Empowering Independence Through Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a therapeutic practice designed to help individuals develop or improve skills needed to perform daily tasks. These include daily living, self-care tasks, social participation, educational skills, job skills, and much more. These skills aid in improving dressing, feeding, school participation, and even handwriting tasks. In the pediatric setting, a child’s main occupation is play.

Through play, children form new brain connections by improving their sensory, motor, and practical skills. Occupational therapy can also improve self-regulation skills and sensory processing challenges. At LEAPS Therapy Clinic, our occupational therapists treat various diagnoses from autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, chromosomal disorders, sensory processing disorder, and overall developmental delays. Through occupational therapy, individuals are able to strive towards independence in skills and areas that matter the most to them.

Occupational therapists can assist patients with physical and cognitive conditions such as:

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Down Syndrome
  • Developmental Delays
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Limb Differences
  • Visual and Auditory Impairments and others

Occupational Therapy Interventions Include:

  • Primitive reflex integration
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Handwriting
  • Self-regulation and emotional regulation skills
  • Attention, memory, and information processing
  • Sensory processing abilities to improve behavior and performance
  • Visual motor skills
  • Visual perceptual skills
  • Feeding/picky eating
  • Self-care skills such as dressing, grooming, and self-feeding
  • Play and social skills

Occupational Therapy Developmental Milestones

Each child is unique and may meet certain milestones earlier or later than others. If you feel your child is not meeting many of the milestones within their age range, contact our occupational therapists to see if an evaluation may be helpful.

Birth to 3 Months

  • Fine Motor

    • Arms randomly move when shown toys.
    • Makes eye contact with others
    • Uses eyes to follow a moving face while lying on back
    • Brings hands to mouth
    • Looks from one object to another
    • Will smile when interacting with others
    • Drops toys involuntarily
    • Holds rattle momentarily

  • Gross Motor

    • Turns head to each side when on back
    • Holds head up 45 degrees when on tummy
    • Head bobs upright in supporting sitting
    • Random body movements

  • Fine Motor

    • Arms randomly move when shown toys.
    • Makes eye contact with others
    • Uses eyes to follow a moving face while lying on back
    • Brings hands to mouth
    • Looks from one object to another
    • Will smile when interacting with others
    • Drops toys involuntarily
    • Holds rattle momentarily

  • Gross Motor

    • Turns head to each side when on back
    • Holds head up 45 degrees when on tummy
    • Head bobs upright in supporting sitting
    • Random body movements

3–6 Months

  • Fine Motor

    • Tries to reach for objects but cannot grasp
    • Uses eyes to follow a toy moving across the midline of the body while in supported sitting
    • Will smile and vocalize when interacting with others
    • Grasps object when it contacts his/her palm
    • Brings both hands together while lying on back
    • Has hands open most of the time
    • Begins to transfer objects from one hand to another
    • Lifts arms to be picked up
    • Holds objects between index/middle fingers and palm; may not use thumb
    • Brings the bottle to their mouth

  • Gross Motor

    • Lifts chest from surface when on stomach
    • Pushes up on straight elbows on tummy
    • Rolls belly to back
    • Sits with slight support or independently for brief moments
    • Pivots around on belly
    • Actively moves head when supported in sitting
    • Head control in all positions

  • Fine Motor

    • Tries to reach for objects but cannot grasp
    • Uses eyes to follow a toy moving across the midline of the body while in supported sitting
    • Will smile and vocalize when interacting with others
    • Grasps object when it contacts his/her palm
    • Brings both hands together while lying on back
    • Has hands open most of the time
    • Begins to transfer objects from one hand to another
    • Lifts arms to be picked up
    • Holds objects between index/middle fingers and palm; may not use thumb
    • Brings the bottle to their mouth

  • Gross Motor

    • Lifts chest from surface when on stomach
    • Pushes up on straight elbows on tummy
    • Rolls belly to back
    • Sits with slight support or independently for brief moments
    • Pivots around on belly
    • Actively moves head when supported in sitting
    • Head control in all positions

6-12 Months

  • Fine Motor

    • Reaches for an object with one arm
    • Transfers objects from one hand to another
    • Manipulates by twisting, bending, and straightening wrist while holding toy
    • Rakes or scoops tiny objects into palm
    • Feeds self finger foods
    • Holds a spoon
    • Grasps small block with thumb & fingertips
    • Early Pincer: grasps small objects with side of the index finger & thumb pad.
    • Pokes—uses index finger to poke into small openings
    • Puts objects into a container
    • Pincer grasps with the tip of the index finger and thumb
    • Holds an object in each hand & bangs together / begins to clap hands

  • Gross Motor

    • Sits independently
    • Rolls back to belly
    • Stands, holding on (may bounce on legs)
    • Pulls to stand at furniture
    • Belly crawls
    • Gets into a hands-and-knees position
    • Transitions from sitting to belly
    • Creeps on hands and knees
    • Stands momentarily
    • Cruises along furniture
    • Walks with hands held

