What Are the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Milestones to Expect?
Pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect are small but important tasks that show how a child is growing. These tasks are using hands, fingers and feed/bath self. Children do reach these skills at different ages.These milestones are not about the huge steps like walking.
Those fall under pediatric physical therapy. Occupational therapy is less about the big steps that will enable the kids to be independent in doing their daily activities.If a child is not reaching these milestones on schedule it may be a sign of delay.
This may require support through developmental delay occupational therapy to help them catch up.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Milestones to Expect at Different Ages
Infant Beginnings: Milestones by 3 Months
- Reaches toward mouth using hands in an attempt to explore and soothe self
- Tracks colorful or moving toys using eyes
- Closes and opens fists as it is stimulated or excited
Children begin to experiment with body and space. Such minor motions evidence the brain-body contact.
Building Coordination: Milestones by 6 Months
- Shaking a toy in both hands
- Passing of an object in one hand to another hand without dropping it
- The child can play more by pushing with arms on the stomach, which is referred to as tummy time.
The hand strength and balance increase now. These are the foundations of sitting up and playing on the floor.
Finger Skills & Feeding: Milestones by 10 Months
- Babies have learned how to raise their hands with pincer grasp to hold tiny items such as cereal.
- They wave their good-bye and clap when they are excited or happy.
- They also jump up and down when sitting to indicate happiness.
When such actions are observed, one can be sure that children learn some early skills like feeding themselves and pointing.
Early Independence: Milestones by 12 Months
- Remove fingers and fingers of children’s socks or mittens.
- Stack blocks by putting one on the top of another.
- Use fingers to indicate what you desire or need to grab attention.
There is cooperation of the hands and the eyes. This is indicative of increasing independence.
Toddler Tasks: Milestones by 24 Months (2 Years)
- Use a spoon and feed yourself gently without creating a mess.
- When going through a book, turn one page after the other.
- Take at least four blocks and create a tower.
It is at this age when you begin to imitate adults.Now you can assist yourself.
Skill Growth & Problem Solving: Milestones by 36 Months (3 Years)
- It is easier now to pull pants and shirts with some help.
- It is no longer difficult to open jar lids and bottle tops.
- Children are allowed to trace lines independently on paper.
These are skills in thinking and control of hands which are coming together.Kids attempt to do more things independently.
Ready to Learn: Milestones by 4 Years
- Dresses on their own entirely including shoes.
- Uses kids-safe scissors to cut straight or wavy
- I want to draw things with heads, arms and legs visible.
This is a big fine motor skill. Playing and home-schooling becomes simpler.
School-Ready Skills: Milestones by 5 Years
Now your child is able to:
- lace shoelaces when you are through demonstrating them.
- trace or write simple letters e.g. A, B, and C.
- hold a small item with a fork and knife, and consume mushy foods without wastage.
Such abilities imply that your child is prepared for school activities. In case some of them are lacking, request an occupational therapist to view what can be useful.
Signs Your Child May Need pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect
Sometimes delays happen. Here are some signs your child may need support with pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect:
- Trouble holding toys, spoons, or pencils
- Avoids dressing or messy play
- Doesn’t use both hands equally
- Gets frustrated with simple tasks
- Lags behind peers in motor skills
If these show up, it might be time for a detailed evaluation.
Common Causes of Missed Occupational Milestones
Missing pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect can happen for many reasons:
- Premature birth
- Developmental disorders like autism
- Sensory processing issues
- Genetic or neurological conditions
- Weak core or muscle tone
One key reason could also be undiagnosed
Types of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
There are numerous means through which therapists assist children to attain their milestones in pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect.
- Play Based Therapy
Toys and games make them build their own hand and body skills in a non-stressful manner.
- Sensory Integration Therapy
This assists children that are either undersensitive or hypersensitive to sounds, touches or motions.
- Training about the fine motor skills
It develops muscle on writing, cutting, and dressing of the hands and fingers.
- self-Care Skills Coaching
Shows children ways of dressing, eating and cleaning themselves step by step.
