What Is Occupational Therapy? A Parent’s Guide

When parents first hear the term occupational therapy (OT), many assume it has to do with jobs or careers. But in the pediatric world, occupational therapy is all about helping children succeed in the “jobs” of everyday life, playing, learning, socializing, and becoming more independent.

At More Than Speech, our occupational therapists partner with families to give kids the tools they need to grow and thrive in their daily routines.

What Does Pediatric Occupational Therapy Focus On?

Occupational therapy looks different for every child because every child’s needs are unique. Some of the main areas OT supports include:

• Fine Motor Skills Developing the small muscles in the hands and fingers that are needed for writing, buttoning clothes, using utensils, or opening containers.

• Gross Motor Skills & Coordination Building strength, balance, and body awareness for running, jumping, climbing, or riding a bike.

• Sensory Processing Helping kids learn to respond appropriately to sensory input (like sounds, textures, or movement) so they can feel calm and focused.

• Self-Care Skills Supporting independence with everyday routines like dressing, brushing teeth, or feeding themselves.

• Social Participation Encouraging communication, play, and interaction with peers in ways that feel natural and fun.

  
  

Why Is Occupational Therapy Important?

For kids, success isn’t measured only by grades or milestones — it’s about confidence, joy, and the ability to fully participate in their world. OT helps bridge the gap when children struggle with certain skills, giving them strategies to succeed at home, in school, and during play.

Parents often notice benefits like:

• Improved handwriting and school readiness

• Increased confidence in social and group settings

• Greater independence with self-care tasks

• More regulation of big emotions and sensory challenges

• Reduced frustration at home and in daily routines

  
  

How We Make OT Fun at More Than Speech

We believe therapy should feel like play. That’s why our clinic is filled with tools like swings, trampolines, sensory tables, crash pads, and even a rock climbing wall. These aren’t just “extras”, they’re purposeful tools that keep kids engaged while building real-life skills.

By blending evidence-based strategies with fun, hands-on activities, our therapists help kids make progress in ways that feel natural and motivating.

Could Your Child Benefit From OT?

Every child is different, but if you’ve noticed challenges with coordination, handwriting, feeding, attention, or handling sensory input, occupational therapy might be the right support.

✨ At More Than Speech, we’re here to help you explore options, answer questions, and create a plan tailored to your child.