Pediatric Occupational Therapy strives to develop independence for children as they play, eat and engage in their daily activities.  A pediatric occupational therapist may be found working in diverse settings;  outpatient hospitals, NICU’s, inpatient hospitals, outpatient therapy facilities, in schools, in specialty clinics (Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Down’s Syndrome,  Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Clinics, to name a few), as well as in the child’s home through a nursing service or through Early Intervention.

A Pediatric Occupational Therapist has been educated and trained to work specifically with children.  Most have dedicated their entire careers to helping children.  In the school settings an OT would be instrumental in devising sensory play for a child that is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other disorders including Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Oppositional Deviance Disorder, etc.  Additionally, in the school settings an OT would assist teachers and aides to adapt the school environment to gain optimal learning opportunities for a qualifying child in the classroom.  This may include adapting a pencil, pen or crayon; adapting a pair of scissors; modifying a bathroom; changing the contrast of the background that is the child’s work surface; and this list goes on and on……..

As a specialist in Pediatric Occupational Therapy through early intervention; a unique environment exists.  This setting  is in the child’s home and the child’s everyday environments such as the grocery store, the bank, the local swimming pool or the park.   Early Intervention strives to teach families how to encourage their children to become independent.

I can teach you the skills you need to assist your child; promoting the development of muscles, coordination, chewing and swallowing, as well as sensory exploration.  Together, we can help children help themselves.