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Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Boro Park, Brooklyn: Helping Kids With Developmental Delays

By Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT · · 4 min read

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes parents notice that their child is having a harder time than other kids the same age. Maybe holding a crayon or pencil is a struggle, buttons and zippers are frustrating, loud noises or certain textures are overwhelming, or sitting still at the table is nearly impossible. Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the skills they need to play, learn and take care of themselves. Our Boro Park office at 5327 18th Avenue offers occupational therapy for children as well as adults.

What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

For a child, "occupations" are the everyday activities of childhood: playing, learning, getting dressed, eating, writing, and interacting with others. Pediatric occupational therapists help children develop the physical, sensory, cognitive and self-regulation skills that support these activities.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit From OT

Every child is different, and having one of these signs doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. But if several sound familiar, it may be worth an evaluation:

Fine Motor Skills

  • Difficulty holding a crayon, pencil or scissors
  • Messy or slow handwriting, or tiring quickly when writing
  • Trouble with buttons, zippers, snaps or shoelaces
  • Difficulty using utensils
  • Avoiding puzzles, building blocks or drawing

Sensory Processing

  • Strong reactions to noises, lights, clothing tags or textures
  • Avoiding messy play or certain foods because of texture
  • Constantly seeking movement, crashing, or touching everything
  • Difficulty calming down or transitioning between activities

Self-Care and Daily Routines

  • Difficulty dressing, brushing teeth or using the toilet independently, compared with peers
  • Very picky eating related to textures

Attention, Coordination and Play

  • Difficulty focusing on tabletop tasks
  • Clumsiness or difficulty with coordination
  • Trouble with visual-motor tasks like copying from the board
  • Difficulty with play skills or interacting with other children

Conditions Pediatric OT Often Helps With

  • Developmental delays
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Sensory processing difficulties
  • Fine motor and handwriting difficulties
  • Developmental coordination disorder
  • Genetic conditions and other diagnoses that affect development

What Happens in Pediatric OT?

Evaluation

The occupational therapist will talk with you about your concerns, your child's development and daily routines, and observe your child during play-based activities. Standardized assessments may be used to measure fine motor, visual-motor and sensory processing skills. Together, you'll set goals that matter to your family, whether that's writing their name, getting dressed for school or making mealtimes less stressful.

Therapy Sessions

To a child, OT sessions usually look like play, and that's intentional. Activities are carefully chosen to build specific skills, such as:

  • Fine motor activities — putty, beads, building toys, scissors and drawing
  • Handwriting practice — letter formation, spacing, grip and posture
  • Sensory-based activities — swings, textures and movement activities to help with regulation
  • Self-care practice — buttons, zippers, utensils and routines
  • Visual-motor and visual-perceptual tasks — puzzles, mazes, copying shapes
  • Strength and coordination — core strength, ball skills and motor planning
  • Self-regulation strategies — helping children recognize their needs and calm themselves

How Parents Can Help at Home

  • Play with purpose. Playdough, Lego, stringing beads, coloring and cutting with child-safe scissors all build fine motor skills.
  • Encourage independence. Allow extra time for your child to try dressing or feeding themselves.
  • Create predictable routines with picture schedules if helpful.
  • Offer movement breaks during homework or quiet activities.
  • Follow your therapist's home program, which is where much of the progress happens.
  • Celebrate small wins.

When to Seek an Evaluation

Consider an occupational therapy evaluation if:

  • Your child's teacher or pediatrician has raised concerns
  • Your child is frustrated by tasks their peers manage easily
  • Daily routines like dressing or mealtimes are a constant struggle
  • Your child has been diagnosed with a developmental condition

If you have concerns about your child's overall development, speech, hearing, vision or behavior, talk with your pediatrician as well. They may recommend additional evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between OT and PT for children?

Physical therapy usually focuses on gross motor skills like walking, running and balance. Occupational therapy focuses more on fine motor, sensory processing, self-care and the skills needed for school and play.

How long will my child need OT?

It depends on your child's needs and goals. Your therapist will review progress with you regularly.

Does my child need a diagnosis to start OT?

Not necessarily. Many children are evaluated because of specific concerns rather than a formal diagnosis. Call our Boro Park office to ask what you'll need to get started.

Ready to get started? Call the Refuah office nearest you

Occupational therapy is offered at our Boro Park office, and physical therapy at all three. Call to schedule an evaluation, or book online at refuahpt.com.

Book at refuahpt.com

About the author. Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Refuah Physical & Occupational Therapy, with offices in Midwood and Boro Park, Brooklyn, and on Staten Island.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Everyone’s situation is different. Talk with your physician or a licensed physical therapist about your symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.

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