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5 Signs Your Child Might Need Occupational Therapy

By Author Devante

Occupational therapy can help children develop the abilities and skills necessary for participation in daily life activities.

For some children to gain independence and reach all of their developmental milestones, they may need a paediatric occupational therapist.

This can especially be the case for children who aren’t displaying an ability to excel on their own.  

As loving parents, it may be difficult to tell when our children may need an occupational therapist.

We just want them to play and learn so they can be fine contributors to society.

If you think your child may need help with occupational therapy offered through the NDIS, keep reading to find out the signs your they may be giving you. 

5 Signs Your Child Might Need Occupational Therapy

You May Benefit from a NDIS Occupational Therapist if Your Child Has:

  1. Delayed Age-Appropriate Developmental Milestone Achievement: Age-appropriate milestones that aren’t being met can look like a 1-year-old who isn’t crawling or a 2-year-old who isn’t walking. 
  1. Issues with Sensory Processing: This can look like a child who has a tendency to panic when presented with sounds, smells, tastes, or textural stimuli. 
  1. Difficulty Displaying Fine Motor Skills: Fine motor skills include being able to show strength and accuracy using the muscles in their hand. This includes grasping, drawing, or brushing their teeth.
  1. Difficulty Displaying Gross Motor Skills: Gross motor skills are broader use of the muscles in the upper body. This includes the ability to walk, run, throw, lift, or kick.
  1. Trouble with Self-Calming Techniques: Self-calming is the ability to calm oneself, either by deep breathing or by turning a gaze to something peaceful. This can look like a child who is not able to decompress after a stressful situation.

Do You Need a NDIS Occupational Therapist?

Babies born with autism or birth defects, and children who develop learning or behavioural problems may be great candidates for occupational therapy.

Luckily, occupational therapy is within the areas of support that the NDIS can offer. 

Don’t hesitate to seek occupational therapy NDIS for your child if you believe they could benefit from a little extra assistance.