Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Helping Children Master Life Skills and Build Independence

Does your child struggle with everyday tasks that seem to come naturally to other children their age? Are simple activities like getting dressed, using scissors, or sitting still for meals becoming sources of frustration for your whole family? These challenges can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to define your child’s experience. At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, our pediatric occupational therapists have been helping children develop the skills they need for daily life success for over 20 years.

Understanding Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy for children focuses on the “occupations” of childhood—the meaningful activities that fill a child’s day. These include playing, learning, interacting with others, caring for themselves, and participating in family and community life. When children struggle with these fundamental activities, occupational therapy provides the support and strategies needed to help them participate more fully and confidently in their world.

Our evidence-based approach recognizes that every child is unique. What works for one child may not work for another, which is why our experienced occupational therapists conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each child’s specific strengths, challenges, and goals.

Core Areas We Address

Fine Motor Skills Development

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers, which are essential for countless daily activities.  Occupational therapy helps children who struggle with:

  • Self-care tasks: Buttoning clothes, zipping jackets, tying shoes, brushing teeth
  • Academic skills: Holding pencils properly, writing legibly, using scissors, managing school supplies
  • Play activities: Building with blocks, completing puzzles, manipulating small toys
  • Feeding skills: Using utensils effectively, opening containers, managing different food textures

Treatment approach: We use engaging, play-based activities that strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and develop the precise movements needed for daily tasks.

 

Gross Motor Skills and Coordination

Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups and are crucial for movement, balance, and physical confidence. Children may need support with:

  • Balance and coordination: Walking without bumping into things, navigating stairs, riding bikes
  • Core strength: Sitting upright at desks, maintaining posture during activities
  • Motor planning: Coordinating movements for activities like jumping jacks, sports, or playground equipment
  • Spatial awareness: Understanding where their body is in space and how to move safely

Treatment approach: Our therapy incorporates movement-based activities that build strength, improve coordination, and enhance body awareness in fun, motivating ways.

Sensory Integration and Processing

Many children experience challenges with how their nervous system receives and responds to sensory information. Our occupational therapists help children who:

  • Are over-sensitive to sounds, textures, or lights
  • Seek out intense sensory experiences (spinning, jumping, crashing)
  • Have difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
  • Struggle to regulate their emotions and behavior
  • Show extreme reactions to everyday sensory experiences

Treatment approach: We use sensory integration techniques and environmental modifications to help children’s nervous systems process sensory information more effectively, leading to improved self-regulation and participation in daily activities.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Independence in self-care is a crucial goal for all children. Our therapy addresses challenges with:

  • Dressing skills: Managing fasteners, understanding clothing orientation, sequencing dressing steps
  • Hygiene routines: Brushing teeth, washing hands, bathing independently
  • Feeding and mealtime: Using utensils, trying new foods, appropriate mealtime behavior
  • Organization skills: Managing belongings, following routines, completing multi-step tasks

Treatment approach: We break complex tasks into manageable steps, provide adaptive strategies when needed, and practice skills in contexts that are meaningful to the child.

Visual-Motor and Visual-Perceptual Skills

These skills are essential for academic success and many daily activities. Children may need support with:

  • Handwriting: Letter formation, spacing, staying on lines
  • Reading skills: Tracking words across a page, recognizing letters and shapes
  • Math concepts: Understanding spatial relationships, copying from the board
  • Daily tasks: Finding items in cluttered spaces, navigating environments

Treatment approach: We use structured activities that develop visual processing skills while making learning engaging and successful.

Our Comprehensive Treatment Process

Thorough Assessment

Every child’s journey begins with a detailed evaluation that examines:

  • Developmental history: Understanding your child’s growth patterns and previous experiences
  • Current abilities: Identifying what your child can do well and areas of challenge
  • Environmental factors: Considering home, school, and community contexts
  • Family priorities: Understanding what matters most to your family
  • Standardized testing: Using proven assessment tools when appropriate

Our occupational therapists take time to observe your child in various activities, ensuring we understand their unique profile and needs.

