Pediatric Occupational Therapy
When you come to OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, your child will receive occupational therapy designed specifically for kids. Our therapists will work with you to support your child’s motor, sensory and self-care skills, helping them feel more confident and capable in daily life.
What is pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the motor, sensory and daily living skills they need. Pediatric occupational therapists often use play-based care and partner with families and other specialists to support children at home, school and in their community.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your child’s first visit, you’ll meet one-on-one with a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in development and rehabilitation for children. Your therapist will:
- Review your child’s medical history and your concerns
- Assess motor skills, sensory processing, coordination and daily living abilities
- Discuss your family’s goals and create a customized plan of care
You’ll also have support through our loaner equipment program, where your child can try adaptive tools and devices before you buy anything.
Meet Your Care Team
The pediatric occupational therapy team includes licensed occupational therapists who are specially trained to work with kids. They work closely with other members of our pediatric rehabilitation team, including physical therapists and speech-language pathologists, to support children with a wide range of developmental and medical needs.
Your child’s therapist may also collaborate with pediatricians, neurodevelopmental providers and specialists in areas such as pulmonology, gastroenterology and congenital heart care.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Conditions We Treat
Our team treats a wide range of occupational therapy conditions that affect children’s motor, sensory and daily living skills, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Brachial plexus injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Cortical visual impairment
- Developmental delay
- Delayed visual-motor skills
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Fine motor delays or uncoordinated hand skills
- Motor planning challenges or coordination difficulties
- Neuromuscular dysfunction
- Sensory processing disorders
- Upper extremity injury or condition
- Traumatic brain injury or concussion
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services We Provide
We offer a full range of occupational therapy services for children, designed to support their independence and confidence, including:
- Motor and sensory development services
- Handwriting support
- Fine motor strengthening
- Upper extremity and fine motor skill development
- Self-care and daily living skill training, including feeding and dressing
- Sensory regulation strategies including social-emotional regulation and well-being
- Motor planning and coordination
Preparing Your Child for Occupational Therapy
Your child will need a referral from a primary care provider or specialist before scheduling an evaluation with a pediatric occupational therapist.
To help your visit go smoothly, please:
- Arrive about 15 minutes early for registration
- Make sure your child wears comfortable clothing and shoes
- Bring your insurance card and a photo ID
- Bring any adaptive equipment your child uses
- Bring any medical documentation you feel is important
- If your child receives school-based therapy, bring a copy of their IEP
If your child is under 18, a parent or guardian must attend the appointment.
Ask for a Referral
Need compassionate, effective therapy services for your child? Talk to your child’s pediatrician about a referral to pediatric occupational therapy. Need a pediatrician? Browse our directory.
