OT 101: What Every Parent Should Know About Occupational Therapy

What Is Occupational Therapy and How Does It Benefit Children?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages participate in the activities—or “occupations”—that are meaningful and necessary for daily life. For children, their most important occupations are play, learning, self-care, and developing the skills they need to grow and thrive. Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on supporting children’s development so they can succeed at home, in school, and in the community.

Skills Addressed in Pediatric OT

OT sessions for children are designed to be fun, engaging, and tailored to the child’s unique needs. Therapists may work on a wide range of skills, such as:

• Fine motor skills: grasping, writing, buttoning clothes, and using utensils.
• Gross motor skills: balance, coordination, and strength for playground play or sports.
• Sensory processing: helping children manage responses to sounds, textures, or movement so they feel more comfortable in their environment.
• Self-care skills: dressing, feeding, toileting, and other daily routines that foster independence.
• Social -emotional regulation: building coping strategies, improving attention, and supporting peer interaction.
• Sensory processing and regulation: assessing how children take in sensory input from their environment and helping them process and regulate their bodies to improve overall regulation and attention to tasks.

Settings Where OT Takes Place

Pediatric occupational therapists work in many environments to best meet a child’s needs. Common settings include:

• Early intervention programs for infants and toddlers.
• Schools, where OT supports academic success and classroom participation.
• Hospitals and outpatient clinics, where therapy may follow illness, injury, or developmental concerns.
• Homes and community programs, where therapy builds real-life skills in natural environments.

Benefits of OT for Children

The impact of OT reaches far beyond the therapy session. Children who receive OT often gain improved independence, confidence, and overall participation in daily life. They may learn how to better focus in school, develop friendships through play, or master self-care routines that ease family life. OT also empowers parents and caregivers with strategies to support their child’s growth, because progress is a team effort. Every child develops at their own pace, and some may need extra support along the way. Occupational therapy for children bridges the gap by addressing challenges early and promoting a strong foundation for future learning and success. Whether helping a toddler build motor skills, guiding a preschooler through sensory sensitivities, or supporting a student with organization and focus, OT plays a vital role in helping children reach their fullest potential.

For more information on common parenting topics, visit forwardleadingfamilies.org or schedule a 1 on 1 to meet with a qualified professional for parenting support.