Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to perform everyday tasks (also called "occupations") like eating, dressing, writing, and playing. Occupational therapists (OTs) focus on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, social skills, and emotional regulation, all while working to make life more functional, fun, and independent for your child.

Occupational therapy can help your child in many ways, depending on their specific needs. We work on:

- Fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, using scissors, buttoning shirts)

- Gross motor skills (e.g., balance, running, jumping, and coordination)

- Sensory processing (e.g., managing sensitivity to light, sound, or textures)

- Social skills (e.g., making friends, taking turns, reading social cues)

- Self-regulation and emotional control (e.g., managing frustration, anxiety, or impulsivity)

Our goal is to help your child become more confident, independent, and successful in daily life.

We work with children of all ages, from toddlers to school-aged kids, and even teens. Whether it’s addressing developmental delays in toddlers or helping a school-aged child refine their skills for school and play, our therapy is tailored to the child’s age, needs, and goals.

You might want to consider occupational therapy if your child:

• Struggles with fine motor tasks like writing, using utensils, or getting dressed

• Has difficulty coordinating their body (e.g., tripping, trouble balancing, poor hand-eye coordination)

• Is overly sensitive to sensory input like lights, sounds, or textures

• Has trouble focusing or staying organized at home or school

• Has difficulty with social interactions (e.g., making friends, taking turns, or understanding social rules)

• Experiences emotional outbursts or struggles with self-regulation (e.g., dealing with frustration or managing stress)

If you're unsure, we offer consultations to discuss your child’s needs and see if therapy could benefit them

Each session is personalized to your child’s goals, but in general, sessions are engaging, hands-on, and often play-based. Therapy might involve:

• Fine motor tasks (e.g., drawing, cutting, puzzles)

• Sensory activities (e.g., playing with different textures, movement-based activities)

• Games and social interaction exercises (e.g., turn-taking games, group activities)

• Emotional regulation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises, coping strategies)

We aim to make therapy enjoyable while also addressing your child’s specific needs.

The length of therapy depends on your child’s needs and goals. Some children may see progress after a few sessions, while others might need longer-term support. We regularly assess your child’s progress and adjust the therapy plan to ensure they are moving toward their goals. We will discuss a plan with you, including the expected frequency and duration of therapy, after an initial assessment.

Yes! Many children benefit from continuing occupational therapy during school. We can collaborate with your child’s teachers to incorporate strategies that help with handwriting, focus, motor skills, or social interaction in the classroom. We can also provide home exercises to reinforce therapy goals outside of school.

In many cases, no referral is required. You can contact us directly to schedule an assessment. However, if your child is seeing a pediatrician, developmental specialist, or another healthcare provider, they may provide a referral or recommendation for therapy, especially if insurance coverage is involved.

Insurance coverage for occupational therapy varies. Many health plans offer coverage for pediatric occupational therapy, but it’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm. We also offer flexible payment options and can help guide you through the insurance process if needed.

For the first session, we recommend bringing:

• Any referral or assessment documents from a doctor or specialist (if applicable)

• A list of concerns or goals you have for your child

• Any information about your child’s medical history, including diagnoses, treatments, or medications

• A willingness to collaborate with us and share information about your child’s routines, challenges, and strengths

This will help us get to know your child better and create the best plan for their therapy.

We provide practical home activities and strategies that you can use between sessions to reinforce the goals we’re working on. This might include fine motor activities, social games, sensory exercises, or strategies for emotional regulation. We’ll guide you through it all and make sure you feel confident in supporting your child’s progress at home.

Costs vary depending on the type of session and whether it's individual or group therapy. We offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans. Some insurance plans may cover therapy, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider or contacting us for more details on costs and coverage

We track your child’s progress regularly and provide you with feedback on their achievements. You’ll see improvements in specific skills, such as handwriting, motor coordination, emotional regulation, or social interactions. Additionally, we encourage open communication, so if something isn’t working or if you notice any changes in your child, we’ll adjust the therapy plan as needed.

Absolutely! Occupational therapy is especially beneficial for children with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We focus on skills such as sensory regulation, social interactions, emotional control, and improving focus and attention. We use a tailored approach to meet each child’s unique needs, helping them thrive at home, school, and in social settings.