Pediatric Occupational Therapy
From Frustration to Confidence — Helping Your Child Thrive
Pediatric Occupational Therapy is a specialized form of therapy that helps children build the physical, sensory, cognitive, and social skills they need to participate confidently in everyday life.
Every child develops at their own pace. But when tasks like getting dressed, holding a pencil, paying attention in class, or playing with other kids feel harder for your child than they seem to for others, it’s normal to wonder how to help. At Big Stone Therapies, our pediatric occupational therapists work with children and their families to build confidence, promote independence, and support success at home, in school, and in the community.
With over 50 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan, we’re proud to help kids across the Midwest strengthen the skills they need to thrive and feel their absolute best.
What Conditions Can Pediatric Occupational Therapy Help With?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy can benefit children with a wide range of developmental, neurological, sensory, and physical challenges.
Developmental Delays
Children who aren’t meeting expected developmental milestones may benefit from therapy that supports motor development, coordination, and everyday functional skills.
Sensory Processing Challenges
Some children have difficulty processing sensory information, making them overly sensitive or under-responsive to sounds, textures, movement, lights, or other sensory input. Occupational Therapy can help children better understand and respond to the world around them.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Occupational Therapy is often part of a broader treatment plan for children with autism, focusing on sensory regulation, play skills, communication support, and social participation.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children with ADHD may struggle with attention, organization, emotional regulation, and completing daily tasks. Occupational Therapy provides strategies and skill-building activities that support success at home and school.
Fine Motor Delays
Difficulties with handwriting, using scissors, buttoning clothing, tying shoes, or holding utensils can impact a child’s confidence and independence. Our therapists use engaging activities to strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination.
Neurological and Physical Conditions
Children with cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, brain injuries, orthopedic injuries, or other medical conditions may benefit from Occupational Therapy to improve function and participation in everyday activities.
What Skills Does Pediatric Occupational Therapy Support?
Therapy may focus on:
- ✓Fine motor skills, including handwriting, coloring, cutting, and manipulating small objects
- ✓Hand-eye coordination
- ✓Sensory processing and sensory integration
- ✓Self-care skills, including dressing, feeding, grooming, and toileting
- ✓Attention, focus, and organization
- ✓Social interaction and play skills
- ✓Emotional regulation and coping strategies
- ✓Independence at home and school
Our Family-Centered and Personalized Approach
When your child visits Big Stone Therapies, care begins with a comprehensive evaluation of their strengths and challenges. From there, our pediatric occupational therapist builds a personalized treatment plan around meaningful, individualized goals, delivered through fun and engaging therapy sessions.
We believe parents and caregivers are an essential part of meaningful pediatric therapy. Our therapists work closely with families to offer education, support, and practical strategies you can use at home, at school, and in everyday situations.
The Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric Occupational Therapy is about more than improving individual skills. It helps children gain confidence, independence, and the ability to participate more fully in the activities they enjoy.
- ✓Improved fine motor skills and coordination
- ✓Greater independence with daily tasks
- ✓Better sensory processing and self-regulation
- ✓Increased attention and focus
- ✓Improved participation at school
- ✓Enhanced social and play skills
- ✓Greater confidence and self-esteem
By addressing challenges early, Occupational Therapy can help set children up for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric Occupational Therapy helps children develop the physical, sensory, cognitive, and social skills they need to participate in everyday activities, such as playing, learning, self-care, and school routines, with confidence and ease.
If your child struggles with fine motor tasks, sensory processing, attention, social interaction, or daily self-care compared to other kids their age, an evaluation can help identify whether Occupational Therapy would benefit them.
Our therapist assesses your child’s strengths and challenges across areas like motor skills, sensory processing, and daily functioning, then builds a personalized treatment plan around goals that matter to your child and family.
In many cases, a physician’s referral is required, especially if you plan to use insurance coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance plan and asking your child’s doctor for a referral, and our team is happy to help guide you through the process.
Many insurance plans cover Occupational Therapy when it’s medically necessary and performed by a qualified therapist. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to verify your specific benefits before beginning treatment.
Every Child Deserves to Thrive
If your child is experiencing challenges with daily activities, fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention, or developmental milestones, the team at Big Stone Therapies is here to help. Contact your nearest Big Stone Therapies clinic today to schedule an evaluation.
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