05/07/2025
๐ข๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป | ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ ๐ก๐ผ ๐ฆ๐๐ฏ๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ข๐ฐ๐ฐ๐๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐
By Nurture with OT Nur
As an occupational therapist, I believe strongly that there is no true substitute for occupational therapy. I have seen many families try to find easier or faster ways to help their children. Sometimes, they turn to behavioral therapy alone or put their hopes in playgroups as the main support. While these can have their own value, they cannot take the place of a well-designed occupational therapy program.
Occupational therapy is different because it looks at the whole child โ their body, mind, senses, daily living skills, and how they connect with the world around them. It is not just about following instructions or playing in a group. OT builds strong foundations in movement, attention, sensory processing, and independence that set children up for real success.
When children miss out on occupational therapy, it is not just a short-term gap. It can mean lost opportunities for them to develop important life skills, adapt to challenges, and reach higher levels of independence as they grow. Choosing other options instead of OT might seem helpful in the moment, but it can hold children back from reaching their fullest potential.
Behavioral therapy and playgroups have their place, but they do not replace what occupational therapy can do. If you want your child to build a solid path toward higher functioning and real independence, there is simply no substitute for OT.
