The Role of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Pediatric Occupational Therapists (OT's) in Early Intervention support the development of infant and toddler skills and engagement in everyday routines with their families. OT's incorporate sensory and motor play activities that parents and caregivers can include during routines to enhance development. Sensory processing, postural control, reflex integration, motor planning, emotional regulation and motor skills are areas OT's focus on to help a child improve participation in daily routines such as play, self-care skills, feeding, sleep routines and social activities in the community.

Fine Motor Skills: movement and dexterity of the small muscles in the hands and fingers.

Gross Motor Skills: movement of the large muscle groups.

Visual Motor Skills: movement coordinated with the processing of visual information.

Oral Motor Skills: movement of muscles in the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw.

Self-Care Skills: eating, drinking, utensil use, toothbrushing, dressing, bathing.

Sensory Integration: ability to take in, sort out, and respond to sensory input.

Motor Planning Skills: ability to plan, sequence and carry out the steps of motor tasks.