OT Helps with More Than You Think: Everyday Skills Matter
Many people aren’t aware that everyday tasks, like getting dressed, writing, using utensils, or managing time and emotions, can be supported through Occupational Therapy. These skills may seem small, but they’re essential for independence and quality of life. OT isn’t just for those with a medical diagnosis. Anyone who is behind in developing age-appropriate or expected skills may qualify for services. If daily tasks feel harder than they should, OT can help bridge the gap. Check out the goal areas below to see if we can help.
Fine Motor
Fine motor skills involve precise movements of the hands and fingers that are essential for everyday tasks. This can include tasks such as:
- Drawing
- Writing
- Cutting
- Folding
- Zippers
- Buttons
- Stacking blocks
- Using utensils
- Tying shoes
- Using tools
Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information from the environment. This can include difficulties with:
- Loud environments
- Bright lights
- Maintaining attention
- Clothing specificity
- Texture Aversions
- Physical Contact Aversion
- Seeking intense movements
- Chewing on objects
Gross Motor
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles used for movement, balance, and coordination. This can include difficulties with:
- Catching
- Throwing
- Balance
- Coordination
- Hand Dominance
- Crossing Midline
- Running into things
- Fatigue
- Standing up
- Posture
Feeding
Feeding therapy helps individuals who struggle with eating due to sensory, motor, or behavioral challenges. Some difficulties associated with feeding issues are:
- Gaining weight
- Choking/coughing/gagging at meals
- Frequent vomiting
- Frequent food burnout
- Texture aversions
- Age appropriate food transitions
- Less than 20 total foods
- Neglects entire food groups
Self- Care Skills
Self-care skills are on often overlooked as something that can be worked on yet essential for independence in daily life.
- Tying shoes
- Zipping
- Dressing one-self
- Morning routine
- Evening routine
- Brushing teeth
- Combing hair
- Bathing
- Applying deodorant
- Flossing
Vision
Occupational Therapists support individuals with visual challenges that affect daily tasks, even when eyesight is not the primary issue. Some difficulties associated with visual issues are:
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
- Difficulty reading at a distance
- Difficulty with shape sorters
- Eye Fatigue
- Difficulty finding objects
- Difficulty with puzzles
Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy, appropriate way. Some difficulties associated with visual issues are:
- Using coping strategies
- Self-awareness of emotions
- Identifying emotions
- Self-advocacy
- Impulse control
- Practicing mindfulness
- Understanding of others emotions
- Tolerance to frustration
- Problem-solving
Reflex Integration
Reflex integration focuses on addressing retained primitive reflexes. Some difficulties associated with reflex integration issues are:
- Sensory processing
- Nighttime wetting
- Potty training
- Attention and Focus
- Coordination
- Postural control
- Fine motor integration
- Motor planning
- Hand-eye coordination
- Balance and coordination