Occupational Therapy FAQs: Everything Parents Need to Know

Why does my child’s “job” matter?

Occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the everyday skills— from holding a spoon to coping with loud sounds— they need to learn, play and grow with confidence. For many children, especially those with developmental delays or sensory challenges, the right OT program can make daily routines smoother and family life less stressful. kidshealth.org

FAQ

1. What does an occupational therapy session involve?

A typical pediatric OT journey starts with an initial evaluation where the therapist chats with you, observes your child at play, and runs age-appropriate assessments to set personalised goals.

During ongoing sessions (usually 30–60 minutes, 1-2 times a week):

• Warm-up & sensory prep – activities like swinging or scooter-board rides help regulate energy and attention. flourishinglivesmi.com

• Goal-based play – fine-motor games (bead-stringing, tweezers), gross-motor stations (balance boards), or self-care practice (buttoning a shirt). Play looks fun, but every task is chosen to strengthen a specific skill. azmedpeds.com

• Parent check-in & home tips – before you leave, the therapist shares progress notes and a simple home exercise or routine tweak to keep momentum going between visits.

Sessions stay flexible; if a child arrives tired or overstimulated, the therapist pivots to calming sensory work first. That responsiveness is a hallmark of quality OT. westcoastuniversity.edu

2. How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?

Every child develops at their own pace, but red flags worth a screening include:

Developmental AreaWatch-for Signs*Self-careStruggles with dressing, feeding, or toileting compared to peersFine-motorTrouble holding crayons, using scissors, or manipulating small toysGross-motor / CoordinationFrequent tripping, difficulty climbing stairs, poor ball skillsSensory processingOver-reacts to sounds, textures or bright lights; craves spinning/jumpingEmotional & socialMeltdowns when routines change, challenges with turn-taking or play skills

*Adapted from Indian therapy centres & parent resources. mywellnesshub.inmywellnesshub.inpebblestherapycentre.in

If two or more of these areas sound familiar—or if your gut simply says something’s off—book a developmental screening. Early support often means quicker progress and fewer frustrations later.