OT for Children

Welcome to “OT for Children,” a comprehensive course designed for occupational therapy students, new practitioners, pediatric clinicians, educators, and anyone seeking to understand how occupational therapy supports children’s development and participation. Pediatric occupational therapy is a dynamic and rewarding specialty that helps children do what they need and want to do—play, learn, care for themselves, and connect with others. From the premature infant in the neonatal intensive care unit learning to feed, to the preschooler with autism developing play skills, to the school-age child with dysgraphia learning to write, to the adolescent with anxiety managing daily routines, occupational therapists address the whole child within their family and community contexts. This course provides a thorough exploration of pediatric OT practice across all areas of occupation and all pediatric settings. Across ten detailed chapters, we will examine the foundations of pediatric OT, including theories and frames of reference, the occupational therapy process with children, family-centered practice, and the unique considerations of working with children from infancy through adolescence. We will explore each area of pediatric occupation: activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, toileting), play and social participation, fine motor and visual-motor skills, sensory processing and integration, and school-based skills (handwriting, classroom participation). We will also address special populations commonly served in pediatric OT—children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy, and other conditions—and the evidence-based interventions that support them. Finally, we will examine the contexts of pediatric practice: early intervention, school-based services, outpatient clinics, and hospital settings, and the importance of collaboration with families, educators, and other professionals. Whether you are beginning your journey in pediatric OT or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this course provides the essential foundation for understanding and supporting children’s occupational development.