In some cases, pediatric physical therapy for plagiocephaly may also be recommended if head shape or posture affects development.
Treatment Plan: How Therapy Works
pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect a full therapy plan includes:
- Assessment: Tests and play to check current skills
- Goal setting: Age-based and need-based
- Activities: Daily home tasks and clinic play
- Progress checks: Every few weeks
Therapy may be weekly or monthly based on the child’s needs.
Activities to Do at Home to Support Milestones
These five steps are easy and can be used by the parents to make children become better every day:
- Feed children on their own
- Teach them to zip and button up
- Provide them with building blocks and jigsaws
- Put in shape sketches and scribbles
- Sing with finger movement
These training habits develop good skills!
When to See a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
If your child is not showing signs of meeting the pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect, trust your gut. Early help is better than waiting.Request a referral with your doctor. It is also possible to find therapists in your area. Don t wait when something does not feel right.It is alright to seek assistance even when it is merely a minor concern. You are the best advocate of your child.
What to Do If Your Child Is Falling Behind on Milestones
If your child is not showing signs of meeting the pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect, trust your gut. It is always early assistance rather than waiting.Request your physician to send you a referral. Or find therapists nearby. Wait not when something does not feel right.However, whether a problem is big or small, it is not shameful to seek assistance. You are the best advocate to your child.
Encouragement for Parents Watching Pediatric Occupational Therapy Milestones to Expect
No child can learn at the same level. Others require some additional help so that they can achieve their milestones.It is wonderful to see your kid develop. Yet when they require assistance, pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect provide a guideline to get them to the mark.Seek indications. Act early. And, do not be shy about asking for assistance. It is a huge difference.
Steps to Take If Your Child Seems Behind in Their Milestones
In case your child does not indicate that they reach any of the pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect, go by your feeling. It is better to help early instead of waiting.
Refer and seek advice regarding the doctor. Or find therapists in your area. Do not hesitate when something does not feel right.It is okay to ask help even when it is a little concern. When speaking on behalf of your child, you are the best advocate of your child.
Supporting Your Child Through Every Milestone
All children do not always learn the same way and at the same pace. There are those who require additional aid in development.It is delightful to see your kid develop. However, when they require assistance, the existence of pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect ensures a guide to push them to this direction.
Signs to look out for. Act early. And do not be afraid to ask for help. It is a huge difference.
Final Thoughts on Pediatric Occupational Therapy Milestones to Expect
All children have their pace of learning. Others require additional assistance in achieving developmental stages.It is a happy experience to watch your child develop but when he or she is in need, the pediatric occupational therapy milestones to expect chart will give you a clear picture on the way to get them there.Be aware and alert and get help early enough, and you should not be scared. This early intervention counts a lot.
FAQs About Pediatric Occupational Therapy Milestones to Expect
1-How do you tell that there are pediatric milestone delays?
Examples of delays are not being able to have good control of their hands, avoiding activities, or performing more slowly than other kids.
2-My child is at what age supposed to grasp a spoon?
Normally between the age of 18 to 24 months. Otherwise an occupational examination can be of assistance.
3-Are physical therapies and pediatric occupational therapies interchangeable?
No. Physical therapy is a big movement. OT is beneficial to small activities.
4-Is it possible to use occupational therapy in school work?
Yes. It assists with writing, attention, sitting, rules in the classroom and classroom materials.
5-What happens in case my child cannot write?
They can require occupational therapy to train their fine motor skills.
6-How long does the therapy process take before seeing progress?
Other children become better in several months. Others might take a longer time. All children are unique.
7-Developmental delay occupational therapy What is developmental delay occupational therapy?
It helps those children lagging behind in age in their skills. The therapy makes them come up to speed.
8-Will therapy be enjoyable to children?
Yes! Play makes learning fun and simple among therapists.
9-What is physical therapy for children with plagiocephaly?
It also assists the babies that have the flattened head form to become strong and acquire a better posture.
10-Is it possible to assist my child even at home?
Yes! Everyday activities such as dressing and play contribute towards the development of skills along with therapy.