Why choose pediatric occupational therapy for my child's development?

Pediatric occupational therapy is worth considering when a developmental difficulty is getting in the way of everyday life. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists describes the goal as helping children take part in necessary and meaningful activities, and notes that play is the main occupation of childhood.

Areas an occupational therapist (OT) can help with include:

• Hand skills, grasp and handwriting

• Self-care such as eating, toileting, dressing and sleep

• Sensory and feeding challenges

• Taking part in school activities and the classroom

• Self-regulation and coping skills

OTs start by analysing why a task is difficult, then may teach skills, change the task or adapt the environment. Care is child- and family-centred: the OT balances your priorities with your child's own needs, and because practice at home matters so much, coaching parents is a key part of the work.

The research behind pediatric OT is strongest for specific approaches. A large 2019 systematic review of interventions for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities gave its highest rating to approaches including family-centred care, coaching, home programs, goal-directed training and task-specific handwriting practice. Other approaches had weaker evidence, so it is reasonable to ask any OT how your child's progress will be measured.

In BC, children from birth to school entry may also be eligible for the publicly funded Early Intervention Therapy program, which includes occupational therapy.

If your child is struggling with everyday tasks, or a teacher or doctor has raised a concern, talk with a registered occupational therapist about whether an assessment makes sense.