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Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy involves the use of play, movement and exercise to help kids develop or regain age-appropriate, functional skills to participate in home, school and community activities. Occupational therapy typically focuses on fine and visual motor skills, visual perceptual skills, upper extremity function, overall motor coordination, core strength and sensory processing.  

The pediatric occupational therapists at HSS are dedicated to helping each child and young adult function to the best of their abilities. They maintain specialized training and advanced certifications to optimally address the rehabilitation needs unique to children and young adults from birth to age 21.  

Pediatric occupational therapy services are offered at the HSS Pediatric Rehabilitation and Young Athlete Center on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  

Who We Treat 

Our occupational therapists have extensive expertise in caring for children with developmental, neurological, genetic or musculoskeletal conditions and injuries that may affect their ability to move, play, and complete activities of daily living. In addition to caring for children with these types of conditions, we also provide post-op rehabilitation to children and young adults who have had surgery at HSS or elsewhere.  

Your child can receive care from one of our therapists even if they have not been seen by a physician at HSS.  

We provide occupational therapy for patients with the following conditions: 

  • Arthritis  
  • Arthrogryposis 
  • Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome 
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 
  • Autism spectrum disorder  
  • Brachial plexus injuries 
  • Cerebral palsy  
  • Congenital muscular torticollis 
  • Coordination and balance problems 
  • Developmental delays 
  • Fine motor coordination delay 
  • Genetic conditions 
  • Hypertonia/hypotonia 
  • Neurological impairments and other CNS lesions 
  • Scoliosis 
  • Sensory processing disorders 
  • Skeletal dysplasia 
  • Spina bifida 

Specialized Treatments and Services 

Our occupational therapists use many different methods to help our patients improve their skills and abilities. Additionally, we have a dedicated clinic for children and adults who may benefit from the use of specialized mobility and positioning equipment that helps guide families in the selection and proper use of equipment to improve children’s access to their environment.         

Approaches we commonly use include: 

  • Assistive technology 
  • Bimanual skills training 
  • Dynamic bracing systems (e.g., Theratogs™/SPIO) 
  • Handwriting, visual motor integration and visual perception 
  • Kinesiotaping 
  • Manual therapy 
  • Motor control and motor learning 
  • Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) 
  • Sensory integration 
  • Sequential oral sensory (SOS) approach to feeding  
  • Splinting evaluation and custom splinting
 

 

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