everyday activities that seem simple can feel really hard for little bodies and growing brains. If your child struggles with skills like getting dressed, managing emotions, or keeping up with classmates, you may have wondered:
“Is occupational therapy right for my child?”
At Adventure Pediatric Therapy, we help children build the skills they need for independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. This post will help you recognize when an OT evaluation might be a helpful next step.
What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
In simple terms, pediatric occupational therapy supports children as they develop the skills needed for everyday activities — also called “occupations.” For kids, this includes:
Getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating meals
Sleep
Writing, cutting, and using utensils
Tolerating different sounds, textures, movement
Paying attention and following directions
Playing with peers
Managing big emotions
Academics / school-related tasks
OT sessions are playful and fun — because kids learn best through movement, hands-on exploration, and meaningful activities.
Signs OT Might Benefit Your Child
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might notice patterns such as:
Motor Skills Challenges
Frequent tripping or clumsiness
Unable to coordinate their body for things like playing catch or riding a bicycle
Difficulty with buttons, zippers, or tying shoes
Trouble with handwriting or cutting
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Overreacting to noise, touch, textures, or lights
Avoiding messy play
Constantly seeking movement or crashing into things
Tolerating only a few types of food
Emotional + Behavioral Regulation
Big reactions to small changes
Difficulty calming down - big, long meltdowns
Frequent frustration with tasks that seem “easy” to others
Low self-confidence
Attention + Organization Struggles
Hard time staying on task
Difficulty following multi-step directions
Trouble transitioning between activities
Daily Routine Challenges
Meltdowns around getting dressed, brushing teeth, or bedtime
Challenges sequencing familiar daily routines
What Does an OT Evaluation Look Like?
During an evaluation, the therapist will:
Ask about your child’s developmental history
Observe play, movement, and participation
Complete standardized assessments
Collaborate with you on goals
You’ll leave with actionable recommendations, not guesswork.
What Happens in OT Sessions?
Sessions are tailored to your child’s unique needs and may include:
Play-based sensory activities
Strengthening and motor planning games
Emotional regulation strategies
Fine motor practice (writing, cutting, hand skills)
Parent coaching
Most kids think OT is just fun!
How Do I Know It’s Time to Get Help?
A good rule of thumb:
If challenges are impacting daily life, leading to stress at home or school, or preventing your child from fully participating — OT may help.
Trust your gut. You know your child best.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Parenting can feel overwhelming when everyday routines become daily battles. The good news? Early support makes a huge difference — and progress is absolutely possible.
At Adventure Pediatric Therapy, we’d love to partner with you to help your child build confidence, independence, and joy in their daily activities.
Have questions or want to schedule an evaluation?
We’re here to help. Contact us today.