What is Occupational Therapy?
If you're a parent or caregiver, you've likely heard the term "Occupational Therapy" at some point. But what exactly does it mean, and how can it support your child’s development? Here at Speech & Beyond Pediatric Therapy in Jenks, OK, we offer occupational therapy services designed to help children thrive. If you're in Jenks, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or Bixby, understanding occupational therapy could be the key to helping your child overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping individuals gain the skills necessary to participate in everyday activities, also known as "occupations." For children, these activities might include playing, learning, self-care (like brushing teeth or getting dressed), and socializing with peers. At its core, pediatric occupational therapy aims to equip children with the physical, cognitive, and social skills they need to succeed and enjoy a fulfilling life.
A pediatric occupational therapist assesses a child’s development and offers tailored interventions to support areas where delays or challenges are present.
Key Areas Occupational Therapy Can Address:
Fine Motor Skills: Developing hand-eye coordination for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or using utensils.
Gross Motor Skills: Improving large muscle movements to aid with sitting, crawling, climbing, or jumping.
Sensory Processing: Helping kids who may react too strongly (or not strongly enough) to sensory input like loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures.
Social Skills: Building confidence and teaching strategies to interact with others effectively.
Self-Care Independence: Assisting children in mastering daily living activities like tying their shoes, bathing, and eating.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Kids
Occupational therapy offers a variety of benefits for children struggling in certain developmental areas, including:
Building confidence in their ability to complete everyday tasks.
Enhancing independence, so they can engage with their environment without frustration.
Encouraging participation in school, play, and social activities.
Improving coordination, balance, and strength, which are critical for physical and academic activities.
Supporting emotional development by helping them process and manage their feelings more effectively.
Through individualized plans and age-appropriate strategies, occupational therapy can empower a child to overcome challenges that may be holding them back.
How We Approach Occupational Therapy at Speech & Beyond
Here at Speech & Beyond Pediatric Therapy, our approach is rooted in creating a supportive, child-focused environment. Therapy sessions often look like play but carry essential therapeutic goals behind every activity. We know that children learn best when they’re happy and engaged, so we prioritize making each session fun and productive.
Why Choose Us in Jenks, OK?
Expert Curation: Our occupational therapists are skilled in developing tailored interventions that address your child’s specific needs.
Comprehensive Services: Alongside occupational therapy, we provide speech therapy, physical therapy, nutrition therapy, and more, all in one location.
Community Focus: We’re proud to serve families in Jenks, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and Bixby, creating a supportive network for children and their caregivers.
State-of-the-Art Facility: Our 6,000-square-foot clinic is thoughtfully designed to provide the best experience in pediatric therapy.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Occupational Therapy?
You may be wondering if occupational therapy can help your child. If your child is struggling with any of the following, they may benefit from OT:
Difficulty holding a pencil or using scissors.
Challenges with dressing, tying shoes, or using utensils.
Trouble maintaining balance or coordination.
Avoidance of certain textures, sounds, or sensory experiences.
Difficulty focusing or staying organized in school.
Occupational therapy can make a significant difference in addressing these challenges and helping your child reach important developmental milestones.
Join a Community That Helps Children Thrive
At Speech & Beyond Pediatric Therapy, we’re passionate about providing the tools your child needs to grow and succeed. Don’t wait to explore growth opportunities. We’d love to help support you and your child on this important journey.
If you’re in Jenks, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby or surrounding cities and feel that occupational therapy may be right for your child, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our therapists.
Together, we can help your child thrive. Visit our Occupational Therapy page to learn more and get started!