Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Vancouver
Tailored interventions fostering children's development, skills, and independence in everyday activities.
Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills needed for daily living and participation in various activities, including basic life skills.
KidStart Pediatric Therapy understands the unique journeys of raising a child with special needs. We acknowledge the complexities of raising children with developmental delays, behavioral issues, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As a trusted pediatric occupational therapy clinic in Burnaby and Coquitlam, we help kids gain independence and improve developmental, physical, cognitive, and visual perceptual skills.
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Occupational Therapy vs. Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on meeting the unique needs of kids from infants to teenagers. It helps develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and cognitive skills.
This therapy addresses challenges in self-care routines, school readiness, and social interactions. Activities and goals are distinctly child-focused, emphasizing skills necessary for daily life and future success.
Adult occupational therapy, by contrast, is geared toward adapting to adult responsibilities and environments, such as the workplace.
Skills Supported by Our Pediatric Occupational Therapists
Our OTs address a comprehensive range of developmental areas through play-based, evidence-based approaches:
Self-Regulation
Sensory processing, emotional regulation, and frustration tolerance — helping children manage sensory input and build resilience.
Cognitive Skills
Executive functioning, problem-solving, and memory skills — supporting planning, organization, and critical thinking through structured activities.
Social Skills
Communication, play skills, and conflict resolution — facilitating imaginative play and understanding social cues.
Sensory Integration
Helping children respond appropriately to sensory stimuli (sight, sound, touch) and tolerate various textures, sounds, and environments.
Gross Motor Skills
Motor planning, coordination, strength, balance, reflex integration, and addressing delayed milestones like crawling, walking, and running.
Fine Motor Skills
Grasp/grip strength, handwriting, bimanual coordination, dexterity, and manipulating fasteners like buttons and zippers.
Self-Care Skills
Teaching children to dress, feed themselves, maintain hygiene, and use the toilet independently.
School & Play Skills
Attention strategies, social interaction, addressing school avoidance, and enhancing visual motor skills for reading, writing, and puzzles.
Our Occupational Therapy Programs
Our programs focus on enhancing the child's ability to participate in daily tasks, from self-care to school-related activities. These range from basic tasks like dressing and feeding to complex tasks like handwriting, social interactions, and self-regulation.
We offer specialized occupational therapy for autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy, addressing specific sensory and communication challenges these children often face.
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Every child's journey is different. Book a free consultation to discuss your child's needs with our team.
How Does Pediatric OT Work?
During an occupational therapy session, various activities and assessments are conducted based on the child's needs. Sessions vary significantly, incorporating different environments like gyms, therapy rooms, and quiet spaces.
The initial evaluation process identifies goals and understands the child's skills and developmental challenges. Our therapists develop individualized therapy plans, working with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan.
Why Choose KidStart for Pediatric OT?
- Experienced, licensed pediatric occupational therapists with advanced training in Sensory Integration (ASI® certified)
- Listed on the Registered Autism Service Providers (RASP)
- Trained in Sequential-Oral-Sensory, Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
- Fun, engaging, child-focused therapy sessions tailored to each child's interests and abilities
- Convenient Burnaby clinic serving Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Greater Vancouver
- Family-centered approach with parent education and support
- Evidence-based techniques including behavior therapy, autism therapy, and psychotherapy
Conditions We Address
Our occupational therapists help children diagnosed with or concerned about:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Global Developmental Delay
- ADHD
- Social Skills Deficit
- Learning disabilities
- Infant developmental milestone concerns
- Motor skill issues
- Feeding challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pediatric occupational therapy and who is it for?
Pediatric occupational therapy is a specialized form of therapy that helps children develop the skills needed for daily living, such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care activities. It's for children of all ages — from infants to adolescents — who may be experiencing developmental delays or difficulties.
What age should my child start occupational therapy?
Children can benefit from OT at any age. We work with infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. Early intervention is often most effective — don't delay addressing your child's developmental needs.
How long does a typical OT session last?
Most individual sessions are 45-60 minutes. Group sessions may vary. Your therapist will recommend the optimal frequency and duration based on your child's needs.
Do I need a doctor's referral for occupational therapy?
No referral is needed to start therapy at KidStart. However, some insurance providers may require a referral for coverage. Many extended health insurance plans cover pediatric OT services.
How will I know if therapy is working?
We set measurable goals at the start of therapy and regularly track progress. You'll receive updates after each session and formal progress reports on a regular basis.
Start Your Child's Journey Today
Schedule a free consultation with our team to discover how our pediatric occupational therapy can help with your child's unique developmental needs. Early intervention is key — don't wait.