Pediatric Occupational Therapy

What Does Pediatric Occupational Therapy Help With?

Many children experience challenges with motor skills, sensory processing, attention, or emotional regulation, which can impact their success at school and in social settings. Pediatric occupational therapy in Land O Lakes, FL helps children develop the skills they need to participate more confidently and independently in everyday activities. Occupational therapy supports a child’s self-esteem by focusing on strengths and building functional abilities while addressing individual challenges.

Occupational therapists work closely with both the child and family to create personalized plans that may address attention disorders, sensory needs, upper extremity injuries, and daily living skills such as dressing, handwriting, feeding, and play. By tailoring therapy to a child’s unique environments and routines, pediatric occupational therapy becomes a valuable resource that helps children thrive at home, in school, and within their community.

We can help with a variety of diagnoses that includes but is not limited to:

• Developmental delays
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Sensory processing challenges
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Fine motor delays (difficulty with grasping, writing, cutting, or buttoning)
• Visual–motor integration difficulties
• Handwriting difficulties (dysgraphia)
• Feeding and oral-motor challenges
• Self-care delays (dressing, bathing, toileting)
• Down syndrome and other genetic conditions
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
• Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
• Sensory defensiveness or sensory-seeking behaviors
• Executive functioning challenges
• Behavioral and emotional regulation difficulties
• Upper extremity injuries or post-surgical rehabilitation
• Traumatic brain injury or neurological conditions
• Learning-related motor and processing challenges

What To Expect From The First Few Occupational Therapy Sessions

Parents often wonder what to expect during their child’s first pediatric occupational therapy in Land O Lakes, FL visit. During the initial sessions, the occupational therapist will gather information about your child’s medical history, developmental milestones, daily routines, and current concerns to gain a full understanding of their needs. The therapist will then observe your child during play and everyday activities, such as eating, dressing, or school-related tasks, to identify strengths, challenges, and potential goals.

After the evaluation, the therapist will collaborate with you to establish individualized treatment goals that may focus on fine motor skills, self-care, sensory processing, attention, or social participation. A personalized treatment plan is created using engaging activities, exercises, games, and adaptive tools, along with guidance to help you support your child’s progress at home.

These early occupational therapy sessions are an important foundation for long-term success. By the end of the initial evaluation process, you’ll have a clear understanding of what therapy will involve and how pediatric occupational therapy can help your child reach their full potential. Our team is here to answer your questions every step of the way!