Should You “Wait and See” on Developmental Milestones?

As a parent, it’s normal to feel concerned when you suspect your child is not reaching their age-appropriate developmental milestones. But every child develops at their own pace, which is why so many professionals encourage families to “wait and see.” And in many cases, children do catch up with time. So how do you know when you’ve waited long enough and it’s time to get extra support? After all, early intervention through pediatric therapy can make a big difference, giving your child the support they need to make progress sooner and build confidence along the way. That’s why it helps to know when it may be time to move past waiting and schedule an evaluation with a pediatric therapist. What Are Developmental Milestones? Developmental milestones are the typical age ranges when most children develop certain skills. Think of them as simple guideposts, not strict deadlines. The following are examples of milestones pediatric therapists may use: … Keep Reading…

How OT Helps Kids Handle Daily Self-Care Skills

https://youtu.be/L3i-dAkNPFk Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the essential self-care tasks we all do each day to maintain hygiene and independence. These include brushing our teeth and hair, getting dressed, using the bathroom, washing our hands, and bathing — basically, all the little routines that make up daily life. When children struggle to learn these skills, it can affect their ability to participate at home, in school, and in the community. My name is Jennifer Hatch, and I’m a pediatric occupational therapist at Fluens Children’s Therapy. In this article, I’ll explain how occupational therapy can help your child build independence, confidence, and success in daily self-care. Why Do Some Kids Have Difficulty with Self-Care Skills? There are many reasons a child might have difficulty with ADLs. Some of the most common include: Developmental delays: A child may not yet have reached the stage where certain fine motor or sequencing skills come naturally. Physical impairments: A … Keep Reading…