Pediatric physical or occupational therapists provide education and therapy for children and their families. These therapists work with children in the age range from birth to eighteen years old; they treat a variety of conditions that may offer special challenges for children’s physical and mental development. Pediatric therapists work with children who have been diagnosed with a variety of conditions, ranging from autism to organ transplants. They also treat children who have not been diagnosed but who may need help the meeting developmental milestones.
Have you ever consulted a pediatric physical or occupational therapist?
Pediatric physicians monitor major milestones for children as well as warning signs.
Milestones for infant and toddler development are understood as occurring in age ranges. For example, children of 0 to 3 months old use their eyes to follow movement and are beginning to smile. Parents and family can access information about developmental milestones through their primary care physicians’ office and through health websites such as https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/. Pediatric therapists aim to intervene as early as possible in a child’s growth and development. They begin with a diagnostic exam. Through guided play and other activities in weekly sessions, therapists promote a child’s development, and activities with parents and caregivers are equally important.
Pediatric therapists treat a variety of conditions related to genetic, neurological, and orthopedic issues in children from birth to 18 years of age. They work with children who have specific diagnoses, including but not limited to, children with the following: Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, muscular dystrophies, organ transplants, scoliosis, congenital abnormalities, torticollis, positional head deformities and many more.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Pediatric therapists treat an array of both physical and mental issues.
- Pediatric therapists believe the sooner a child is diagnosed, the sooner they can help.
- Pediatric therapists also keep an eye on the progression of all children that includes their mobility and speech.
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