  • Fine Motor

    • Reaches for an object with one arm
    • Transfers objects from one hand to another
    • Manipulates by twisting, bending, and straightening wrist while holding toy
    • Rakes or scoops tiny objects into palm
    • Feeds self finger foods
    • Holds a spoon
    • Grasps small block with thumb & fingertips
    • Early Pincer: grasps small objects with side of the index finger & thumb pad.
    • Pokes—uses index finger to poke into small openings
    • Puts objects into a container
    • Pincer grasps with the tip of the index finger and thumb
    • Holds an object in each hand & bangs together / begins to clap hands

  • Gross Motor

    • Sits independently
    • Rolls back to belly
    • Stands, holding on (may bounce on legs)
    • Pulls to stand at furniture
    • Belly crawls
    • Gets into a hands-and-knees position
    • Transitions from sitting to belly
    • Creeps on hands and knees
    • Stands momentarily
    • Cruises along furniture
    • Walks with hands held

12-18 Months

  • Fine Motor

    • Claps hands together well
    • Puts 3 or more objects into a container
    • Imitates waving
    • Points with index finger
    • Stacks 2 blocks (14 mos), 3 blocks (15 mos), 4-6 blocks (18 mos)
    • Throws small ball overhand or underhand
    • Scribbles with clear marks
    • Holds arms and legs out for dressing
    • Removes both socks
    • Feeds self with a spoon with spillage

  • Gross Motor

    • Stands alone well
    • Kneels
    • Walks without support
    • Creeps up stairs
    • Walks with feet closer together and improves balance
    • Runs/hurried walk
    • Walks backwards
    • Walks upstairs with hand held

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Cooperates by holding arm out for sleeves and putting foot up for shoes
    • Pushes arms through sleeves and legs through pants
    • Begins to get undressed
    • Pulls socks and shoes off
    • Removes hat

  • Fine Motor

    • Claps hands together well
    • Puts 3 or more objects into a container
    • Imitates waving
    • Points with index finger
    • Stacks 2 blocks (14 mos), 3 blocks (15 mos), 4-6 blocks (18 mos)
    • Throws small ball overhand or underhand
    • Scribbles with clear marks
    • Holds arms and legs out for dressing
    • Removes both socks
    • Feeds self with a spoon with spillage

  • Gross Motor

    • Stands alone well
    • Kneels
    • Walks without support
    • Creeps up stairs
    • Walks with feet closer together and improves balance
    • Runs/hurried walk
    • Walks backwards
    • Walks upstairs with hand held

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Cooperates by holding arm out for sleeves and putting foot up for shoes
    • Pushes arms through sleeves and legs through pants
    • Begins to get undressed
    • Pulls socks and shoes off
    • Removes hat

18-24 Months

  • Fine Motor

    • Places tiny objects into a narrow container
    • Imitates up and down vertical strokes.
    • Removes shoes with laces untied
    • Uses a spoon to scoop and feeds self with little spillage
    • Turns book pages one at a time
    • Stacks 6 small blocks
    • Holds a crayon with thumb and fingers

  • Gross Motor

    • Kicks the ball forward
    • Runs fairly well
    • Moves on ride-on toys without pedals
    • Walks downstairs with one hand held
    • Climbs into adult chair
    • Picks up toys from the floor without falling
    • Squats in play without losing balance
    • Walks upstairs alone, both feet on step
    • Walks downstairs holding the rail, both feet on the step

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Feeds self with a spoon with less spillage
    • Begins using an open cup with minimal assistance
    • Removes simple clothing items such as pants and jackets
    • Initiates handwashing with assistance
    • Imitates adult activities like brushing hair

  • Fine Motor

    • Places tiny objects into a narrow container
    • Imitates up and down vertical strokes.
    • Removes shoes with laces untied
    • Uses a spoon to scoop and feeds self with little spillage
    • Turns book pages one at a time
    • Stacks 6 small blocks
    • Holds a crayon with thumb and fingers

  • Gross Motor

    • Kicks the ball forward
    • Runs fairly well
    • Moves on ride-on toys without pedals
    • Walks downstairs with one hand held
    • Climbs into adult chair
    • Picks up toys from the floor without falling
    • Squats in play without losing balance
    • Walks upstairs alone, both feet on step
    • Walks downstairs holding the rail, both feet on the step

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Feeds self with a spoon with less spillage
    • Begins using an open cup with minimal assistance
    • Removes simple clothing items such as pants and jackets
    • Initiates handwashing with assistance
    • Imitates adult activities like brushing hair

2-3 Years

  • Fine Motor

    • Stacks tower of 6-8 blocks
    • Turns single pages in the book
    • Imitates, then copies, drawing a vertical line, horizontal line, and circle.
    • Pushes, winds, and slides to activate toy
    • Unscrews and screws jar lids
    • Strings several large beads
    • Holds crayon with thumb and finger
    • Uses scissors to snip into paper

