Children with neurodevelopmental disorders or special needs often face challenges with everyday activities such as getting dressed, playing, walking, recognizing people, communicating, or responding to their environment. Some may also have heightened sensitivity to sounds, textures, or other sensory inputs, making it difficult for them to connect with the world around them.
Occupational Therapy (OT) helps these children develop the skills they need to become more independent, confident, and engaged in daily life. The word “Occupation” refers to the meaningful activities people do every day, and for children, this includes learning, playing, self-care, and interacting with others.
Key Areas Occupational Therapy Focuses On
✔️ Motor Skills Development – Improving both fine motor skills (e.g., holding a pencil, buttoning clothes) and gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping, balance).
✔️ Sensory Processing Skills – Helping children regulate their responses to sensory stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, or different textures.
✔️ Cognitive Skills – Enhancing problem-solving, memory, and thinking abilities for learning and daily activities.
✔️ Perception & Awareness – Strengthening a child’s ability to understand their surroundings and process information effectively.
✔️ Arousal & Attention Regulation – Helping children stay focused, engaged, and responsive to their environment.
✔️ Self-Care Skills – Teaching independence in tasks like dressing, eating, brushing teeth, and personal hygiene.
✔️ Behavioral Management – Supporting emotional regulation, anger management, and positive social behaviors.
Occupational Therapy at HEALING ABOUT YOU
At Healing About You, we tailor our occupational therapy approach to meet your child’s unique needs. We begin with a sensory checklist to assess any irregularities in sensory processing, which is especially common in children with autism. This helps us create a structured therapy plan that supports their development.
Based on the assessment, we design customized exercises and activities that match your child’s abilities. By comparing their responses with children of the same age group, we can determine the appropriate difficulty level and adjust the therapy accordingly.
We also develop a sensory profile or sensory diet, a personalized schedule of sensory activities that enhances daily functioning. This approach helps regulate sensory receptors, promoting better focus, coordination, and emotional balance over time.
At Healing About You, you’ll find expert occupational therapists dedicated to working with children with special needs. Our compassionate team believes in early intervention to build a brighter future for your child.
Wondering if your child needs occupational therapy? Let’s talk! Our expert team is here to assess and guide you in understanding your child’s needs.