Definition: Therapy that helps children perform everyday skills and activities.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "occupational therapists focus on fine motor, visual-motor, and sensory processing skills needed for basic activities of daily living." This might include help feeding or dressing themselves, improving their handwriting, going to the bathroom independently, and many other age appropriate skills.
Occupational therapists can often help children with birth injuries, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism, spina bifida, and other conditions.
Children can often get occupational therapy through their local school district or early childhood intervention program.
Also Known As: OT
Common Misspellings: ocupational therapy
Examples:
In addition to occupational therapy, children with cerebral palsy often need physical therapy to help them move their bodies better.
