Occupational Therapy for Delayed Developmental Milestones

The majority of children achieve developmental milestones within the expected age. Unfortunately, some do not, and this affects their ability to function and perform tasks well. Occupational therapy for children aims to provide support to children with delayed milestones. 

Learn more about occupational therapy for children here: https://brain.com.sg/blog/occuptional-therapy-for-children/

The first two to three years of a child’s life are quite defining. These are the years when a parent hears his first words and sees him take his first steps. Besides the evident physical development, brain development takes place during this period. If anything, physical milestones depend on the brain’s development. 

Unfortunately, some children do not follow expected developmental patterns. Some have delayed or restricted development. When this happens, occupational therapy for children becomes necessary. 

Sensory processing

Some developmental delays occur because of sensory processing disorder. In this case, the brain fails to receive the right message from the sensory stimulation. In some cases, the response is false, or the interpretation comes in too late. This may cause a child to be clumsy or fail to respond in a way typical of all children. 

Unfortunately, this makes learning difficult. Parents also have a difficult time understanding why their child is struggling. Occupational therapy for children helps address some of these issues. In some cases, it helps children catch up with developmental delays, while in others, it helps them cope with their unique situation. 

Body awareness

By the time they join preschool, most children have an idea about some of their body parts, especially those that aid their senses. Unfortunately, some children fail to use some of their body parts because of poorly developed muscles. 

Occupation therapists look out for signs of poor coordination or neglected muscles. They then help the child to develop organization skills, fine and gross motor skills, as well as self-regulating skills. These skills will help children with poor hand-eye coordination, poor balance, and those who experience difficulty with self-care routines. 

Guide children to know their independence limitations

Children who show signs of developmental delays often do not know their limitations or even how far they can go to become independent. Occupational therapy for children helps them to achieve their potential and achieve milestones they thought beyond their reach. 

For example, children who have delayed speech may assume they cannot speak, but they may say a few words with a little push. Eventually, such children speak as well as those who spoke earlier. 

Children with disorders that are there to stay are still able to realize their potential through occupational therapy. For example, some children may not be able to speak, but they can learn how to communicate. Some may learn how to use sign language and gestures which caregivers can understand. 

Occupational therapy is essential for children who fail to achieve their developmental milestones. However, parents need to remember that children develop at different timelines. However, if the child takes too long to speak or walk, it is best to seek help. 

Some of the reasons behind the delay do not go away as the child gets older. So, waiting for the child to figure his way around is counterproductive. With the right support, children experiencing slow development can still achieve set developmental goals. 

AuthorYvonne Hernandez

Yvonne Hernandez is a 35-year-old CEO who enjoys recycling, podcasting and tennis. She is kind and creative, but can also be very lazy and a bit impatient.