Why Monitoring Your Child’s Development Matters — And How Occupational Therapy Can Help
How does your child move, play, or communicate with the world around them? Are they doing so in a healthy way?
Early childhood development plays a crucial role in shaping your child’s future success. Lately, developmental needs have been on the rise, but are often not holistically handled through traditional services. In fact, the National Survey of Children’s Health found that only 36.4% of the sample of children ages 9 mo to 35 mo had a completed developmental screening associated with their primary care services. However, it is covered in occupational therapy. Understanding whether your child is reaching the proper developmental milestones can help identify any challenges early on and guide supportive interventions before they become barriers to learning and growth. For the full list of motor milestones, click here. [← hyperlink to our graphic]
How Occupational Therapy Supports Your Child
Pediatric occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need to participate in daily life. This includes:
- Moving (fine motor skills like using the small muscles of their hands)
- Learning (cognitive skills)
- Playing (social and emotional skills)
- Activities of daily living (such as dressing and feeding).
- Skills needed for their education (pre-writing, writing and scissor skills)
Common Areas We Address in Therapy
Occupational therapy can help support and improve:
- Sensory Processing Dysfunction
- Fine Motor Coordination
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (e.g., dressing, hygiene)
- Visual-Motor Integration
- Handwriting Delays
- Self-Regulation Strategies
- Upper Extremity Strengthening
- Feeding Difficulties (behavioral/sensory-based)
- Transition and Routine Planning
- Equipment/Adaptive Recommendations
Why It Matters
The earlier developmental concerns are identified, the better the outcomes. Intervening during early childhood can lead to significant improvements in your child’s ability to thrive in school, at home, and in social settings, setting the foundation for the many years to come.
Interested in a free screening?
Contact us today at (512) 688-5694 or www.strivehs.com to learn more or schedule your child’s evaluation.
