*Adapted from OTA Watertown with permission (2005)
Still not sure?
Call our office and one of our patient care coordinators will be able to answer any additional questions you may have about Empower Pediatrics. If you’re not sure if your child needs therapy services, let our therapists take a peak! We offer free 10-15 minute consultation (virtual or in-person) with one of our amazing therapists. At the end of the consultation, you will know whether an evaluation is right for your child.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Not sure if your child would benefit from occupational therapy?
Assessing Pediatric Therapy Needs For Children 0-3 Years Old
- Low or flaccid muscle tone; does not brace when picked up
- Difficulty self-soothing; unusually fussy or anxious when apart from parent
- Delayed motor skills (rolling, creeping, sitting, standing)
- Trouble bringing hands together or banging toys
- Limited exploration or interest in age-appropriate toys
- Difficulty with babbling or speech sounds
- Tense or cries when moved through space (e.g., “airplane”)
- Frequent hand fisting after 6 months
- Dislikes baths, water play, or prolonged cuddling
- Sucking difficulties
- Overly active, seeks excessive movement, or has trouble settling/sleeping
Assessing Therapy Needs For Children 3-5 Years Old
- Clumsy, trips or falls frequently; low or flaccid muscle tone
- Does not brace when picked up; seems “dead weight”
- Easily frustrated or tantrums; says “I can’t do it” often
- Breaks toys or crayons easily; needs extra practice to learn new skills
- Overly active or has trouble slowing down and shifting attention
- Delayed language or difficulty focusing
- Avoids playground activities or movement-based play (jumping, swings, feet off ground)
- Dislikes bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, cuddling
- Trouble with fine motor tasks (coloring, puzzles, cutting)
- Difficulty settling or sleeping
Assessing Therapy Needs For Children 6-15 Years Old
- Clumsy, trips or falls frequently; avoids sports or gym activities
- Difficulty with handwriting (breaks pencils, fatigues quickly, letter reversals, poor spacing)
- Low self-esteem or confidence; struggles to make friends with peers
- Trouble paying attention, following directions, or shifting focus
- Overactive or unable to slow down
- Delayed or unclear speech, difficulty expressing ideas
- Dislikes certain sensations (touch, smell, taste, sounds) or activities (bathing, swimming, haircuts, hugs)
- Needs extra practice to learn new skills
- Avoids movement-based play (jumping, swings, feet off the ground)
- Trouble settling or sleeping
Assessing Therapy Needs Of Adults
- Tires easily, especially with posture; slouches at desk
- Clumsy or accident-prone; balance difficulties and fear in elevators/escalators
- Low self-esteem or confidence; difficulty with relationships and physical closeness
- Disorganized at home or work; trouble following multi-step motor tasks
- Overactive or unable to slow down; difficulty focusing or shifting attention
- Dislikes crowds or accidental jostling in public
- Needs extra practice to learn new skills
