As a parent, it is natural to want the best for your child, including their physical and emotional well-being. However, you may at times notice that your child is struggling with certain tasks or behaviors, hindering their progress. Occupational therapy Frisco, TX can help your child develop the skills they need to succeed in everyday life. Here are signs that your child needs pediatric occupational therapy services.
Difficulty with fine motor skills
Fine motor skills involve using the small muscles in the hands and fingers to perform tasks like buttoning clothes, using utensils, and writing. If your child struggles with these tasks, it may be a sign that they need pediatric occupational therapy. You may notice that they have difficulty holding a pencil or crayon, or they may avoid tasks that require fine motor skills altogether. A pediatric occupational therapist can help your child develop these skills through exercises and activities to improve hand strength, agility, and coordination.
Your child has trouble with gross motor skills
Gross motor skills help us control larger muscles in the body to complete tasks such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs. Your child may benefit from occupational therapy services if they can climb stairs, jump, run, throw, and catch a ball, have poor balance, cannot coordinate both sides of the body, or have a fear of feet leaving the ground.
Your child has sensory processing issues
Sensory processing refers to how the brain processes sensory information like touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. Children with sensory processing issues may overreact or underreact to certain sensory experiences. For example, your child may be extremely sensitive to the texture of certain foods or the feel of certain fabrics. Alternatively, they may not notice when they have touched something hot or cold.
Delayed speech or language development
If your child struggles with speech or language development, it may be a sign that they need pediatric occupational therapy. You may notice that they have difficulty pronouncing certain words or struggle with understanding spoken language. Also, they may struggle to follow simple instructions or keep asking the same question.
Your child has difficulty with social interactions
Social interactions are a crucial part of everyday life. Children who struggle with social interactions may have difficulty making friends, reading social cues, or understanding social norms. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, or depression. Pediatric occupational therapists can help your child develop social skills through role-playing, social stories, or group therapy.
Your child has trouble with activities of daily life
Daily living skills are the skills we need to complete everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, or brushing our teeth. If your child cannot dress and undress, cannot comb their hair on his own at an age-appropriate time, or has difficulty feeding and grooming themselves, occupational therapists can help your child develop these skills.
Support your child to be what they want to become in life and conquer the world. Call PediaPlex to learn more about how your child may benefit from occupational therapy.
