Occupational therapists and
occupational therapy assistants
provide services to infants and toddlers
birth to 3 years of age who have or are at
risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Occupational
therapy practitioners, as part of the multidisciplinary
team, provide services to young children and their
families in a variety of settings, including hospitals, early
intervention programs, private clinics, child care settings,
schools, and at home.
Occupational therapy is concerned with
a child's ability to participate in daily life activities or
"occupations." Occupational therapists and occupational
therapy assistants use their unique expertise to help
children with social-emotional, physical, cognitive,
communication, and adaptive behavior challenges.
Through an understanding of the impact of disability,
illness, and impairment on a child's development, play,
ability to learn new skills, and overall occupational
performance, occupational therapists design interventions
that promote healthy development, establish needed skills,
and/or modify environments, all in support of
participation in daily activities.
Occupational therapy practitioners also play a key role in
educating parents, caregivers and program staff about
child development, and they provide information about
disability and diverse learning needs.
