3 Signs Your Child Needs To See An Occupational Therapist

Many parents are concerned when they see their children struggling to perform everyday tasks. They don’t know if it’s a temporary condition or if it’ll need extensive medical attention down the road. If your child’s symptoms become worse, it’s best to seek professional help.

A pediatric occupational therapist is a specialist that works with children and their parents to treat disabilities such as mental retardation, physical disability, hearing impairment and many others. If your child is having difficulty with learning, fine motor skills, and reading comprehension, this professional can help.

Thus, if you’re concerned about your child’s behaviour, below are the 3 signs your child needs to see an occupational therapist as soon as possible:

Developmental Issues

A child’s age and developmental stage will influence whether or not they need treatment. For example, children who struggle with eye problems or are just beginning to walk may benefit from occupational therapy. Here are some other signs that your child may need to see an occupational therapist:

If they have difficulty getting dressed in the morning
If they can’t sit still for prolonged periods of time
If they struggle to use a toilet

Lastly, it’s crucial to note that occupational therapy is a field which can make the difference between a happy life and one filled with pain, suffering, or depression. This is because children with developmental issues are going to need someone to help them with everything from eating and playing to dressing up. However, if you want to be hands-on with your child’s condition, you may ask the therapist whether you can use free online exercise classes for kids to slowly practice their physical skills and help them live a normal life like other kids.

Motor Skills Impairment

If your child is having trouble sitting up or standing up, it’s likely that they’re experiencing some level of motor impairment. Your child may experience difficulty with balance as well. If your child has difficulty using their arms, it’s possible that they’ll also find it tough to move or manipulate objects.

These are just a few signs of motor disability and can indicate that your child may need to see a kids occupational therapist who can assist. A physical therapist can provide assistance in a variety of ways to improve the quality of life of your child. If your child is able to stand or sit on his own, you can still take them to an occupational therapist in order to improve their balance and physical capabilities.

Mental Disorders

The third sign your child needs to see an occupational therapist is if they have a mental disorder. If your little one has been diagnosed with a mental condition such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or Asperger’s, working with a professional who specializes in occupational therapy can be an excellent idea. For example, when your child is having trouble paying attention to a certain task or has inappropriate social interaction with others, they may be suffering from ADHD or autism. As such, you may need the assistance of a therapist to help you address these conditions.

Typically, these conditions are very challenging and can even cause a child to be absent for days at a stretch. The occupational therapist will therefore need to be extremely alert and attentive to their patients. This will also require the therapist to be patient, understanding, supportive and caring. Sometimes an occupational therapist can work with an entire group of children. This is good because it allows the occupational therapist to be able to get to know the children and their families better. If you’re hesitant about the idea of your child seeing an occupational therapist, you may want to research more about the benefits of therapy before making this decision. Remember, occupational therapy can help your child live a better life, as long as you’ve chosen the right medical professional for the job.

Bottom Line

Once you’ve determined what signs your child needs to see an occupational therapist, you should immediately act on it. When finding someone, it’s a good idea to your search online or talk to other parents who have used this type of therapy to choose an occupational therapist who is right for your child.

Remember, there are a number of reasons to consult an occupational therapist. By seeing with these professionals, your child can learn new skills, develop new ones, and improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. As long as you understand what the process entails and manage your expectations, the benefits are considerable.