For children struggling with developmental tasks—such as writing, interacting with their peers, or communicating their needs—many doctors recommend pediatric occupational therapy.

So, what is pediatric occupational therapy, exactly?

In this guide, we’ll explore the functions of an occupational therapist (OT), the various conditions they help treat, and the array of benefits they can bring to a child’s life.

Why Pediatric Occupational Therapy is Important

It’s helpful to picture childhood as a staircase, with every step signifying a milestone. Adults might take these steps for granted, but each is fundamental to living capably and confidently.

These important benchmarks fall under a few different categories, such as:

• Cognitive capacity – This includes breakthroughs like imitating adult gestures, matching objects with their functions, and learning to follow instructions.¹
• Motor skills – To thrive in the adult world, children need to master skills like writing with a pencil, using utensils, and tying their shoes.²
• Emotional control – Emotions are a potent force. Mastering them requires the ability to learn from mistakes, cooperate with others, and articulate feelings in a healthy manner.³

When it comes to mastering these developmental milestones, OTs help children overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. But what does an occupational therapist do in these cases? OTs don’t just work with children, however. They also collaborate with parents (and sometimes siblings) to foster a stable support system.

Core Areas of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Child development progresses along several different paths, each of which unfolds simultaneously. Pediatric OTs focus on nurturing three key areas.

#1 Motor Skills

The term “motor skills” refers to the child’s ability to effectively move the body. Of course, there are different types of movement. Motor skills fall under two broad categories:⁴

• Gross motor skills – Gross motor movements are those that employ large muscle groups, such as those in the legs and arms.⁵ A pediatric occupational therapist will cultivate these skills through play activities such as running obstacle courses, playing catch or helping a child learn how to hop by playing hopscotch.
• Fine motor skills – Motions that require tiny hand muscles call for fine motor skills.⁶ Pediatric occupational therapy services focus on honing these skills through activities like dot painting or gathering small coins.

Pediatric OTs may also act as coaches and mentors, leading their young patients down the path of self-discovery through daily tasks and everyday activities that also improve visual motor skills and self-care skills.

#2 Sensory Processing

Throughout the day, our brains face a deluge of sensory data. As a result, children sometimes struggle with information overload. This can lead to issues with either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity (insufficient response to one’s environment).⁷

OTs develop a treatment plan that helps children overcome these issues by designing personalized strategies and coping mechanisms. For example, an OT might recommend that a hypersensitive child sit in a quiet room when taking a test. This prevents the buzz of a crowded classroom from distracting them.

#3 Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions

A pediatric occupational therapist also assists with managing feelings and disempowering thought patterns. Unregulated emotions can lead to all sorts of issues. Examples might include:

• Being too rambunctious to go to bed on time.
• Struggling to interact calmly with other children.
• Refusing to tolerate certain foods or clothing.

An OT may act as a sort of behavior “detective,” holding deep conversations with the child to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. They’ll often apply these insights when devising strategies to support the child's development and address any developmental delay.

Why Pursue a Career in Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Many children struggle mightily with school and social activities due to developmental issues. An occupational therapist can serve as the key to unlocking a child’s trapped inner potential.

If you possess a burning desire to discover what makes people tick, alongside a drive to improve the lives of those around you, pediatric occupational therapy is a phenomenal career choice.

Skills Needed for Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Every day, children engage in the challenging process of figuring out how to be a person. This journey comes with its ups and downs. Those who excel at pediatric occupational therapy are those who enjoy diving into this process.

For those wondering what degree do you need for occupational therapist roles, a master’s in occupational therapy is typically required. Because occupational therapists play such a unique role in a child’s life, they must have the necessary knowledge and cultivate several crucial skills.

Empathy and Patience

Pediatric occupational therapy doesn’t involve simple answers or clear cut solutions. Helping a child forge new thought patterns, or master tricky challenges, like developing a consistent daily routine, takes time. It’s often a “two steps forward, one step back” process. This calls for deep wellsprings of patience.

Because the battle to conquer limitations is frequently frustrating, occupational therapists should also bring rich stores of empathy to the table. The ability to put yourself in another’s shoes is a highly important qualification.

Creativity and Problem-Solving

When approaching the intricate and unpredictable odyssey of childhood development, an open and creative mind is an excellent companion. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so a willingness to creatively work within ever-changing constraints is fundamental.

Children also can’t articulate their needs and struggles the way adults can. Attentive listening is one of the most helpful problem-solving tools an OT can possess.

Take the First Step Towards a Career in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Picture a garden. Spring has arrived and the seeds have just started to poke through the soil. Some immediately thrive and shoot toward the sun. Others get tangled, or struggle to receive enough light. A gifted gardener is able to intervene and help clear these obstacles so that all saplings grow into healthy, hardy plants.

A pediatric OT is like a gardener for the flowerbed of childhood. And their reward is the satisfaction of watching their patients blossom.

If you feel called to serve children as a pediatric OT, consider honing your skills in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Alliant International University. Our extensive curriculum rigorously prepares students to make a lasting impact on children’s futures.

Reach out to our admissions department today to schedule a consultation.

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Sources:

1. Kendra Cherry. “Cognitive Developmental Milestones”. VeryWell Mind. July 14, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-developmental-milestones-2795109. Accessed September 20, 2024.
2. Kristen Gasnick. “Fine-Motor Skills: Everything You Should Know”. October 6, 2022. https://www.verywellhealth.com/fine-motor-skills-overview-examples-and-…. Accessed September 20, 2024.
3. Tanja McIlroy. “The Stages of Emotional Development in Early Childhood (0 to 6 Years)”. Empowered Parents. August 16, 2024. https://empoweredparents.co/emotional-development-stages/. Accessed September 20, 2024.
4. Beth Marky. “Occupational Therapists: What Do They Do?”. ChildMind.org. January 30, 2024. https://childmind.org/article/occupational-therapists-what-do-they-do/#…. Accessed September 20, 2024.
5. “Gross Motor Skills.” Cleveland Clinic. October 18, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gross-motor-skills. Accessed September 20, 2024. 
6. Kristen Gasnick. “Fine-Motor Skills: Everything You Should Know”. October 6, 2022. https://www.verywellhealth.com/fine-motor-skills-overview-examples-and-…. Accessed September 20, 2024.
7. Beth Marky. “Occupational Therapists: What Do They Do?”. ChildMind.org. January 30, 2024. https://childmind.org/article/occupational-therapists-what-do-they-do/#…