Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Occupational Therapists helps children gain independence in self-care routines, while also strengthening the development of fine motor skills, integration integration, cognitive skills, social development, and visual motor skills.

The team at Pediatric POST in Crystal Lake, Illinois, offer comprehensive occupational therapy services for children of all ages, including innovative techniques like sesory motor integration interventions and astronaut training. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is an area of health care that helps individuals perform daily activities, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and writing. Children with physical, cognitive, and developmental disorders can benefit from integrating occupational therapy into their care plan. It allows children to maintain independence and participate in the activities they enjoy. 

After a thorough assessment, the experienced therapists at Pediatric POST can determine whether occupational therapy is right for your child.

Who benefits from occupational therapy?

The team may recommend occupational therapy for children who experience developmental delays, suffer an injury that affects their movement and physical function, or have a physical or mental condition that interferes with their daily activities. Children, adolescents, and teens may benefit from occupational therapy if they have the following:

• Learning disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression
• Poor coordination and balance
• Developmental delays
• Physical disabilities, including cerebral palsy
• Sensory processing disorders
• Poor visual motor skills
• Autism

Occupational therapy can help children with disorders or disabilities strengthen their fine motor and visual perception skills. It may also improve your child’s hand-eye coordination and help them dress, bathe, and use the bathroom on their own.

How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?

While occupational and physical therapy share many similarities, some key differences set them apart. 

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing the range of motion to restore physical function after an injury or musculoskeletal condition. Occupational therapy involves developing skills and strategies to improve physical function for daily life and participation in school, work, and other everyday activities. 

These therapies often go hand in hand. The team may draw from both modalities to enhance your child’s physical fitness and function.

What does occupational therapy involve?

After a comprehensive assessment, the team at Pediatric POST works with you and your child to set measurable goals and create an individualized occupational therapy plan. Most plans include:

• Exercises to improve coordination
• Adaptive equipment
• Education
• Cognitive rehabilitation 
• Modifications for school settings
• Sensory integration techniques 

The team also practices astronaut therapy, an innovative technique that improves sensory integration by stimulating the vestibular system, which provides information about space and movement. 

Call Pediatric POST today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about occupational therapy.