Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities and reach important developmental milestones. For children, these activities include play, self-care, learning, attention, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

Occupational therapists work closely with each child to improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, and independence, using engaging, play-based approaches tailored to their individual needs.

Occupational therapist and client smiling together while celebrating the client’s successful graduation from occupational therapy, marking an important milestone in their progress.

HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS

Early Signs Your Child Needs Occupational Therapy Services

Birth -12 months

12–24 months

2–4 years

4–7 years

SMALL STEPS, BIG MILESTONES

Key Developmental Areas Strengthened Through OT

Fine Motor Skills
Sensory Processing & Regulation
Visual-Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills
Self-Care & Daily Living Skills
Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills
Attention, Organization, and Executive Functioning

Who is on your Care Team?

Occupational Therapist (OT)

An occupational therapist helps children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities such as dressing, feeding, writing, playing, and self-regulation. Through personalized, play-based therapy, OTs support motor development, sensory processing, and independence while working closely with families to promote success at home, school, and in the community.

Therapists and children posing in front of a water slide.

Occupational Therapy FAQ

Who can benefit from Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy supports children who have difficulty participating in everyday activities such as playing, self-care, learning, and social interaction.

Occupational therapy can help children with fine motor delays, sensory processing differences, challenges with attention or regulation, difficulties with dressing, visual-motor concerns, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, or other medical or developmental conditions. The goal is to help children gain independence and confidence in daily routines.

How do I know if Occupational Therapy is right for my child?

Caregivers may consider occupational therapy if their child struggles with age-appropriate daily skills, becomes easily frustrated during play or tasks, avoids certain textures or movements, has difficulty with transitions or emotional regulation, or lags behind peers in fine motor or self-help skills.

If daily routines feel harder than expected or caregivers feel concerned about their child’s participation or independence, an occupational therapy evaluation can help determine if services are appropriate.

How long is a typical Occupational Therapy program?

The length of an occupational therapy plan of care varies based on the child's needs, goals, and rate of progress. Some children benefit from short-term therapy to address specific skills, while others may require long-term support for more complex developmental or sensory needs.

Plans of care are reviewed regularly and adjusted as the child progresses, with the goal of supporting meaningful participation in daily life.

Do parents participate in Occupational Therapy?

Is Occupational Therapy covered by insurance?

What is the evaluation process?

Before an occupational therapy evaluation, caregivers complete intake paperwork, provide insurance information, and share relevant medical and developmental history.

Some insurance plans require a physician’s referral or prior authorization. Once these steps are completed, the evaluation can be scheduled. A pediatric occupational therapy evaluation usually includes caregiver interview, observation of the child during play or daily-skill activities and the use of standardized and informal assessments.

The therapist looks at fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, regulation, and participation in routines. After the evaluation, results are explained in caregiver-friendly language and recommendations are discussed.

Where does Milestone offer Occupational Therapy?

I am interested in services, what are the next steps?

The next step is to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation with a licensed occupational therapist. Milestone Therapy’s support services team can help determine if a referral or insurance authorization is required.

After the evaluation, the therapist reviews findings, discusses recommendations and outlines a plan of care if therapy is recommended. Caregivers can then decide how to proceed with services.

Have more questions? Get in touch!