Does my child need occupational therapy?

Movement: A Key Part of Development

From their earliest days, babies use their bodies to explore and learn about the world around them. Movement and touch are essential for healthy physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Gross motor skills play a central role in childhood play, helping children understand social interactions, cooperation, and communication. Movement also serves as a way for children to express their emotions and release frustration. Strong muscles support learning, writing, and understanding the world.

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Movement is what allows us to stand, walk, create, experience, and explore. Fine motor skills are essential for daily activities such as dressing, eating independently, and personal care. They are also crucial for children's learning, creativity, and self-expression.

Some children may struggle with one or more motor skills. They may have difficulty holding a pencil correctly, making their handwriting slow and clumsy. They may struggle with threading beads, jumping on one foot, or frequently stumble and fall. Gross and fine motor skills are fundamental for optimal functioning in adulthood and form the foundation for essential learning abilities.

Signs That Occupational Therapy May Be Needed

There are several red flags that indicate the need for occupational therapy evaluation. 

• Delayed achievement of developmental milestones such as walking, running, and jumping. At later stages, difficulty with fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil.
• Avoidance of movement-based play, such as running, climbing, or jumping.
• Frequent falls, clumsiness, or bumping into objects.
• Slouched posture at a desk, excessive movement while seated, difficulty maintaining upright positions against gravity, and gradually leaning forward over time.
• Sensory sensitivities, such as avoiding finger paints, glue, or playdough; discomfort with certain fabric textures; reluctance to get messy; refusal to walk barefoot; or aversion to activities related to hygiene, such as brushing teeth, haircuts, or nail trimming.
• Refusal to draw or color, avoidance of building games like LEGO or blocks, or quickly tiring from writing or drawing activities.
• Difficulty regulating force—either hitting, pinching, or pushing with excessive strength, or, conversely, exhibiting muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Extreme reactions to loud noises, bright lights, or other sensory stimuli.

Occupational therapy services at Leumit 

The serivces are provided at medical centers or rehabilitation centers. A referral from the attending physician is required, or you can contact a child development institute directly.