5 Types Of Occupational Therapy: What Parents Need To Know

When your child faces challenges with daily activities, learning, or coordination, understanding therapy options can feel overwhelming.

Learning about the types of occupational therapy available can help you feel more confident in choosing care that fits your child’s needs. Occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop skills that allow them to participate more fully in everyday life, from play and schoolwork to self-care routines at home.

The types of occupational therapy outlined below are commonly used with children and often work together as part of a comprehensive approach.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy is designed for children from infancy through adolescence. This approach focuses on skills needed for daily participation, including play, learning, and self-care. Therapists address fine motor development, attention, coordination, and problem-solving through activities that feel engaging and age-appropriate.

When a child struggles with tasks that peers complete more easily, pediatric occupational therapy addresses those challenges through structured and motivating sessions. Activities often include games, crafts, and movement-based tasks that encourage participation while building targeted skills.

Parents play an important role throughout this process. Therapists frequently share strategies that can be used at home so children can apply new skills during routines such as getting dressed, completing homework, or playing with siblings.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy focuses on how children process and respond to sensory input such as touch, sound, movement, and visual information. Some children feel overwhelmed by sensory input, while others actively seek it. These differences can influence behavior, focus, and participation in daily activities.

During sensory integration therapy, children engage in structured activities that involve movement, balance, and tactile experiences. These activities help children respond more comfortably to sensory input and improve their ability to stay engaged in tasks.

For parents, learning about sensory processing can bring clarity to behaviors that once felt confusing. Sensory integration therapy introduces tools and strategies that help children feel more regulated in their environments. This will lead to smoother transitions, improved focus, and more positive daily experiences.

Fine Motor Skills Therapy

Fine motor skills therapy targets the small muscles of the hands and fingers. These skills are essential for writing, cutting, buttoning, using utensils, and manipulating small objects. Children with fine motor difficulties may avoid precision-based tasks or feel frustrated during schoolwork, especially when activities require sustained hand control or accuracy.

Therapists use activities such as drawing, puzzles, building tasks, and hand-based games to improve strength, coordination, and control. Sessions may also include tasks that focus on grip, finger isolation, and hand-eye coordination. As these skills develop, children gain greater confidence when completing tasks independently and show improved endurance during tabletop activities.

Over time, families often notice improvements in classroom participation, self-care routines, and creative play. Simple fine motor activities practiced at home can reinforce progress and encourage skills to transfer into everyday life.

Gross Motor and Postural Control Therapy

Gross motor and postural control therapy addresses larger muscle groups that support balance, stability, and overall movement. Skills such as sitting upright, walking, running, and climbing rely on strong postural control and coordination.

Children who experience challenges in this area may tire easily, struggle with balance, or avoid physical activities. Occupational therapists use movement-based activities to improve strength, coordination, and body awareness in ways that feel approachable and motivating.

Improved gross motor and postural skills often influence other areas of development. Better posture and stability can help children focus during seated tasks, improve hand control, and participate more comfortably in play and school activities.

Daily Living Skills Therapy

Daily living skills therapy focuses on practical tasks children encounter every day. These tasks may include dressing, grooming, feeding, organizing belongings, and following routines. Developing these skills helps children gain independence and confidence in their abilities.

Therapists break tasks into smaller, achievable steps and practice them in structured settings. Children learn strategies that make daily routines feel more manageable and less frustrating. With repetition, these skills become part of everyday life.

For parents, this type of therapy often has a direct impact on home life. Supporting your child’s independence in daily tasks can reduce stress and create more positive interactions around routines such as mornings, meals, and bedtime.

Understanding the types of occupational therapy helps you make informed decisions about your child’s care. Each approach addresses different aspects of development, but they are often most effective when combined to meet your child’s unique needs.

Take the next step in your child’s development by exploring how Innovative Interventions delivers occupational therapy services through individualized, family-focused care that builds skills, confidence, and everyday independence.