How Occupational therapy can help your child
Occupational therapy helps with more than you may think! At Skyclimb Sensory Development Center, we address sensory processing and how your child's nervous system responds to sensory information. Through our comprehensive approach, we help foster improved daily functioning and engagement. This approach enhances a child's ability to regulate emotions, manage sensory sensitivities, and participate in social, academic, and recreational activities. If your child struggles with any of the areas outlined below, an OT evaluation may be indicated for further assessment!
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Using both sides of the body in a coordinated fashion
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Riding a bike, skipping, jumping jacks, and ball skills
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Pouring liquids without spilling
Coordination
Praxis
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A child's ability to conceptualize, organize, and direct unfamiliar purposeful actions.
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Trouble dressing self​​
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Utensil use when eating
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Apprehension when trying new activities
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Completing multi-step craft activities
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Imitating body position
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Craves rigid routine
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Chewing on nonfood objects, such as clothing
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Playing too rough; difficulty being gentle with pets
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Breaking objects frequently
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Bumping into people and objects accidentally
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Liking clothes to be extra tight
proprioception
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Positioning head very close to book/desk when reading & writing
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Becoming easily visually distracted
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Complaining that a worksheet or background is too "busy"
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Difficulty locating items in plain view
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Losing place or fatiguing easily when reading
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Reversing words or letters (after 2nd grade)
visual
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Cooperation with peers
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Recognizing verbal & nonverbal cues
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Following game rules
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Initiating & maintaining conversations
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Self-regulation during unstructured play
social
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Handwriting (legible letters, correct sizing and spacing, slow speed)
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Awkward pencil grasp
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Hand fatigue after writing for short periods
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Trouble with clothing fasteners or tying shoes
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Challenge cutting with scissors
Fine Motor
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Affects a child's attention and alertness
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Your child can be a seeker and crave vestibular input, or an avoider and be scared of vestibular input
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Fear of feet leaving the ground
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"Daredevil" or dangerous at times
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Poor core strength and balance
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Rocking body or shaking head while seated
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Abnormal muscle tone (low or high)
Vestibular
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Toe walking
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Disliking grooming activities such as haircuts, shampooing, & nail cutting
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Sensitivity to clothing texture, tags positioning of socks
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Avoiding messy play or wanting to wash hands right away once dirty
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Overreacting to unexpected touch or cuddles
Tactile
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Overwhelmed response to loud, public spaces such as school gyms
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Distraction caused by barely noticeable sounds such as clocks, fans
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Overreacting to loud, unexpected noises such as fire drills
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Difficulty filtering out important sounds (teacher's voice)
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Needing directions to be repeated
auditory
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Limited food repertoire, extremely picky eater
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Defensive reactions to food textures and tastes, may gag easily
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Difficulty chewing
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Overstuffing mouth with food
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Disliking toothbrushing or having face washed
fEEDING
& Eating