How Do Pediatric Occupational Therapists Help Children?

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children in many ways. Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills necessary for successful participation in daily activities, such as self-care, play, and learning. They address a wide range of challenges, including fine and gross motor difficulties, sensory processing difficulties, social and emotional challenges, and cognitive or attention difficulties. Through a combination of play-based therapy, exercises, and activities, occupational therapists help children develop their motor skills, sensory processing abilities, social and emotional skills, and cognitive abilities. They also work closely with parents and caregivers to provide support, education, and resources to help them support their child's development. Overall, pediatric occupational therapy aims to help children achieve their fullest potential and promote their participation in meaningful activities, leading to a more fulfilling and independent life.

What is pediatric occupational therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy is OT that addresses kiddos. Typically, kiddos are seen for developmental conditions and the approach is considered habilitative, which is the development of skills and function that they otherwise would have had a difficult time or been unable to develop without services. Pediatric OT addresses the occupations and skills that are most important to kids including play, education, sports and other leisure activities, and ADLs (getting dressed and other self-care).

How can pediatric occupational therapists help?

Pediatric occupational therapists address kiddos development. They evaluate and assess whether a child is at a developmentally appropriate level in all areas and with all of their occupations. If there are any developmental delays or deficits, the OT will plan and implement interventions to address family and child focused goals to ensure they continue to progress in their development and can perform all of the tasks or occupations required throughout their lives. All of the Occupational Therapists at Alta Pediatrics are certified by The National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy

Does my child need pediatric occupational therapy?

If you are asking if pediatric occupational therapy is right for your child it is best to get an informal screening or initial evaluation for your child to determine a formal need for occupational therapy. If you feel your child is missing or slower in meeting developmental milestones, having difficulties with their occupations such as school and school tasks, play, sports, or ADLs like getting dressed and other self-care, then occupational therapy can help address these concerns. There are many underlying reasons a child has difficulty with these occupations or reaching developmental milestones and an occupational therapist can help assess these areas and provide interventions to improve function and overall development.

How does pediatric occupational therapy help autism?

Those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach, often receiving services from occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and applied behavior analysis. It is important for these service providers to coordinate treatment plans and goals and provide an interdisciplinary approach to ensure the best treatment outcomes and goal attainment. Pediatric occupational therapy, in particular, helps those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with sensory integration and improved function in developmentally appropriate activities, whether that is getting dressed, handwriting, staying seated for school,visual perception, functional communication, core strength, or fine motor skills. Occupational therapists work with both those with an ASD diagnosis and their parents or families to determine goals, provide strategies or activities to continue at home, and communicate with other service providers to ensure goal alignment.

Pediatric Feeding Therapy

Evidence-Based Approach to Feeding Therapy Backed by 30 years of Clinical Research

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The SOS Approach to Feeding

At Alta Pediatrics, we proudly implement the SOS Approach to Feeding, a globally recognized method backed by three decades of successful clinical experience. This approach is specifically designed to assist children facing feeding challenges in their journey to gradually explore and embrace a diverse range of foods. Central to the SOS approach is its focus on the sensory aspects of eating, taking into account potential aversions or sensitivities that children may have towards certain food textures, tastes, smells, or appearances. Through a carefully structured and non-threatening process of introducing various sensory aspects of food, our goal is to enhance the child's comfort and willingness to experiment with novel foods.

Underlying factors may be impacting feeding

The SOS Approach considers the feeding problem as analogous to the tip of an iceberg, where the visible challenges with eating and weight gain are just the surface, while the underlying factors hidden beneath the surface can be more impactful, akin to what lies underwater that can wreck a boat. The Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) name refers to the major components of the program, but it also cleverly stands for "Save Our Ship!" This approach delves into the root causes of the feeding difficulties, addressing all the factors that may be contributing to the issue, much like what lies beneath the waterline. To accomplish this, a transdisciplinary team of experts, including Pediatric Psychologists, Pediatricians, Occupational Therapists, Registered Dietitians, and Speech Pathologists/Therapists, collaborates to evaluate and treat the "whole child" in a comprehensive manner.

Testimonials & Reviews

Hear why parents choose Alta Pediatrics

I'm so glad I found Kim when I did... she is great with my 4 year old daughter and I am seeing so much progress just within a couple months. Highly recommend!

