PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Our dynamic pediatric occupational therapists focus on a child’s ability to play, perform in school, use their hands/bodies in a coordinated manner, interpret sensory information, and engage in perceptual/visual motor tasks. For parents of children experiencing developmental delays, having WTS occupational therapists on your team helps children overcome their challenges and fulfill their potential.
The pediatric occupational therapists at WTS hold Master’s degrees, have advanced training certificates, and/or have years of experience working with children. They utilize Sensory Integration, Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening, Neurodevelopmental treatment, play therapy, parent education, and behavioral interventions to make progress possible. Expertise in neurology, neuroanatomy, primitive reflex integration, motor learning, hand functioning, perception, orthopedics and development guide them in maximizing a child’s performance in the following areas:
- Fine Motor Deficits (hand functioning)
- Visual Motor and Perceptual Motor deficits
- Visual Perceptual Skills
- Sensory Integration difficulties
- Sensory Defensiveness
- Handwriting Remediation
- Emotional Adjustment
- Peer Relationships
- Play Skills
- School Related Tasks
- Feeding / eating tolerance
- Gross Motor Deficits (total body coordination)
- Motor Control
- Body Awareness/Motor Planning
- Self-Care Skills
- Attention Difficulties
How do I know my child needs occupational therapy?
The following behaviors and concerns often identify the need for OT …
- Avoidance of or difficulty in social situations
- Difficulty at children’s birthday parties
- Avoidance or limited interest in coloring, writing &/or scissors
- Lack of confidence in oneself
- Being a “picky eater”
- Difficulty dressing oneself
- Difficulty with writing skills
- Being a “daredevil” in the playground
- Having to watch others before engaging in unfamiliar motor tasks
- Difficulty using a pencil or scissors
- Difficulty copying from the blackboard
- Limited play skills
- Avoiding constructional toys (i.e. Legos, blocks, puzzles)
- Difficulty manipulating small objects (i.e. buttons, zippers)
- Difficulty with age appropriate sports
- Difficulty with ball skills
- Avoidance of playground equipment
Please note: If you have said “yes” to at least one of the above items, your child would likely benefit from pediatric occupational therapy.
Does Your Child Receive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy?
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy is intended for children on the autism spectrum (ASD). The purpose is to reinforce desired behaviors and discourage unwanted behaviors. However, ABA therapy does not fully address the underlying sensory needs of a child. An occupational therapist can work with the ABA therapist to address the maladaptive behaviors a child is exhibiting. We believe children on the autism spectrum (ASD) have best results when occupational therapy address their sensory processing needs rather than just addressing behaviors through ABA therapy.
Westchester Therapy Solutions has a team of highly-skilled occupational therapy professionals that work with you and your child to meet their specific needs. WTS offers in-person and telehealth occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech language therapy services, both in-person and through telehealth sessions, to school districts in Westchester County and privately to families throughout Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam Counties and the Bronx. If you are interested in occupational therapy for children, please contact WTS today.