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Occupational Therapy

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of care that promotes skills and abilities for the “jobs” of daily living. It helps people be able to do the everyday tasks that are important to them.

For children, this may mean reaching developmental milestones, succeeding at school, or being able to do age-appropriate activities on their own. 

Occupational therapist smiles while working with very young pediatric cancer patient.

A pediatric occupational therapist can help children with fine-motor skills such as using a crayon or pencil.

Occupational therapy for children

Occupational therapy helps children do the “jobs” of childhood. These include playing and learning to do things for themselves. Children gain confidence as they learn to be more independent.

Occupational therapy includes exercises and activities to work on daily skills and to be more independent. Occupational therapy in children may focus on:

  • Fine motor skills such as picking up objects and writing
  • Adapting activities for developmental delays, weakness, or low vision
  • Daily tasks such as bathing, going to the bathroom, and getting dressed
  • Life skills such as cooking, household chores, and driving (for teens)
  • Hand-eye coordination, the ability to connect visual information with hand movements, such as writing and catching a ball
  • Thinking and learning skills
  • Sensory, attention, and behavior issues
  • Social skills such as taking turns and building friendships with peers
  • Equipment to help with daily activities

How to find an occupational therapist

Occupational therapists are licensed health professionals with a college degree in occupational therapy (OT). They may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes.

OT may be available through an early intervention program. This is a program for children from birth to 3.

OT may also be offered in schools within an individualized education program (IEP).

Ask your health care team to help you find a pediatric occupational therapist, a therapist who works with children.

Key points about occupational therapy

  • Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of care that promotes skills and abilities for the “jobs” of living. It helps people be able to do the everyday tasks that are important to them.
  • For children, this may mean reaching developmental milestones, succeeding at school, or being able to do age-appropriate activities on their own.
  • Therapy may focus on fine-motor skills, daily tasks, life skills, hand-eye coordination, thinking and learning skills, sensory issues, social skills, and equipment that can help.
  • Occupational therapists may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes. Ask your care team to help you find an occupational therapist who works with children.

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Reviewed: March 2024

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