• Cognitive skills – remembering letters, shapes and sequences
• Fine motor skills – finger dexterity, wrist and forearm control, hand strength
• Gross motor skills – balance and body coordination
• Adaptive skills – dressing, bathing, self-feeding
• Social skills – taking turns, listening and following directions
• Sensory integration – responding to sensory input

Our occupational therapists evaluate, diagnose, and treat cognitive, physical, social, and motor challenges. The goal is to improve everyday skills which allow children to become more independent and participate in a wide range of activities. 

The occupational therapist will begin by evaluating the child’s current level of ability. The evaluation looks at several areas including how the child learns, plays, cares for themselves, and interacts with their environment. The evaluation will also identify any obstacles that prevent the child from participating in any typical day-to-day activities.

Based on this evaluation, the therapist creates customized goals and strategies that will allow the child to work on key skills. Some examples of common goals include:

• Independent dressing
• Eating
• Grooming
• Using the bathroom
• Fine motor skills like writing, coloring, and cutting with scissors

Occupational therapy usually involves half-hour to one-hour sessions. The number of sessions per week is based on individual needs. The therapeutic plan will also include goals for practicing strategies and skills at home and in other settings. 

We offer group therapy to help children work on goals related to social communication, sensory motor development, strength and coordination, play skills, and emotional intelligence. Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, and behavior instructors work together to lead groups and support development. For information about current groups, call 602-237-6653 or email office@youngmindcenter.org.