Individualized Treatment Planning

Based on assessment results and family input, we develop treatment plans that:

  • Target specific, measurable goals
  • Build on your child’s strengths and interests
  • Address priority areas for daily functioning
  • Include family training and support strategies
  • Adapt as your child grows and progresses

Engaging Therapy Sessions

Our treatment sessions are designed to be both effective and enjoyable:

  • Play-based activities: Learning happens naturally through fun, meaningful activities
  • Child-led interests: Incorporating your child’s preferences to maintain motivation
  • Just-right challenge: Activities that are challenging enough to promote growth but achievable enough to build confidence
  • Sensory-rich environment: Our clinics provide various sensory experiences to support different needs
  • Progress monitoring: Regular assessment of goal achievement and plan adjustments

Family-Centered Care and Support

We believe families are the most important part of a child’s therapy team. Our approach includes:

Comprehensive Family Training

  • Home strategies: Practical techniques for supporting skills in daily routines
  • Environmental modifications: Simple changes that can make a big difference
  • Activity suggestions: Fun ways to practice skills during everyday activities
  • Problem-solving support: Help with specific challenges as they arise

Ongoing Support and Communication

  • Regular updates on your child’s progress
  • Adjustment of home programs as skills develop
  • Resources for continued learning and growth
  • Support for navigating other services and systems

Specialized Expertise for Diverse Needs

Our experienced team has extensive training and experience working with children who have:

  • Autism spectrum disorders: Understanding sensory needs, communication challenges, and behavioral patterns
  • Developmental delays: Supporting skill development at an appropriate pace
  • Attention disorders: Strategies for focus, organization, and self-regulation
  • Neurological conditions: Adapting approaches for various medical diagnoses
  • Sensory processing disorders: Specialized training in sensory integration techniques
  • Down syndrome and genetic conditions: Understanding unique developmental patterns

We approach each child with compassion, patience, and clinical expertise, recognizing that complex needs often require creative solutions and modified approaches.

Building Skills for Lifelong Success

The skills developed in occupational therapy extend far beyond childhood. We’re helping children build foundations for:

  • Academic achievement: Skills needed for school success and learning
  • Social relationships: Confidence and abilities that support friendships
  • Independence: Self-care skills that promote autonomy
  • Self-advocacy: Understanding their own needs and how to communicate them
  • Problem-solving: Strategies for overcoming challenges throughout life
  • Resilience: Confidence that comes from mastering difficult skills

Why Families Trust Speech & OT North Texas

Proven Experience: Over two decades of helping North Texas children develop essential life skills with evidence-based approaches.

Personal Attention: Our small clinic atmosphere means your child receives individualized care from therapists who truly know and understand their unique needs.

Comprehensive Approach: We don’t just work on isolated skills—we consider the whole child and how skills integrate into daily life.

Family Partnership: We believe parents are experts on their children, and we work collaboratively to achieve meaningful goals.

Convenient Locations: Three accessible locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Plano make regular therapy visits manageable for busy families.

Insurance Support: We work with most major insurance plans and help families navigate benefits and coverage options.

What to Expect: From First Visit to Progress

Your First Visit – Initial Evaluation

Before you arrive:

  • Complete intake paperwork and developmental history forms
  • Gather any previous evaluations or reports from other providers
  • Prepare a list of your specific concerns and questions
  • Bring your child’s favorite comfort item if needed

During the evaluation (typically 60 minutes):

  • Parent consultation: We’ll discuss your concerns, your child’s history, and family goals
  • Child observation: Your child will engage in various activities while we observe their skills
  • Formal assessments: Standardized tests may be used to measure specific abilities
  • Informal play-based assessment: Natural observation during play and functional tasks
  • Environmental considerations: Discussion of home, school, and community needs

After the evaluation:

  • Immediate discussion of findings and initial impressions
  • Written report provided within one week
  • Treatment recommendations and goal development
  • Insurance verification and scheduling of regular sessions

Regular Therapy Sessions

Session structure (typically 45-60 minutes):

  • Warm-up activities: Preparing your child’s nervous system for learning
  • Skill-building activities: Targeted interventions addressing specific goals
  • Challenge progression: Gradually increasing difficulty as skills improve
  • Cool-down and organization: Helping your child transition and process the session
  • Parent communication: Brief update on progress and home activity suggestions

What your child will experience:

  • Fun, engaging activities that feel like play
  • Success-oriented tasks that build confidence
  • Sensory-rich experiences tailored to their needs
  • Opportunities to practice real-life skills
  • Positive reinforcement and celebration of achievements

Measuring Progress

How we track improvement:

  • Goal-based data collection: Objective measurement of skill development
  • Regular progress reviews: Updated goals as well as progress reports and re-evaluations as needed
  • Parent and teacher feedback: Input from those who see your child daily
  • Functional improvements: Real-world application of learned skills

What progress looks like:

  • Increased independence in daily activities
  • Greater willingness to try new activities
  • Improved attention and focus during tasks
  • Better self-regulation and emotional control
  • Enhanced participation in family and school routines

Advanced Therapeutic Techniques

Our therapists are trained in specialized approaches including:

  • Sensory Integration Therapy: Addressing underlying sensory processing challenges
  • Interactive Metronome: Improving timing, sequencing, and motor planning
  • Handwriting Without Tears: Structured approach to developing writing skills
  • Social Skills Training: Building peer interaction and communication abilities

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy? Consider OT if your child struggles with age-appropriate daily activities like dressing, eating, playing, or school tasks. Red flags include avoiding certain textures or activities, difficulty with coordination, challenges following routines, or frequent meltdowns around daily tasks.

