The first few years of a child’s life is crucial as their brain evolves during this period. There are some of them who experience restricted or delayed progression. If a child faces problems in meeting developmental milestones, they may need support to develop optimally. In this case, occupational therapy may be helpful.

With occupational therapy, kids can have enhanced development, improved cognitive and communication skills, and minimized developmental delay. Occupational therapy is usually carried out as per the child’s ability or condition.

Here are some benefits of occupational therapy for kids:

1. Improves general activities of daily life

Occupational therapy provides aid to young ones who face difficulty in daily activities such as brushing, dressing, toilet-training, writing, drawing, etc. It develops these self-help skills in children.

2. Overcome sensory processing issues

Children with sensory processing issues are generally unable to synthesize information in the basic five senses i.e. sight, smell, touch, hear, and taste. They may experience under-sensitivity, over-sensitivity, or both at different places like school, home or other places. They also feel difficulty in paying attention and get distracted easily. Occupational therapy can help these young ones gain the sight skills and address the issue properly.

3. Benefits for Kids with Cerebral Palsy

Occupational therapy is beneficial for those who are suffering from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other disorders in which kids need wheelchair. The occupational therapist helps kids go about their daily life with ease.

4. Benefits for Kids with Autism

Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are somewhat similar. Kids with SPD may not suffer from autism, but the reverse may be true. They have trouble communicating with others, have limited play skills, and are less interest in activities etc. Occupational therapists can help them gain these skills by observing their behavior and developing a plan for them.

5. Develop fine and gross motor skills

Gross motor skills involve the movement of muscles in arms, legs etc. whereas fine muscle skills involve the use of small muscles in forearm and fingers. Kids who have trouble with these skills may experience difficulty in walking, bicycling and other things. Occupational therapy can help eradicate this problem completely.

There are several procedures used in occupational therapy, according to the needs of the child. In the end, the main aim of occupational therapy is to help the child lead a normal, happy life.