IF you love working with kids but teaching isn’t your thing, there are plenty of great career options that allow you to make a difference in children’s lives without standing in front of a classroom. We’ve even got a quiz below to help you explore some specialties you might consider. But first, let’s explore some fantastic jobs related to occupational therapy (OT) that focus on helping kids thrive.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practitioners
A pediatric occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) works with children facing developmental, sensory, or physical challenges. They assess, plan, and implement therapy programs to help kids improve their daily lives.
Pediatric OTPs work with children from birth to age 18 addressing various developmental, physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Some conditions or challenges they work closely with are:
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- ADHD
- Handwriting
- Physical disabilities
- Sensory processing disorders
- Injuries
- Mental health
- Emotional/Behaviour differences
How Can OTPs Help Kids?
OTPs use a variety of evidence-based interventions to help kids develop the skills they need to succeed in school, at home, and in the community. They assist children with:
- Fine Motor Skills: Activities involving hand-eye coordination, grasping, handwriting, and dexterity.
- Sensory Processing: Helping children who may be oversensitive or undersensitive to sensory input (touch, sound, taste, etc.).
- Self-Care Skills: Assisting in activities of daily living such as dressing, feeding, grooming, and toileting.
- Social Skills: Encouraging interaction, communication, and fostering socialization skills.
- Play Skills: Supporting imaginative and functional play to enhance cognitive and emotional development.
- Behavioral Challenges: Addressing behaviors that may hinder learning or social interaction.
Why Choose Pediatric OT?
Pediatric OT is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. OTPs are in high demand, and there are many different job settings to choose from, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
Where Do Pediatric OTPs Work?
- Schools: collaborate with educators to assist children who require support with motor skills, sensory processing, or other development needs
- Hospitals: working in pediatric or NICU units, addressing needs of children with acute or chronic conditions.
- Clinics/Centers: Private practices or outpatient clinics where they address a variety of challenges, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and sensory processing disorders.
- Early Intervention Programs: working with infants and toddlers in their homes or community settings to address development delays.
- Rehabilitation Centers: assisting children recovering from injuries or surgeries to regain their abilities
- Home Health Care: providing therapy in the child’s home
- Community Programs: involvement in community-based organizations that cater to children with development needs or disabilities.
Specialties in Pediatric OT
Sensory Integration Therapist
helps children process sensory information and improve sensory responses.
Feeding Specialist
Assists children with eating and swallowing difficulties. They help kids develop healthy eating habits.
Handwriting Specialist
Works with children to enhance fine motor skills and improve handwriting which helps them in school.
Nature Therapy Guide
Incorporates the healing power of nature into pediatric therapy sessions.
Hippotherapy Specialist
Uses horseback riding as a therapeutic tool to address physical, emotional, and sensory challenges in children.
Aquatic Therapist
Uses swim therapy to help children build strength, improve coordination, and gain confidence in the water.
Interested in learning about how to become a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner?