How long does occupational therapy take? Every child is different, but most children participate in therapy for 6 months to 2 years. Some children with complex needs may benefit from longer-term support, while others may achieve goals more quickly. We regularly review progress and adjust treatment duration accordingly.

Will my insurance cover occupational therapy? Most major insurance plans cover pediatric occupational therapy when medically necessary. We’re network providers for BCBS PPO, Aetna, Cigna, United Health Care, and Traditional Medicaid. Our staff will verify your benefits before beginning treatment.

About Treatment

What should my child wear to therapy? Comfortable clothes that allow for movement work best. Avoid clothes with lots of buttons or complicated fasteners unless we’re specifically working on those skills. Tennis shoes or socks with grips are ideal for safety during movement activities.

Can I stay during my child’s therapy session? Absolutely! We encourage parent participation, especially during initial sessions. As your child becomes comfortable, we may suggest stepping out briefly to promote independence, but you’re always welcome to observe and participate in your child’s care.

What if my child has a meltdown during therapy? Meltdowns are completely normal and often indicate that a child is working hard or feeling overwhelmed. Our therapists are trained in de-escalation techniques and will work with your child to develop coping strategies. We view meltdowns as learning opportunities, not setbacks.

How can I support my child’s progress at home? We provide specific home activities and strategies tailored to your child’s goals. Simple changes like adjusting lighting, providing sensory breaks, or modifying daily routines can make a significant difference. We’ll teach you exactly what to do.

Practical Concerns

What if my child doesn’t want to come to therapy? It’s normal for children to feel anxious about new experiences. We take time to build relationships and make therapy fun. If resistance continues, we work with families to understand underlying concerns and adjust our approach accordingly.

How often will my child need therapy sessions? Most children benefit from 1-2 sessions per week, depending on their needs and goals. We’ll discuss the optimal frequency during your evaluation and adjust as your child progresses.

What happens when my child graduates from therapy? We celebrate! Graduation means your child has developed the skills needed for daily success. We provide a comprehensive home program and remain available for periodic check-ins or additional support if new challenges arise.

Can occupational therapy help with school issues? Yes! Many OT skills directly impact school performance. We can provide recommendations for classroom accommodations, consult with teachers, and work on specific skills like handwriting, attention, or sensory regulation that affect learning.

Success Stories and Outcomes

While every child’s journey is unique, our families consistently report improvements in:

  • Increased independence in daily activities
  • Better participation in family routines
  • Improved school performance and classroom behavior
  • Enhanced self-confidence and willingness to try new things
  • Reduced family stress around daily tasks
  • Greater enjoyment in play and leisure activities

Insurance and Accessibility

Occupational therapy is often covered by insurance as an allied health profession. Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas is a network provider for:

  • BCBS PPO
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • United Health Care
  • Traditional Medicaid

Our staff will help verify your benefits and explain your coverage options. We also work with families who prefer private payment or need flexible arrangements to ensure therapy remains accessible.

Take the First Step Toward Your Child’s Success

If your child is struggling with daily activities, don’t wait to seek support. Early intervention in occupational therapy can make a profound difference in a child’s development and family life.

Ready to learn more? Call us at (972) 424-0148 to:

  • Schedule a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation
  • Discuss your child’s specific challenges and needs
  • Learn about our approach and treatment options
  • Verify your insurance benefits and coverage
  • Ask questions about how we can support your family

Wondering if occupational therapy could help? Consider these questions:

  • Does your child avoid certain activities or textures?
  • Are daily routines like getting dressed or eating meals stressful?
  • Does your child seem clumsy or have frequent accidents?
  • Are teachers expressing concerns about your child’s classroom participation?
  • Is your child frustrated by tasks that peers seem to manage easily?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, an occupational therapy evaluation could provide valuable insights and support.

Not sure where to start? Our experienced team understands that reaching out can feel overwhelming. We’re here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you understand how occupational therapy might benefit your child. Every conversation begins with understanding your family’s unique situation and goals.

At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we’re committed to helping children develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive in all areas of life. From the smallest daily task to major developmental milestones, we’re here to support your child’s journey toward reaching their fullest potential.

Proudly serving families throughout North Texas from our locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Plano since 2001.