What can a Pediatric Occupational Therapist do for kids?

For children, therapy focuses on the “occupations” or “jobs” of childhood such as play, socialization, self-care, and school performance. The occupation of play becomes a child’s work as it is essential for their development. We help children develop the skills needed for functional independence in important developmental areas.

If your child or a child you know 0 - 21 years of age is demonstrating any of the following, an occupational therapy evaluation may be appropriate:

* Difficulty tolerating clothing or clothing changes; socks, jeans
* Overly sensitive to sensory stimulation such as smells or noises; covers ears
* Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, difficulty getting up in the morning
* Struggles with transitions from task to task; frequent crying/tantrums with changes in routine
* Poor attention while completing tasks, easily distracted
* Poor balance; doesn’t ride a bike, doesn’t climb, falls frequently
* Isolates self from others
* Frequently runs into others, no awareness of self or others’ space
* Avoids fine motor tasks such as using crayons, Legos, fasteners on clothing
* Experiences difficulty learning new motor tasks such as jumping and climbing
* Appears floppy, weak, slumps when sitting/standing, prefers activities requiring little movement
* Cannot calm self by sucking on a pacifier, looking at toys, listening to your voice
* Limited diet; refuses to try new foods, gags when trying new tastes, textures
* Appears extremely anxious, states frequent fears of benign things
* Overwhelmed on the playground, during recess, music class, gym class

Pediatric Occupational Therapy at Glacial Ridge Health System provides these treatments and services:

* Executive Functioning
* Fine Motor Skills
* Handwriting
* Reflex Integration
* Sensory Diet
* Sensory Integration
* Self-Care Skill
* Upper Extremity Function

If you have questions or are interested in receiving pediatric occupational therapy services, please contact your child’s physician for a referral. For families in West Central Minnesota including the Glenwood, Alexandria, Morris, Starbuck, Benson, and Sauk Centre communities, contact your child’s physician for a referral to Glacial Ridge Health System’s Pediatrics Therapy Department in Glenwood. Call 320.634.2015 with questions.