Occupational therapists are trained in the detailed mechanics of hand function and all aspects related to handwriting. Effective handwriting requires several foundational skills, including body and spatial awareness, laterality, directionality, visual perception, visual-motor integration, postural stability, in-hand manipulation, hand separation, hand strength, movement and position awareness, motor planning, ocular motor control, bilateral integration, eye-hand coordination, sensory integration, tactile discrimination, memory, attention, orientation to letters, and sequencing. Identifying the root cause of a handwriting problem requires a thorough assessment by an occupational therapist.

Some signs of sensory processing difficulties include:

i. Being overly sensitive or underreactive to sights, sounds, movement, or touch.
ii. Seeking excessive sensory input through moving, bouncing, squeezing, or
mouthing objects.
iii. Struggling with behavioral and/or emotional regulation, becoming easily
overwhelmed, leading to overexcitement, meltdowns, or shutting down.
iv. Having poor muscle tone, tiring easily, leaning on people, or slumping in a
chair, and using inappropriate force when handling objects, coloring, writing,
or interacting with siblings or pets.
v. Being clumsy, frequently falling, bumping into furniture or people, and having
trouble judging the position of their body in relation to surrounding space.
vi. vi. Experiencing difficulty learning new motor tasks and frustration when trying to follow instructions or sequence steps for an activity.
vii. Avoiding playground activities, physical education classes, and/or sports.
viii. Struggling to learn how to play or get along with other children.
ix. Having diculty with everyday activities like eating, sleeping, brushing teeth, or
getting dressed.
x. Facing problems learning to color, cut, draw, or write.
xi. Having difficulty transitioning from one activity or place to another.
xii. Experiencing challenges in school, including attention, organization,
perception, and listening skills.

For children and youth, occupations are activities that enable them to learn and develop life skills (school activities), be creative and enjoy themselves (play), and thrive (self-care and caring for others). Occupational therapists often use play as a medium for treatment because it signicantly inuences a child's development. The primary goals of childhood are to grow, learn, and play, and it is through play that children learn to understand the world around them. Playing is a child’s "job" or "occupation," helping them develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills for interacting with others, and self-condence to try new experiences and explore new environments. Recommended interventions are based on a comprehensive understanding of typical development and the eects of disability, illness, and impairment on an individual child's development, play, learning, and overall occupational performance

The duration and frequency of therapy sessions are tailored to each child's unique needs. Sessions typically range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of therapy and the treatment plan.

• Speech therapy sessions generally last 30 minutes, while occupational therapy sessions typically run for an hour.
• The overall duration of treatment, which can span several months, is determined by the child's evaluation and individualized treatment plan. For example:
  • A mild articulation disorder may require two 30-minute sessions per week for 3 to 6 months.
  • A more complex articulation disorder may need extended treatment due to the complexity of sounds or phonological processes involved.
  • Children with autism spectrum disorder may have sessions lasting 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the language disorder. Treatment duration may range from 6 months to several years, based on the number of goals set within the therapy plan.
• Therapy session frequency varies according to individual needs, with recommendations ranging from one to four sessions per week. Most clients typically attend therapy twice a week.

All treatment recommendations are personalized based on a thorough evaluation to ensure the best possible outcomes for each child.

We make every effort to match children with their requested therapists whenever possible. However, due to scheduling constraints or specific therapeutic needs, this may not always be feasible. Rest assured, your child will always receive care from a highly skilled and qualified therapist.

• Our therapists are extensively trained in their specialized fields, with many having pursued additional education and expertise in specific areas.
• When assigning a therapist, we carefully consider the information you provide to ensure the best match for your child's needs.
• We are committed to maintaining high-quality care and will never assign a therapist who lacks experience or confidence in a particular area to a child requiring treatment in that domain.

Each insurance policy is unique and may be tailored with input from your employer if you're covered through your job. As a result, some plans offer more extensive coverage for speech and occupational therapy. It's important to discuss your family’s needs and available benefits with your Human Resources Department. While we are a network provider for your insurance, we are happy to verify benefits for you; however, please note that this does not guarantee coverage.