Occupational Therapy for Infants and Children

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy involves the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations) to help individuals of all ages perform the tasks that are important to them, thereby enhancing their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapists work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional impairments that affect their ability to perform daily activities. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to better participate in the activities of everyday life.

We specifically focus on occupational therapy for infants and children to support their sleep, help with reflux issues, colic, body tightness, sensory processing differences, feeding, potty training, etc. We have the tools necessary to help infants and children to better adjust and function on a day to day basis, and provide parents with more knowledge to better take care of their kids.

How to Know When Your Infant or Child Need Occupational Therapy?

Recognizing if an infant or child needs occupational therapy involves observing their development and behavior for certain signs. Here are some example that may suggest the need for occupational therapy:

Delayed milestones: If a child is not reaching developmental milestones within the typical age range, such as sitting up, crawling, walking, potty training, or speaking, it may indicate a need for intervention.
Sensory processing issues: Children who are overly sensitive or under-reactive to sensory stimuli, such as touch, sound, or movement.
Fine motor skill delays: Difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as grasping small objects, using utensils, buttoning clothes, or writing.
Gross motor skill challenges: Struggles with activities that involve large muscle groups, such as running, jumping, climbing, or balancing.
Feeding difficulties: Issues with feeding, such as difficulty chewing, swallowing, or transitioning to solid foods.
Behavioral and emotional regulation: Difficulty managing emotions, frequent meltdowns, or trouble adapting to new routines and environments .
Attention and concentration issues: Struggling to focus on tasks, easily getting distracted, impulsivity, or having difficulty following instructions.

Why is Occupational Therapy Needed?

Occupational therapy is essential for infants and small children because it supports their developmental milestones and helps them overcome challenges that may hinder their ability to engage in daily activities. Early intervention through occupational therapy can address delays in fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing issues, and difficulties with self-care tasks, such as feeding and dressing.

If your infant or child is struggling, providing targeted strategies can help them give you a personalized plan to overcome their struggles. Occupational therapists help children develop the necessary skills to interact with their environment, improving their independence and quality of life. Additionally, addressing these challenges early on can prevent further complications, promote optimal development, and support children in reaching their full potential.

Who can benefit from Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages, but we focus specifically on infants and children who need help who have issues with their sleep, reflux, colic, body tightness, sensory processing differences, feeding and more. This will help babies and kids live healthier and happier lives from a young age so they can better adjust to the world.

Also children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder benefit from OT interventions that enhance motor skills, social interactions, and academic performance. OT also supports individuals with mental health issues by providing coping strategies, stress management techniques, and activities that promote emotional well-being.

Occupational Therapy in Oakville Ontario

Our therapists in Oakville Ontario and the surrounding Ontario area are here to help your infant and children get the help they need to better function each day. We will assess and offer personalized treatment plans that prioritize your child’s well-being and long-term success. Reach out today to see if occupational therapy would be a good fit for you and your child.

Get help with occupational therapy in Oakville Ontario today!