Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of treatment that helps kids build the skills they need to do everyday activities. This may include getting dressed, feeding themselves, writing, playing or moving through their environment. It supports independence by focusing on how a child’s body, brain and environment work together.

Therapy sessions might focus on:

• Improving fine motor skills
• Independence with self-care
• Helping your child feel more comfortable with sensory input like sound, touch or movement
• School readiness, handwriting and attention skills

At Children’s Wisconsin, our OTs work with kids who have physical, emotional, sensory or cognitive challenges. We help kids return to daily routines after an illness or injury. We also help support kids with long-term health issues reach their full potential.

Our OTs collaborate closely with care teams from:

• Sports medicine
• Orthopedics
• Neurosciences
• Primary care
• Physical medicine and rehab

OT may take place in the hospital or one of our clinics. The goals of your child, your family and your child’s doctors dictate the makeup of your child’s OT sessions.

Care plans may include:

• Daily living skill support: Activities to help with feeding, dressing, grooming, bathing and toileting
• Fine motor development: Exercises to improve small, precise movements like handwriting or using utensils
• Neurodevelopmental techniques: Hands-on methods to support muscle control and movement patterns
• Play-based therapy: Activities designed to help your child grow and learn in a natural, engaging way
• Custom splinting and casting: To protect, position and improve how your child uses their arms or legs
• Support with medical equipment: Guidance and fitting for wheelchairs, orthotics and other tools

Children’s Wisconsin OTs also have expertise in:

• Concussion and brain injury recovery: Helping kids return to school and activities safely
• Hand therapy and orthotics: Making custom supports for finger, hand and elbow injuries
• Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT): Supporting movement and coordination in kids with neurological conditions
• Lymphedema management: Teaching wrapping, compression, exercise and lifestyle strategies
• Constraint-induced therapy: Improving use of a weaker arm or hand through focused activity
• Go Baby Go mobility program: Custom ride-on toys that help young kids with delays explore and move on their own

If your child is struggling with daily tasks like using their hands, getting dressed or staying focused, you might wonder if OT can help. We’re here to support your child’s independence — and your peace of mind.

Why see a pediatric OT?

A pediatric OT helps your child build the skills they need to do everyday tasks. This can help them at home, at school and in the community. If your child has trouble with things like holding utensils, brushing their teeth, writing, using both hands together or staying focused during activities, OT can help.

What kinds of conditions do you treat?

Our OTs support kids with a wide range of needs.

These include:

• Developmental delays
• Neurological conditions
• Sensory challenges
• Injuries

We often work with kids who have:

• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Autism
• Brain injuries
• Feeding difficulties
• Hand and arm injuries

We also help kids recover after surgery or medical treatments. We help them return to daily routines with confidence and independence.

How is OT different from physical therapy?

While physical therapy helps kids build strength and movement, OT focuses more on daily activities and fine motor skills. Many kids benefit from both therapies, and our teams work closely together.

When your child starts OT with us, we take time to get to know them. We observe how they move, play and complete daily tasks. We talk with you about your goals and concerns, then tailor a plan to help them build skills for everyday life.

We designed our OT spaces just for kids and teens. We’ve filled the bright, welcoming areas with colorful tools, toys and equipment that make therapy feel like play. We use fun, hands-on activities to help your child practice real-life tasks like writing, feeding, dressing and using both hands together.

You’ll be part of the process every step of the way. We’ll give you tips and tools you can use at home to support your child’s progress. Whether your child needs short-term support or ongoing therapy, we’ll work with you to help them grow, gain confidence and reach their goals.