Occupational Therapy

The primary occupations of infants, toddlers, and young children are playing, learning, and interacting with caregivers and, eventually, their peers. Occupational therapy interventions address developmental milestones such as (but not limited to), facilitating movement to sit, crawl, or walk independently; learning to pay attention and follow simple instructions; developing the ability to eat, drink, wash, and dress independently; learning to cope with disappointment or failure; reducing extraneous environmental stimuli (Sensory Processing Deficits), such as noise for a child who is easily distracted. As well as address turn taking skills, sharing and playing with peers; using toys and materials in both traditional and creative ways; and participating in age appropriate daily routines.  Referenced from AOTA.org  

2-3 Months

• Lifts head while in prone (lying on tummy)
• Opens and closes hands
• Follows a toy with eyes from side to side
• Brings hands together toward middle of body
• Attempts to reach for a toy
• Grasps a small toy placed in hand
  

4-6 Months

• Rolls belly to back (both to right and left sides)
• Hits at dangling toys with hands
• Lifts head while in prone (lying on tummy)
• Raises entire chest when on stomach and bears weight on hands
• Rolls back to belly (both to right and left sides)

6 Months

• Begins to sit using hands for support
• Transfers toys from hand to hand
• Reaches with increased control for a toy
• Shakes and bangs toys

7-9 Months

• Sustained sitting without using their arms for support
• Crawls on hands and knees with stomach off the floor (9 months)
• Feeds self finger foods (8 months+)
• Moves into sitting position independently
• Explores objects with hands and mouth

9 Months

• Sits well to play
• Imitates simple play such as “peek a boo”
• Pulls self up to stand using furniture

1 Year

• Pulls off socks and shoes
• Cooperates with dressing (helps to pull off clothing; extends arms and legs to assist with dressing)
• Scribbles on paper
• Stands alone
• Walking (1-2 steps alone)
• Uses thumb and pointer finger to pick up small objects

15 Months

• Drinks from a sippy cup independently
• Stacks 2 blocks
• Walks well with infrequent falls
• Squats to pick up an object and stands up again without falling

1-2 Years

• Throws/kicks balls
• Spoon feeds

2 Years

• Snips with scissors
• Imitates horizontal, vertical lines and circular marks
• Assists with undressing
• Builds at least a 6 block tower
• Pushes, pulls or carries toys while walking (18 months) -Putting on and taking off shoes and socks

Growth and development occurs differently for every child.  If you are concerned about your child’s development please speak with your pediatrician or call us at 563-441-3000 to schedule a FREE screen.