Everything you need to know about pediatric occupational therapy

Occupational therapists play an important role in our communities as they work to enable patients to engage in the meaningful activities of daily life. They step in when a person’s ability to live independently is disrupted by illness or injury. With the goal of helping their patients lead more independent and active lives, occupational therapists will often specialize in a specific area – including mental health, geriatrics or pediatrics.

Many of these focus areas hone in on restoring the abilities of those who have lost capabilities they formerly possessed. This may be due to aging or as a result of a traumatic event, injury, addiction or mental illness. Pediatric occupational therapists, however, have a unique opportunity to work with children, ensuring they are provided with the best possible start during some of the most crucial developmental phases of their lives.

Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners provide support to infants, toddlers, children and youth, as well as to their families in a variety of settings. There’s much to learn about pediatric occupational therapy’s ins and outs. If you’re considering pursuing this fulfilling, respected and increasingly in-demand career path, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we explore the details of this coveted specialty, the numerous ways pediatric occupational therapy practitioners impact the lives of their clients and the most sought-after characteristics of those who thrive in this position.

Interested in becoming a pediatric occupational therapist? Explore the Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs at The College of St. Scholastica to start your journey in occupational therapy and pediatrics.

What does a pediatric occupational therapist do? Explore career details.

The children and youth focus area of occupational therapy centers on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into high-functioning, independent adults. The variables that may be hindering a child’s ability to progress normally will vary depending on the child, and it can at times be the duty of an occupational therapist to help determine the underlying causes of delayed social or cognitive development. They can then explore potential solutions and design a suitable therapy plan.

The skills of pediatric occupational therapy practitioners are viewed as critical, since the longer a child goes without mastering the skills required for success and independence, the more the problem can compound as they get older. Some of the general developmental areas they address include pediatric occupational therapists support children in developing:

• Cognitive skills
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills
• Self-care tasks
• Emotional regulation
• Social and communication skills

Occupational therapists practicing with children and youth will often incorporate play into their interventions to help motivate children. This tactic also helps to reduce potential anxiety they may experience through the process. This can involve games, puzzles, toys, songs and physical exercises. Through working with pediatric occupational therapists, children are not only enabled to develop critical skills, but they often also build upon their levels of confidence and self-esteem.

The typical work environment for occupational therapy practitioners specializing in children and youth can vary from hospitals and clinics to schools and community outreach programs. With a growing need for their specialized skills, employment of occupational therapists — regardless of specialty or focus area — is expected to grow 11% by 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than three times the national average for all occupations.

Becoming a pediatric occupational therapist

Becoming a pediatric occupational therapist involves a combination of education, clinical experience and licensure. While the path can vary slightly by state, there are several consistent requirements that aspiring professionals will need to meet.

Typically, students must complete an accredited master’s (MSOT) or doctoral (OTD) program in occupational therapy. These programs include hands-on clinical training, often with opportunities to work directly with pediatric populations. Graduates must also pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and meet any additional licensure requirements set by the state in which they plan to practice.

The entry-level degree for an occupational therapist today is a master’s degree. However, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has mandated that the entry-level degree for new occupational therapists will be the doctoral degree by 2027. Pediatric occupational therapists with earned bachelor’s or master’s degrees will be “grandfathered” under the new mandate. All occupational therapists are required to become licensed in the state(s) in which they are employed. In return for meeting these rigorous educational and professional standards, occupational therapists are well-compensated for their vital work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pediatric occupational therapy: The rewarding benefits

Pediatric occupational therapists have a unique opportunity to make an impact that will last the entirety of their young patients’ lives. They help instill skills that will allow children to grow into self-sufficient, successful adults. Consider the following ways occupational therapists help children and youth as an example of the services you could expect to provide with a career in pediatrics.

Autism

Children with autism commonly experience impairments with social interaction and communication. Many also live with restrictions relating to interests, activities and play. Occupational therapy can help children with autism function better in both home and school environments.

This requires a working knowledge of these children’s underlying sensory issues, as sensory processing issues can lead to some of the more obvious difficulties with social interaction and communication. In fact, it’s been estimated that 80% of children with autism have sensory processing problems.

Pediatric occupational therapists are trained to address sensory-processing issues and help equip parents to successfully manage their child’s behavioral struggles. While parents may already be aware of sensory triggers, occupational therapists can help clarify the role of sensory processing and provide caretakers with practical advice on how to address it.

Occupational therapists who work with children with autism typically do so through school environments, in and out-patient hospitals or private clinics. Therapy sessions can involve swings, interactive play and activities that require the child to problem-solve in order to participate in childhood occupations.

Literacy

A 2011 examination of literacy in nearly 4,000 students revealed that those who are not reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school before receiving a high school diploma than those who are proficient readers.

Pediatric occupational therapists can work alongside a team of education professionals to increase participation in reading and written communication. They do so by supporting individual students, groups of students, and even whole classrooms, as well as modifying activities and environments to make literacy skills more accessible. This includes building literacy skills by addressing things like play, language, attention, emotional regulation and other components that aid in successful performance.

With literacy, many occupational therapists may break the process into sections —­ such as visual processing, auditory processing and verbal reasoning — working with students bit by bit until their weaknesses are strengthened.

Mental health

Pediatric occupational therapists play an important role in identifying early signs of a mental health disorder. OTs provide services to children who are diagnosed with a range of mental health and behavioral disorders. They may also intervene with children who are likely to face additional challenges, including those whose families move frequently or those from families facing economic and social disadvantages.

After completing a client-centered assessment, occupational therapists can then seek to determine the factors that impact the child’s ability to meet the demands of the roles and activities that comprise their daily lives. Occupational therapists use interventions to promote social-emotional learning, regulate overactive or underactive sensory systems, collaborate with families and medical or educational personnel, and more. For example, practitioners can help the child incorporate some intermittent sensory and movement breaks into their days while training educators and parents to improve attention and decrease the impact of sensory overload.

Obesity

Occupational therapists can also play a valued role in addressing childhood obesity. Obesity can impact the physical, social and emotional health of affected children. They become at risk for developing conditions like asthma, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and limitations in physical play. It’s also true that negative social attitudes can lead to bullying and, at times, depression.

Pediatric occupational therapists are trained to perform necessary intervention in a number of environments, including schools, communities and homes. This can include addressing culturally appropriate healthy food preparation, enjoyable physical and social activities, and strategizing about decreasing negative stigmas for weight and bullying.

Occupational therapists can work alongside parents, teachers and nutritionists to provide the necessary education to enhance healthy lifestyles in all children and youth.

Do you have what it takes to thrive as a pediatric occupational therapist?

Pediatric occupational therapy offers a rewarding and impactful career path that allows practitioners to help children navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. From addressing developmental delays and mental health concerns to improving literacy, supporting social-emotional growth, and tackling obesity, pediatric occupational therapists are key players in shaping the future of their young clients. With a growing demand for these specialized skills, there has never been a better time to consider entering this field.

The College of St. Scholastica offers both an MSOT and OTD in occupational therapy, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on children’s lives. Ready to take the next step toward a fulfilling career? Start your OT journey today.