A Closer Look at Occupational Therapy for Kids With Special Needs

Many parents of special needs children worry their kids won’t gain the skills needed to become independent and thrive in the classroom or in daily life. 

While these concerns are understandable, occupational therapy (OT) offers an effective and supportive way to help your child learn and grow.

At Little Angels PPEC in Longwood, Orlando, and Apopka, Florida, our team of doctors, nurses, and therapists provides OT to kids and teens. Here, we explain how OT works, highlight some of its benefits, and discuss what parents can expect. 

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialized therapy designed to help children gain the skills they need to participate in daily life. It’s similar to OT for adults but focuses on activities, such as play, learning, self-care, and social interactions. 

Because every child has unique strengths, weaknesses, and needs, our therapists create personalized treatment plans that target specific challenges and goals. We incorporate OT into your child’s ongoing care plan, so they can practice and refine these skills over time.

Benefits of occupational therapy for kids

Enrolling your child in OT offers many benefits, including:

• Enhanced participation in school and community activities
• Improved confidence and self-esteem
• Increased independence in daily skills
• Reduced barriers to communication and play

Aside from supporting your child’s development, OT is a valuable resource for parents. Many moms and dads of kids with special needs know their children need help, but don’t know how to provide it. 

OT gives you strategies that you can incorporate at home, allowing you to see their skills improve over time.

What parents can expect before and during OT

Before developing a personalized OT plan for your child, we review their medical records, complete a physical exam, and assess their unique strengths and challenges. 

After that, we meet with your family to identify and discuss specific developmental goals you’d like us to help your child achieve.

Next, we create a personalized therapy program. This often focuses on:

• Fine motor skills, like getting dressed and writing
• Gross motor skills, like balance and walking
• Activities of daily living, like bathing, grooming, and brushing teeth
• Sensory integration, which teaches children how to cope with environmental stimuli

We also incorporate social skills to strengthen your child’s ability to communicate. 

Each therapeutic activity is designed to be fun and resemble structured play, so your child enjoys the experience, rather than seeing it as a chore.

Your child’s therapists work closely with our doctors and nurses and provide regular updates, so your family can monitor their progress and make adjustments as needed.

Request an occupational therapy consultation

OT can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life, especially if they have special medical needs. 

If you’re interested in learning about whether your child can benefit, contact the nearest Little Angels Pediatric Extended Care office in Orlando, Apopka, or Longwood, Florida. Call our office or book your appointment online. 

We offer other services as well, including medical therapy, home health care, and prescribed pediatric extended care (PPEC).