  • Gross Motor

    • Walks up and down stairs using a handrail
    • Jumps in place with both feet
    • Kicks a ball forward
    • Runs with improved coordination
    • Climbs onto furniture with ease
    • Begins to pedal a tricycle

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Gets undressed with help for fasteners and sequencing
    • Helps pull up elastic waist pants
    • Unbuttons one large button
    • Tries to put on socks
    • Puts on front-button shirt (without buttoning)

  • Fine Motor

    • Stacks tower of 6-8 blocks
    • Turns single pages in the book
    • Imitates, then copies, drawing a vertical line, horizontal line, and circle.
    • Pushes, winds, and slides to activate toy
    • Unscrews and screws jar lids
    • Strings several large beads
    • Holds crayon with thumb and finger
    • Uses scissors to snip into paper

  • Gross Motor

    • Walks up and down stairs using a handrail
    • Jumps in place with both feet
    • Kicks a ball forward
    • Runs with improved coordination
    • Climbs onto furniture with ease
    • Begins to pedal a tricycle

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Gets undressed with help for fasteners and sequencing
    • Helps pull up elastic waist pants
    • Unbuttons one large button
    • Tries to put on socks
    • Puts on front-button shirt (without buttoning)

3-4 Years

  • Fine Motor

    • Stacks tower of 9-10 blocks
    • Imitates a 4-block design
    • Folds and creases paper
    • Completes 3-8 piece inset puzzle
    • Strings small beads
    • Holds pencil with thumb and fingers
    • Imitates, then copies a cross
    • Draws a 2-part person
    • Grossly colors one image on the page and attempts to stay within the lines.
    • Uses scissors to cut forward on a thick line
    • Snaps clothing
    • Uses a spoon and fork with little to no spilling

  • Gross Motor

    • Gallops
    • Hops on one foot
    • Walks on a line
    • Stands on one foot
    • Jumps down from 12 inches with feet together
    • Walks up and down stairs alternating feet, without rail

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Gets dressed and undressed with minimal help (using no-tie shoes)
    • Puts on shoes (may be incorrect feet)
    • Puts on socks with minimal assistance at times
    • Pulls down pants
    • Unzips and zips a non-separating zipper
    • Zips down pants
    • Large buttons
    • Snaps
    • Unbuckles

  • Fine Motor

    • Stacks tower of 9-10 blocks
    • Imitates a 4-block design
    • Folds and creases paper
    • Completes 3-8 piece inset puzzle
    • Strings small beads
    • Holds pencil with thumb and fingers
    • Imitates, then copies a cross
    • Draws a 2-part person
    • Grossly colors one image on the page and attempts to stay within the lines.
    • Uses scissors to cut forward on a thick line
    • Snaps clothing
    • Uses a spoon and fork with little to no spilling

  • Gross Motor

    • Gallops
    • Hops on one foot
    • Walks on a line
    • Stands on one foot
    • Jumps down from 12 inches with feet together
    • Walks up and down stairs alternating feet, without rail

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Gets dressed and undressed with minimal help (using no-tie shoes)
    • Puts on shoes (may be incorrect feet)
    • Puts on socks with minimal assistance at times
    • Pulls down pants
    • Unzips and zips a non-separating zipper
    • Zips down pants
    • Large buttons
    • Snaps
    • Unbuckles

4-5 Years

  • Fine Motor

    • Imitates a 4-6 block design
    • Laces sewing card
    • Copies diagonal line
    • Imitates a square and triangle
    • Imitates an X
    • Draws a 3-part person
    • Buttons on front-opening clothing
    • Opens all fasteners
    • Uses scissors to cut out a circle, square, and triangle

  • Gross Motor

    • Stands on one foot for 8-10 seconds
    • Skips, alternating feet
    • Throws a ball to target
    • Hops 5 times or more on one foot
    • Begins jumping rope
    • Pumps a swing
    • Walks balance bean forward and backward
    • Somersaults

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Buckles
    • Connect two-part separating jacket zipper and zip up
    • Puts on socks correctly
    • Puts on shoes with minimal assistance
    • Knows front versus back of clothing

  • Fine Motor

    • Imitates a 4-6 block design
    • Laces sewing card
    • Copies diagonal line
    • Imitates a square and triangle
    • Imitates an X
    • Draws a 3-part person
    • Buttons on front-opening clothing
    • Opens all fasteners
    • Uses scissors to cut out a circle, square, and triangle

  • Gross Motor

    • Stands on one foot for 8-10 seconds
    • Skips, alternating feet
    • Throws a ball to target
    • Hops 5 times or more on one foot
    • Begins jumping rope
    • Pumps a swing
    • Walks balance bean forward and backward
    • Somersaults

  • Self-Help Skills

    • Buckles
    • Connect two-part separating jacket zipper and zip up
    • Puts on socks correctly
    • Puts on shoes with minimal assistance
    • Knows front versus back of clothing

At LEAPS Therapy Clinic our occupational therapy services are designed to help children reach their full potential through engaging, hands-on therapies. Contact us at (205) 884-7621 to learn more and schedule a consultation today!