Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy focuses on fine motor control and sensory integration. Occupational therapy helps to improve skills related to reaching, picking up objects, holding utensils, stacking blocks, writing, drawing, using scissors, dressing, and self-care. Occupational therapy helps improve strength, motor planning, perceptual and visual skills, hand eye coordination, social skills, and integration of sensory information.
Occupational Therapy Can Treat the Following:
- Fine motor delays
- Sensory processing deficits
- Autism spectrum
- Visual motor and perceptual delays
- ADD/ADHD
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Handwriting concerns
- Cognitive and social play
- Prematurity
- Feeding difficulties
Fine Motor Developmental Checklist
The following is a guideline of the average age when children acquire fine motor skills. Each child develops at a different rate. Some children need special help. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please contact us. We can schedule an evaluation and determine whether your child is delayed or developing on schedule.
Fine Motor Milestones
6 Months
- Reach for toy with one or both hands
- Pass a toy from one hand to the other
- Hold and shake a rattle
- Pick up a small toy with only one hand
- Try to pick up a Cheerio by using thumb and fingers in a raking motion
12 Months
- Clap hands or wave
- Pick up a Cheerio with only the thumb and one finger
- Drink from an open cup independently
- Throw a ball in front of him/her
- Help turn pages in a book
18 Months
- Stack 3-4 blocks on top of each other
- Make a mark on paper with the tip of a crayon
- Use a spoon without spilling
- Scribble back and forth on paper
2 Years
- Build a tower of 7 blocks
- String large beads onto a string
- Twist hand to try to open doorknobs
- Draw a line across a paper
- Pretend an item is something else, like using a cup as a phone
- Eat with a fork
3 Years
- Cut with scissors
- Draw a circle on paper
- Imitate drawing a ‘+ ‘ on paper
- Draw a person with a head
- Put on a coat or shirt independently
- Take turns with another person
4 Years
- Put together a 6 piece jigsaw puzzle
- Unbutton one or more buttons
- Color mostly within the lines in a coloring book
- Dress and undress without help
- Wash hands with soap and water and dry with a paper towel without help
5 Years
- Cut on a straight line with scissors
- Draw a cross, square, and triangle without copying
- Button and unbutton medium-sized buttons
- Use a zipper
- Use the toilet by him/herself, including wiping and flushing
