Pediatric Rehabilitation & Therapy

Occupational Therapy improves a child’s fine motor skills, sensory integration, self-care skills, play/social skills, motor planning and coordination through meaningful activity so children can participate in their daily routines at home and out in the community.

The following are symptoms (red flags) that may warrant a pediatric occupational therapy evaluation

• Coordination difficulties
• Clumsiness, frequent falls, bumping into people or objects
• Frequent fatigue or apparent weakness as compared to peers
• Difficulty with fine motor skills/handwriting
• Difficulty manipulating small toys
• Difficulty with dressing, using utensils, or grooming activities
• Difficulty with transitions or adjusting to changes in routine
• Limited play skills
• Limited social interaction
• Tendency to become overwhelmed easily
• Frequent tantrums

Physical therapy aids the child or teen in recovery, motion, strength and function with youth-specific training, movement and exercise to improve motor development and strength.

Physical therapy can work to improve:

• Development and enhancement of gross motor skills
• Management of muscle tone
• Building or rebuilding muscle strength
• Posture/postural control
• Pre-gait and gait training
• Range of motion and joint mobility
• Balance and coordination
• Body awareness and body alignment
• Building cardiopulmonary endurance
• Relieve or manage pain

Pediatric speech language pathologists are trained to assess and treat a variety of disorders including genetic, developmental, social and acquired such as brain injury that may affect:

• Feeding difficulties and swallowing difficulties
• Language development
• Cognitive skills and executive functions
• Caregiver training to increase cognitive and language skills
• Articulation and auditory processing treatment
• Social skills training
• Augmentative and Alternative communication training

The following concerns may warrant a speech and language evaluation from a speech and language pathologist:

• Difficulty with eating and drinking
• Coughing and choking with eating and drinking
• Limited speech and language abilities-see ASHA website for age norms
• Difficulty with social situations and interaction with peers and caregivers
• Difficulty being understood when speaking
• Delayed language development
• Difficulty recalling information
• Difficulty paying attention or following directions

Please discuss any concerns with your child’s physician and request a referral if you have concerns in any of these areas.

Our team approach is often the most effective way to address your child's therapy needs. Our therapists have specialized training in pediatrics to ensure the most comprehensive evaluation and treatment of your child.

Learn more about each incredible team member here