A Guide to Help With Daily Living Skills including Sensory Challenges:
As a pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT), one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping children gain independence in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—the everyday tasks we call self-care skills. These aren't just chores; they're the building blocks for confidence, self-esteem, and a successful future!
As a pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT), I often see that difficulties with self-care skills—the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—are not just about poor coordination. For many children, the root of the struggle lies in sensory processing. Tasks like teeth brushing, hair combing, or managing sticky foods can be overwhelming, painful, or confusing due to sensitivities to touch, sound, smell, or movement.
🧩 7 Signs It’s Time for an Occupational Therapy Evaluation
As parents, we all want our children to feel confident, capable, and happy in their everyday routines — whether that’s getting dressed, writing their name, or making friends on the playground. But sometimes, certain skills don’t come as easily as we expect. That’s where occupational therapy (OT) can help.
Bedtime Strategies To Help My Child Wind Down
If you're a parent of a child who receives pediatric occupational therapy, chances are you've seen how sensory needs, emotional regulation challenges, or developmental differences can affect your child’s sleep. Bedtime can become a battleground—or a never-ending routine of delays, restlessness, and midnight wake-ups. The good news? There are strategies that can help. Occupational therapy often addresses not only daytime functioning but also nighttime routines, because sleep is foundational to your child's development, behavior, and overall well-being.
Here are some OT strategies you can try to help your child wind down and stay asleep: