Pediatric Occupational Therapy- What is it?

If you're new to pediatric therapy, the term occupational therapist might sound a little confusing—especially when we’re talking about kids! After all, children don’t have jobs… right? In reality, a child’s “occupations” are the everyday activities that occupy their time and are important to their development, independence, and well-being—things like playing, getting dressed, eating, writing, regulating emotions, and interacting with others.

At our interdisciplinary clinic in North Vancouver, pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) support children in developing the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in the community. This might include:

• Improving fine motor skills (like holding a pencil, utensil, or doing up buttons and zippers).

• Building strength and coordination for gross motor activities like climbing, running, and balancing.

• Supporting emotional regulation and sensory processing to enhance engagement with others.

• Helping with attention, routines, and transitions.

• Fostering independence in daily life tasks (basics like eating, sleeping, bathing, toileting, and more advanced skills like cooking and taking the bus).

Occupational Therapists use remediating strategies (improving motor, sensory, cognitive and emotional skills) as well as adaptive strategies (adapt the task or environment to suit the child’s abilities). Occupational therapists work closely with families and other professionals—like speech-language pathologists and counsellors—to create a holistic, child-centred approach to care. Whether your child needs support with motor skills, sensory sensitivities, or everyday challenges, OTs are here to help them grow with confidence. We offer parent and teacher coaching to help transfer skills learned in session to everyday situations outside the clinic.

If you have questions about whether OT might be a good fit for your child, we’re always here to chat!

info@littlepeaktherapy.ca