KATIE S.

"Kim is top-notch, super patient and is so reassuring. She really gets to know kids and develop a relationship with them."

OLIVIA M.

The OT practitioner is flexible and accommodating with scheduling. She is responsive to our concerns and goals.

JASON S.

Developing skills. Enriching Abilities. Improving Behavior

Why Do Parents Choose the SOS Method?

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Equips parents with strategies to support their child's feeding progress at home, promoting a consistent and supportive feeding environment.

HOLISTIC APPROACH

addresses the underlying sensory challenges that may be contributing to the child's feeding difficulties, allowing for a more comprehensive and individualized approach.

ENCOURAGES EXPLORATION

By encouraging children to explore foods using their senses, the SOS approach fosters a positive and interactive feeding experience. This can help children become more familiar and comfortable with various food textures, tastes, and appearances.

NON-FORCEFUL AND GRADUAL

Child-led and non-forceful, meaning it respects the child's pace and preferences. It avoids pressuring the child to eat or try new foods, reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with mealtimes.

INCREASES FOOD REPERTOIRE

For children with selective eating habits or restricted diets, the SOS approach can gradually expand their range of accepted foods. Over time, this can lead to a more balanced and nutritious diet.

PROMOTES POSITIVE MEALTIME

Implementing the SOS approach can help improve the overall mealtime atmosphere, reducing mealtime battles and stress for both the child and the family.

We're here to help your child. Get in touch with us today.

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Frequently Ask Questions

About Pediatric Feeding Therapy

What is pediatric feeding therapy?

Pediatric feeding therapy, also known as pediatric feeding intervention or pediatric feeding treatment, is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to address feeding difficulties and challenges in infants, children, and adolescents. It is provided by healthcare professionals such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and feeding specialists, who have expertise in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.

What can I expect during a feeding therapy evaluation?

The pediatric feeding therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying factors contributing to the feeding difficulties. Based on the assessment, they will develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the child's specific needs. The therapy may involve various strategies, techniques, and exercises to improve the child's oral motor skills, sensory processing, and overall feeding abilities.

Does my child need therapy?

Some kids may need feeding therapy for various reasons, as feeding difficulties can arise from a combination of factors. Early intervention is crucial in addressing feeding difficulties, as it can prevent potential nutritional and developmental issues and support the child's overall health and well-being. If parents or caregivers notice significant and persistent feeding challenges in a child, seeking the expertise of a feeding therapist or a healthcare professional with experience in pediatric feeding disorders can be beneficial.

How does OT help autism?

The therapy session will involve various therapeutic activities and exercises designed to address the child's feeding difficulties. These activities may focus on improving oral motor skills, sensory exploration of foods, acceptance of new textures, and reducing aversions. Children with sensory processing challenges may engage in activities to desensitize them to different food textures, tastes, or smells. Gradual exposure to new foods in a non-threatening manner may also be a part of the therapy. The therapist may incorporate oral motor exercises and techniques to strengthen and coordinate the muscles used in eating and swallowing. Play-based approaches are often used to make mealtimes more enjoyable and to encourage positive interactions with food.

Start the journey to bring about real, lasting change for you and your child

Speak With A Care Coordinator

Schedule Evaluation

Get Started with 1:1 Therapy

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Pediatric Feeding Therapy

Evidence-Based Approach to Feeding Therapy Backed by 30 years of Clinical Research

The SOS Approach to Feeding

Underlying factors may be impacting feeding

Testimonials & Reviews

Hear why parents choose Alta Pediatrics

KATIE S.

OLIVIA M.

JASON S.

Developing skills. Enriching Abilities. Improving Behavior

Why Do Parents Choose the SOS Method?

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

HOLISTIC APPROACH

ENCOURAGES EXPLORATION

NON-FORCEFUL AND GRADUAL

INCREASES FOOD REPERTOIRE

PROMOTES POSITIVE MEALTIME

Frequently Ask Questions

What is pediatric feeding therapy?

What can I expect during a feeding therapy evaluation?

Does my child need therapy?

How does OT help autism?

Start the journey to bring about real, lasting change for you and your child

Speak With A Care Coordinator

Schedule Evaluation

Get Started with 1:1 Therapy

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