OT stands for occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a health profession that helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them. In OT, these activities are called “occupations.”
For children, occupations include playing, getting dressed, eating, sleeping, learning at school and making friends. At Little Buddies, our occupational therapists work with children from birth through to age 18.
Why Is It Called “Occupational” Therapy?
When most people hear “occupation,” they think of a job. In OT, an occupation is anything a person does in their everyday life. These activities give us meaning and purpose, and they’re important for our health and well-being.
Children have many roles in their lives, just like adults. They might be a family member, a friend, a playmate and a student. A child’s main occupation is play!
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
Some children reach developmental milestones naturally, while others need extra support to build the same skills. Occupational therapists help children build skills in four main areas.
Self-Care
Does your child have a hard time with dressing, mealtimes or bedtime? OTs help children with everyday self-care like feeding, dressing, toileting, sleeping and hygiene.
School and Daycare
Is printing, drawing or cutting frustrating for your child? OTs help children take part in and enjoy school or daycare activities, including fine motor tasks like printing and drawing.
Play and Leisure
OTs support children in playing with friends, joining sports and activities, and exploring their own hobbies and interests.
Social Engagement
OTs help children connect with family and friends and build social skills in ways that feel natural to them.
OTs are also specialists in sensory processing and motor skills. Learn more about our sensory integration therapy and DIR Floortime® approaches.
How Occupational Therapy Works at Little Buddies
Since play is a child’s main occupation, our OTs use play as the medium to engage, build relationships and develop your child’s skills. Our approach is relationship-based and family-centred, and goals are set together with your family.
Therapy starts with an OT assessment so we can get to know your child’s strengths and needs. From there, your OT will create a treatment plan that fits your child. Learn more about our occupational therapy for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OT stand for?
OT stands for occupational therapy, or occupational therapist.
What’s the difference between OT and speech therapy?
OTs focus on everyday skills like self-care, play, motor skills and sensory processing. Speech-language pathologists focus on communication. Many children see both. Learn more in What Is SLP?
What’s the difference between OT and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists mainly focus on movement, like strength, balance and walking. OTs focus on the everyday activities a child needs and wants to do, like dressing, printing, playing and managing sensory experiences.