Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a developmental intervention that helps children successfully participate in everyday activities at home and at school. At Alternatives For Children, licensed Occupational Therapists provide services within Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education programs, supporting children who experience physical, educational, cognitive, self-care, or sensory processing challenges that may impact development and learning.

Occupational Therapy focuses on building the skills children need to engage confidently in play, learning, and daily routines.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Play
Supporting interaction with age-appropriate toys, games, equipment, and activities to build foundational skills through play.

Education
Helping children access and participate in the learning environment by developing the skills needed for classroom success.

Social Participation
Promoting positive social interactions and behaviors that support learning, self-help, self-care, and relationships with peers and adults.

Sensory Processing Integration
Supporting a child’s ability to process and respond to sensory information in their environment. Therapists address challenges related to tactile (touch), proprioceptive (body and spatial awareness), and vestibular (movement) systems. Intervention may include structured sensory experiences that help children become more comfortable and responsive to sensory input.

Upper Body and Fine Motor Development
Strengthening and refining motor skills needed to use classroom materials, toys, and everyday objects, supporting independence and participation in daily activities.

How is Occupational Therapy different from Physical Therapy?

Both Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) support children’s development, but they focus on different areas.

Occupational Therapy helps children develop the skills needed for everyday activities such as fine motor tasks, self-care routines, sensory processing, play, and classroom participation.

Physical Therapy focuses on building strength, balance, coordination, and large motor skills such as sitting, standing, walking, climbing, and moving safely through the environment.