All Things Pediatric OT

Age: Birth to 3 years

Setting: In the child’s home, daycare, or community

Focus: Developmental delays, feeding, sensory regulation, motor skills, and family education

Key Points: Services are often delivered through state-funded programs under Part C of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Age: 3–21 years (Preschool to High School)

Setting: Public or private schools

Focus: Supporting participation in school tasks — handwriting, self-regulation, executive functioning, classroom behavior, sensory processing, self-care at school (e.g., zipping, eating)

Key Points: Services are educationally relevant and governed by IDEA Part B and 504 plans.

Age: Infants through adolescents

Setting: Pediatric therapy centers or hospitals

Focus: Addressing fine/gross motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, ADLs (activities of daily living), and handwriting

Key Points: Often more intensive and individualized; may use sensory gyms and specialized equipment.

Age: Infants to teens (including NICU and PICU)

Setting: Children’s hospitals, general hospitals, rehabilitation units

Focus: Recovery from illness, injury, or surgery; promoting function and safety; splinting; ADL training

Key Points: Fast-paced, medically complex; NICU OTs often work on feeding, positioning, and sensory development.

Age: Varies — often 3+

Setting: Rehab hospitals or units

Focus: Recovery from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or significant developmental delay

Key Points: Longer-term stay; intensive therapy (often interdisciplinary).

Age: Infants to adolescents

Setting: In the child’s home

Focus: ADLs, motor and sensory development, caregiver training

Key Points: Can be similar to early intervention but includes older children with chronic conditions or disabilities.