Pediatric Occupational Therapy & Early Childhood Intervention
Human development is an amazing process. Think about it. So many different skills contribute to normal development. Pediatric occupational therapists assist children experiencing challenges in the areas of social-emotional, adaptive, and physical development. These skill areas all contribute to success with the “occupations” of child hood such as play, school, and activities or daily living. For families in Richardson, Texas occupational therapy is available at Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas.
Following are some developmental milestones for early childhood, for 18 months – 30 months that might help a family determine if their child is on track developmentally*.
Adaptive Development
18 months
- Helps with simple tasks
- Tries to wash own hands & face
- Can use a straw
- Stirs with a spoon
24 months
- Removes loose clothing such as a coat or shirt
- Uses a handle or knob to open doors
- Puts on simple clothing independently
- Puts away familiar objects
30 months
- Takes off own socks & shoes
- Sits on toilet at least one minute unsupervised
- Washes & dries hands & face
- Is careful when handling infants or small animals
- Uses a fork to stab food
Physical Development
18 months
- Uses one hand consistently in most activities
- Can squat, then stand again maintaining balance
- Creeps backward down steps
- Clings to low play equipment
- Uses hand to hold paper in place while drawing
24 months
- Can walk backward
- Throws a ball overhand with relative accuracy
- Spontaneously uses circular, vertical, and horizontal strokes when drawing
- Walks up stairs, alternating feet
30 months
- Walks, swinging arms and legs like an adult
- Catches a ball, trapping it against chest
- Jumps in place with feet together
- Rolls, pounds & squeezes clay
- Uses an adult grasp when holding a pencil
Social Emotional Development
18 months
- Separates from caregiver in familiar setting without crying
- Attempts to comfort others in distress
- Wants to do many things independently
- Enjoys simple make-believe
24 months
- Shows pride in accomplishments
- Listens quietly to story, music or TV
- Sings familiar songs
- Asks for assistance when having difficulty
30 months
- Makes eye contact with speaking with others
- Recognizes when someone is happy or sad
- Avoids common dangers
- Claims ownership of certain articles
*Information from Pro-Ed, Early Childhood Development Chart, 3rd Edition, These are milestones and should not be used as a sole indicator or normal or abnormal development.
Occupational therapists evaluate these important areas of development. If a child qualifies for treatment, the occupational therapist will encourage specific skill development as well as the shape the ability to successfully participate in typical childhood activities. Richardson, Texas occupational therapy is available at Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas.