EXCEPTIONAL

Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is about supporting children in the "occupations" of childhood—such as playing, learning, and performing daily routines like dressing and feeding. Our therapists use engaging activities to help children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults.

Whether it's improving fine motor skills for handwriting, helping with coordination for bike riding, or offering strategies for sensory processing, our occupational therapy services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. We collaborate with families to create fun, meaningful experiences that empower children to participate fully in life at home, in school, and in the community.

The Experts Behind Our Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapist (OT): An OT has a 4-year bachelor's degree in a related field (such as biology, psychology, or health science) and a master's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program.

Occupational therapist assistant (OTA): An OTA has an associate's degree from an accredited OTA program. They can carry out treatment plans developed by an OT but can't do patient evaluations.

Common Signs and Indicators of Occupational Therapy Needs

Your child may benefit from our services if you recognize any of the following:

Behavior, Sensory, Social, and Emotional Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Disruptive or aggressive behaviors

  • Difficulty paying attention

  • Struggles to interact or play with peers

  • Avoids tabletop play and learning experiences

  • Inability to sit still (unless focused on computer or TV)

  • Inability to listen or follow directions- Always on the go

  • Is a picky eater

  • Low self-esteem

  • Stubbornness or uncooperativeness

  • Excessive emotional outbursts when unsuccessful at a task

  • Frequent temper tantrums that interfere with life

  • Poor frustration tolerance

  • Difficulty making friends (does not interact or participate in group play)

  • Sensitivity to criticism

  • Often appears anxious

  • Cries easily

  • Overly serious demeanor

  • Nightmares

  • Fears that interfere with daily routines

  • Needs more protection from life than other children the same age

  • Rigid and inflexible behavior

  • Overly affectionate with others

  • Difficulty in perceiving facial expressions or body language

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Difficulty participating and maintaining a conversation

  • Difficulty resolving conflict or expressing needs

  • Difficulty with cooperative and interactive play

  • Appears overly shy

Body Movement Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Avoids climbing or playing ball, seems clumsy; falls frequently

  • Challenge in sitting still, unless focused on computer or TV

  • Constantly seeking movement

  • Walking on toes

  • Hanging on people, furniture, or objects

  • Poor endurance, tires easily

  • Poor safety awareness

  • Impulsiveness

  • Overly excitable during and after movement

  • Appears floppy or has low muscle tone

  • Awkward walking or running pattern

Fine Motor Development Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Awkward holding of marker, crayon, or pencil for their age

  • Difficulty in drawing, coloring, copying, or cutting compared to peers

  • Lack of hand dominance at age 4

  • Difficulty controlling grasp (too tight or loose) after age 5

  • Poor legibility of written work in elementary school years

  • Trouble with clothing fasteners, food containers, or silverware for their age

  • Difficulty using both hands in a coordinated manner

Auditory Processing Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Negative response to loud or unexpected sounds

  • Holding hands over ears

  • Distracted in noisy environments, unable to communicate

  • Appears not to hear what is said

  • Does not respond when name is called

  • Enjoys or seeks noise for noise's sake

Visual Processing Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty with puzzles

  • Covers eyes or squints

  • Difficulty making eye contact

  • Struggles with sizing and spacing in handwriting

  • Difficulty moving body through space without bumping into objects

  • Difficulty recognizing same and different

  • Difficulty reading across a page fluently, loses place

  • Difficulty copying off the board at school

  • Difficulty following a moving object like a ball

  • Difficulty locating objects in a room

Touch Processing Delays

Signs and Symptoms

  • Avoids getting messy

  • Distress or irritation during self-care activities

  • Very particular with clothing to the point it interferes with life

  • Frequently touches people or objects

  • Seems unaware of cuts and bruises

  • Overreacts or underreacts to pain compared to peers

  • Appears unaware of others’ personal space

  • Picky eater

  • Falls frequently

9:00am – 7:00pm Monday - Friday

Closed Saturday - Sunday

FTS Florida Website

© 2023 Fundamental Therapy Solutions - All Rights Reserved