Pediatrics

Pediatric occupational therapists work in a variety of settings and with children of all ages: from working with infants and toddlers in home-based early intervention settings, to school aged children in school systems, to children of all ages in outpatient clinics and inpatient hospital settings. They help children to develop or restore skills they need to succeed in all areas of life including feeding, bathing and dressing, play, school, and work. Diagnoses that occupational therapists work with include both congenital and genetic disorders, as well as acquired diseases and injuries.

Development occurs throughout the lifespan from before birth until death.  Learn some of the major developmental milestones that are important to the field of occupational therapy. 

Reflexes are present in newborns and serve a variety of purposes.  Most integrate with age, but can reappear with brain damage or stress. Learn some of the reflexes that are important to the field of occupational therapy.

Clients come to OT with a variety of diagnoses. Learn some of the common pediatric diagnoses that may be treated by occupational therapists or may otherwise be important to occupational therapy intervention.

Assessment tools provide a standardized means of evaluating development and performance. Learn some pediatric assessment tools commonly used in the field of occupational therapy.

Recent Intervention Strategies articles pertaining to pediatrics: