"Is My Child Meeting their Milestones?": When to Consider OT

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder: Is my child developing on track? Every child grows at their own pace, but there are certain developmental milestones that serve as helpful

checkpoints — things like sitting up, using a spoon, drawing with crayons, or dressing

themselves. But what happens if your child isn't quite there yet?

That’s where occupational therapy (OT) can help.

Signs Your Child May Need OT

You might consider a pediatric OT evaluation if your child:

 Struggles with fine motor skills, like using eating utensils, holding a pencil, or

fastening buttons

 Has difficulty with bilateral coordination like catching a ball or putting socks on

 Has difficulty with sensory processing—for example, they overreact to noise or

refuse to wear certain clothes

 Struggles to follow daily routines like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or

transitioning between activities

 Has challenges with social play, attention, or regulating their emotions

These signs don’t necessarily mean something is wrong—but they do suggest your

child may benefit from extra support developing important life skills.

What Does OT Look Like?

Occupational therapists use fun, play-based activities to help kids build strength,

coordination, focus, and independence. Whether it’s strengthening their grasp, calming

sensory overload, or improving their ability to participate in the classroom, OT is

personalized to each child’s unique needs.

When in Doubt, Check It Out

If you’re feeling unsure, don’t wait. Early support can make a big difference. Pediatric

OTs are trained to identify subtle delays and guide you through next steps.

Have questions or think your child may benefit from OT? Reach out to your primary care

physician for a referral for an occupational therapy evaluation or give our front office a

call—we’re here to help your child grow, thrive, and play with confidence.