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Occupational Therapy for Children

What is occupational therapy?

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

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

Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) is a type of therapy that helps children develop the skills they need for daily life. This includes support for children who have medical needs or other challenges in movement, sensory processing, or learning. Occupational therapy helps children take part in everyday tasks that are important to them, such as playing, learning, and caring for themselves.  

Goals of occupational therapy may include reaching developmental milestones, succeeding at school, or being able to do activities like others their age.  

Benefits of occupational therapy

Occupational therapy helps children do the daily tasks, or “jobs,” of childhood. Working with an occupational therapist can help children gain confidence and become more independent. Occupational therapy includes exercises and activities for your child to help with: 

Motor skills 

  • Fine motor skills using smaller muscles of the hands to do tasks such as picking up objects, coloring, using scissors, and writing
  • Gross motor skills such as head and trunk control, posture, reaching, practicing different positions, and developmental milestones like rolling or crawling  
  • Hand-eye coordination, or the ability to use visual information to guide hand movements, such as coloring inside lines or catching a ball 
  • Adapting activities to make them easier for children with developmental delays, weaknesses, or low vision 

Daily tasks 

  • Daily tasks such as bathing, going to the bathroom, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and self-feeding  
  • Life skills such as cooking, household chores, and driving (for teens) 

School and learning   

  • Thinking and learning skills, such as staying focused, organizing tasks, and remembering steps 
  • Responding to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, touch, or lights  
  • Social skills such as taking turns and interacting with peers 
  • Using school tools such as glue or scissors 

Recovery and medical needs 

  • Coping with fatigue from illness or treatments, such as pacing activities, taking rest breaks, and finding ways to make tasks easier 
  • Planning safe return to daily activities or school after surgery or illness 
  • Using adaptive equipment to help with daily activities 

Finding an occupational therapist

Occupational therapists are licensed health providers with special training and education in occupational therapy (OT). They may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes. 

State laws or insurance plans may require a health care provider’s referral for occupational therapy services. Your care team can explain what is needed and help you find a pediatric occupational therapist.  

OT may be available through an early intervention program for children up to age 3 and may be offered in schools as part of an individualized education program (IEP).  

Ask your care team, school nurse, guidance counselor, or social worker to help you find a pediatric occupational therapist. 

Your occupational therapist will do an occupational therapy evaluation to assess your child’s needs. They may work with other members of the rehabilitation  team, such as physical therapists and speech-language therapists (SLPs), to make the right care plan for your child.  

Questions to ask your care team

  • Why does my child need occupational therapy?  
  • How often should my child have OT? 
  • What are the goals of occupational therapy for my child? 
  • What can we do at home to help my child progress? 
  • How will we know if my child is improving? 
  • Does my child need any adaptive equipment or assistive devices? 
  • When should we call the care team? 

Key points about occupational therapy

  • Occupational therapy (OT) helps people do the everyday tasks and activities of daily living that are important to them. 
  • For children, OT may help them reach developmental milestones, do well in school, or be more independent. 
  • Pediatric occupational therapy may focus on fine motor skills, self-care, life skills, hand-eye coordination, thinking and learning skills, sensory issues, play and social skills, and using adaptive equipment. 
  • Occupational therapy may take place at home in school, in the hospital, or at a clinic.  
  • Ask your occupational therapist what you can work on at home with your child to help them progress.  
  • Your child’s care team can help refer you to an occupational therapist, if needed.  

Find more information

—
Reviewed: April 2026

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