Does occupational therapy help with speech delay?

Yes. OT supports sensory regulation, attention, and motor planning, which helps improve speech and communication.

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?

Common signs include delayed milestones, sensory issues, poor coordination, difficulty with writing, behavioural challenges, and trouble with self-care tasks.

Can occupational therapy help with behaviour issues?

Yes. OT helps children regulate sensory input and emotions, reducing meltdowns and improving behaviour.

How do I know if my child needs evaluation?

If you notice delays in speech, social skills, behaviour, learning, motor skills, or if your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones, an evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps identify developmental needs and ensures timely intervention.

Do you provide therapy services to very young children?

Yes. Pranaah Child Development Centre provides early intervention and therapy services for infants and toddlers. Early support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

What should I do if I do not know which therapy is most appropriate for my child?

A comprehensive assessment is the best way to determine which therapy your child needs. At Pranaah, specialists evaluate your child's strengths and developmental challenges and recommend the right intervention plan.

Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to understand a child's developmental, cognitive, behavioural, speech, and motor abilities. It helps identify concerns and guides the therapy plan.

How long does an assessment take?

Most assessments take 45–90 minutes depending on the child's age, cooperation, and the type of testing required. In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed.

What do I need to bring for the evaluation of my child?

Parents are advised to bring the child's medical history, previous reports, school feedback, birth details, and any relevant documents. This helps specialists make an accurate developmental profile.

Can I bring other children to the assessment session?

For best results, it is recommended to attend the session with only the child being assessed. A quiet, distraction-free environment helps the therapist conduct accurate evaluations.

Should both parents attend the assessment session?

Yes, if possible. Both parents attending helps provide complete background information and ensures that everyone clearly understands the findings and recommendations.

Do I get a report after assessment, and can I submit it to my child’s school?

Yes. After the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This report can be submitted to your child’s school, paediatrician, or other professionals for support and academic planning.

How long is the assessment report valid?

Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on how quickly your child progresses. However, if there are major concerns or rapid developmental changes, an updated evaluation may be needed sooner.

Will the therapist discuss findings with parents after the assessment?

Yes. After the assessment, the therapist will explain the findings, discuss your child's strengths and needs, and recommend the best intervention or therapy plan.

What Is the Role of Occupational Therapy in Child Development?

Q: What age should a child start occupational therapy?

Occupational Therapy can begin as early as infancy. Early support improves developmental outcomes significantly.

Q: Does OT help children with autism or ADHD?

Yes. Occupational Therapy is essential for children with autism and ADHD, supporting sensory balance, focus, coordination, and daily living skills.

Q: Who provides OT at Pranaah CDC?

OT is provided by a trained team of Occupational Therapists under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist.

Team Pranaah
53 minutes ago
3 min read

What Is the Role of Occupational Therapy in Child Development?

A Parent’s Guide by Pranaah Child Development Centre, Kollam

Under the leadership of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist, and the Occupational Therapy Team at Pranaah CDC

Every parent wants their child to learn, grow, and achieve milestones confidently. But some children need a little extra support — especially in the areas of movement, behaviour, sensory processing, learning, and daily routines.

At Pranaah Child Development Centre, parents often ask us:

“What does an occupational therapist actually do for children?”
“How does OT help with learning and behaviour?”
“Why is OT recommended for speech delay, autism, ADHD, or handwriting problems?”

This article will explain the essential role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in child development — and how it can positively transform your child’s skills, independence, and confidence.

Occupational Therapy in Child Development

⭐ What Is Occupational Therapy for Children?

Occupational Therapy helps children develop the skills they need for everyday life — their “occupations,” such as:

Playing
Learning
Eating
Dressing
Social interaction
Writing and school tasks
Sensory exploration
Emotional regulation

At Pranaah CDC, OT services are led under the expert guidance of Dr. Devi Raj, Licensed Early Interventionist, and delivered by a skilled team of Occupational Therapists trained in child development and sensory integration.

⭐ How Does Occupational Therapy Support Child Development?

Here are the core ways OT helps children thrive:

1️⃣ Develops Sensory Processing Skills

Many children struggle with sensory issues like:

Sensitivity to sound or touch
Avoiding textures
Seeking movement (jumping, running constantly)
Difficulty sitting still
Getting overwhelmed easily

OT helps regulate their sensory system so they can:

✔ Stay calm✔ Pay attention✔ Tolerate different sensations✔ Engage better in learning and play

2️⃣ Supports Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are needed for:

Holding a pencil
Buttoning clothes
Picking up small objects
Drawing and writing

Occupational therapists help strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and develop the skills needed for school success.

3️⃣ Improves Gross Motor Skills & Coordination

Children who struggle with:

Balance
Posture
Climbing
Jumping
Core strength

benefit from OT activities that build body strength and coordination.

4️⃣ Enhances Early Learning & School Readiness

OT helps children improve:

Attention span
Sitting tolerance
Task completion
Visual perception
Memory
Readiness for reading/writing

This is especially important for children with ADHD, learning difficulties, or slow academic progress.

5️⃣ Builds Social & Emotional Skills

Occupational therapy teaches children:

Emotional regulation
Coping strategies
Turn-taking
Sharing
Understanding others
Building friendships

These skills support development both at home and school.

6️⃣ Encourages Independence in Daily Activities

OT helps children learn:

Eating independently
Dressing
Brushing teeth
Using the toilet
Managing routines
Organising school materials

Independence boosts confidence and reduces family stress.

7️⃣ Supports Children With Developmental Delays

Occupational therapy is highly effective for children with:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy
Sensory Processing Disorder
Behavioural Challenges
Learning Disabilities
Writing Difficulties (Dysgraphia)

The Pranaah OT team creates customised plans for each child.

⭐ What OT Looks Like at Pranaah CDC

Under Dr. Devi Raj’s leadership, Occupational Therapy includes:

Sensory integration therapy
Play-based activities
Motor planning exercises
Handwriting improvement programs
Behaviour and attention training
Strength and balance activities
Parent coaching
Home therapy plans
Child-friendly therapy rooms with swings, sensory toys, and fine motor tools

Therapy is fun, engaging, and designed to help children learn through movement and play.

⭐ Why Occupational Therapy Matters in Child Development

Because OT helps children:

✔ Focus better✔ Learn faster✔ Control emotions✔ Build relationships✔ Improve coordination✔ Communicate more effectively✔ Become more independent✔ Succeed in school

OT is not just therapy — it builds the foundation for lifelong learning and confidence.

📞 Concerned About Your Child’s Development? We’re Here to Help.

Pranaah Child Development Centre – Kollam, Kerala Holistic developmental care under the guidance of Dr. Devi Raj and a skilled team of Occupational Therapists.