Is This Just a Phase? Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Is This Just a Phase? Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Every child develops at their own pace. But how do you know when your child’s quirks, challenges, or behaviors are part of a “normal” developmental range—or signs that they might benefit from some extra support?

For many families, this question lingers quietly for months (or even years) before they feel ready to seek help. At Practically Perfect Physical Therapy, we believe there’s no shame in being curious—and no harm in asking for guidance. Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) is here to support your child in building the life skills they need to feel confident, independent, and successful.

So how do you know if your child might benefit from OT? Let’s break it down.

What Does Pediatric OT Actually Help With?

Occupational therapy helps children improve their ability to perform everyday activities that are essential to life and development. These include:

• Fine motor skills (e.g., writing, cutting, buttoning a shirt)
  
  

• Gross motor coordination (e.g., balance, climbing, jumping)
  
  

• Sensory processing (e.g., handling loud noises, tags, textures)
  
  

• Emotional regulation (e.g., managing big feelings or transitions)
  
  

• Self-care skills (e.g., dressing, feeding, hygiene)
  
  

• Executive function (e.g., focusing, following directions, organization)
  

While all kids hit bumps along the way, consistent struggles in these areas—especially when they interfere with school, home routines, or friendships—can be a sign that OT might help.

10 Common Signs That Might Mean Your Child Needs OT

1. They struggle with fine motor tasks.
   Can’t hold a pencil correctly? Avoids drawing or using scissors? Seems clumsy with buttons or shoelaces?

2. They resist dressing, bathing, or brushing hair/teeth.
   This could be more than defiance—it might indicate sensory sensitivities or coordination challenges.

3. Transitions lead to meltdowns.
   Do small changes in routine or switching tasks cause emotional outbursts or shutdowns

4. They avoid playground activities.

   
   If climbing, swinging, or jumping seems overwhelming—or they’re more cautious than peers—it might be a coordination or sensory processing issue.

5. Feeding is stressful.
   Are they very picky? Do they gag or avoid certain textures? Feeding therapy (part of OT!) may help.

6. They chew on clothing, hair, or toys frequently.
   Oral sensory needs can be related to attention, self-regulation, or stress.
   

7. They have trouble focusing or completing tasks.
   Trouble staying seated, following multi-step directions, or finishing homework can reflect executive function challenges.
   

8. They show delayed milestones.
   OT can help with gross motor delays, like crawling or walking late, as well as age-appropriate hand skills.
   

9. They’re rough with toys or peers.
   Poor body awareness or sensory seeking behavior can make play interactions more intense than intended.
   

10. You just feel like something is “off.”
    Trust your gut! You know your child better than anyone else.

Why Getting Help Early Matters

When children struggle with life skills, it often impacts more than just the task at hand. Frustration builds. Confidence shrinks. Family routines become chaotic. And many children begin to internalize feelings of failure or “being bad.”

Pediatric OT helps prevent these negative patterns. Our therapists use play-based strategies to build skills while keeping therapy fun, affirming, and goal-driven. And the earlier we address these areas, the easier it is to build lasting progress.

What an OT Evaluation Looks Like

When you schedule an OT evaluation at our clinic, here’s what you can expect:

• Observation & Play: We’ll assess how your child moves, interacts, and responds to challenges.

• Parent Interview: You’ll help us understand your child’s history, behaviors, and routine

• Standardized Tests: These may be used to compare your child’s skills to age expectations.

• Clear Next Steps: We’ll give you personalized recommendations, whether that includes therapy, home strategies, or school support.
  

Our evaluations are gentle, thorough, and always child-led. Most kids don’t even realize they’re being “tested”—they just think it’s a fun playdate.

Not Sure? Start with a Free Checklist

If you're still not sure whether OT is the right fit, we've created a free Occupational Therapy Checklist that helps you identify areas of need and understand your child’s strengths. It’s quick, easy, and full of helpful insights.

✨ Download the checklist here

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Too Late

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. But when something feels off, you deserve support that’s practical, compassionate, and empowering. Pediatric OT is here to help your child thrive—at school, at home, and in the world.

📞 Call us today at (609) 300-3963 to schedule a consult, or use the checklist above to take the first step.