Occupational Therapy

1. Sensory Processing & Regulation

• Overreacts to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or movement.

• Avoids messy play, certain clothing, or grooming activities.

• Constantly seeks movement, crashing, jumping, or deep pressure.

• Has difficulty regulating emotions or recovering from overstimulation.

• Becomes overwhelmed in busy environments.

• Demonstrates sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding behaviors.

​

• 2. Motor Development & Coordination

• Difficulty with balance, coordination, or body awareness.

• Toe walking or unusual movement patterns.

• Difficulty crossing midline.

• Challenges with bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body together).

• Poor motor planning or difficulty learning new movements.

• Appears clumsy or frequently bumps into things.

• Delayed fine motor skills, handwriting, or scissor skills.

​

• 3. Primitive Reflex Integration

• Retained primitive reflex patterns that may interfere with functional movement.

• Difficulty with postural control and core stability.

• Challenges with coordination and balance.

• Difficulty maintaining attention during seated activities.

• Increased sensitivity to sensory input.

• Difficulty with transitions or adapting to changes.

• Reflex-related findings should be considered alongside functional performance and not assumed to be the cause of a child's difficulties.

​

• 4. Emotional Regulation & Behavior

• Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts.

• Difficulty transitioning between activities.

• Low frustration tolerance.

• Difficulty managing unexpected changes.

• Impulsive behaviors or difficulty with self-control.

• Difficulty identifying and communicating emotions.

• Becomes easily overwhelmed by everyday demands.

​

• 5. Infant & Early Childhood Concerns

• Head preference or limited neck movement.

• Flat spots on the head (positional plagiocephaly).

• Torticollis.

• Delayed tummy time progression.

• Difficulty developing symmetrical movement.

• Prematurity-related developmental concerns.

• Delayed crawling, pulling to stand, or walking.

​

• 6. Visual & Auditory Processing

• Easily distracted by visual surroundings.

• Difficulty tracking moving objects.

• Challenges with visual-motor integration.

• Difficulty copying shapes, letters, or designs.

• Overwhelmed by background noise.

• Difficulty filtering out environmental distractions.

​

• 7. Posture, Core Strength & Body Awareness

• Slouches or has difficulty maintaining an upright posture.

• Tires easily during seated activities.

• Leans on furniture or other people for support.

• Difficulty understanding where their body is in space.

• Uses excessive force when playing or handling objects.

• Has difficulty grading movements and controlling body strength.

​

• 8. Executive Function & Developmental Readiness

• Difficulty following multi-step directions.

• Challenges with planning and organizing tasks.

• Difficulty initiating or completing activities independently.

• Struggles with attention and task persistence.

• Difficulty sequencing steps during daily routines.

• Challenges with preschool or school readiness.

​

• 9. Activities of Daily Living & Independence

• Difficulty dressing or managing fasteners.

• Challenges with toothbrushing, bathing, or grooming.

• Difficulty with toileting routines.

• Needs significant assistance with age-appropriate self-care.

• Difficulty establishing consistent sleep or morning routines.

​

• 10. Whole-Child Development & Wellness

• Difficulty finding a balance between activity and rest.

• Challenges with sleep routines and settling.

• Limited opportunities for movement and sensory exploration.

• Difficulty participating in age-appropriate play.

• Challenges with social participation and interactive play.

• Parents want a better understanding of how their child's developmental systems work together.