Supporting Development Through Occupational Therapy Across Age Groups
At AIM Therapy, we understand that each stage of a child’s development presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our occupational therapy services are tailored to support children from infancy through adolescence, focusing on enhancing their ability to perform daily activities and participate fully in their environments. By addressing specific developmental needs at each age bracket, we aim to foster independence, confidence, and overall well-being in every child.
For children aged 8 to 12 years, occupational therapy focuses on refining fine motor skills, such as handwriting and cutting, improving sensory processing abilities, and enhancing cognitive functions like attention and visual perception. As children progress to adolescence, therapy shifts to address more complex tasks, including advanced handwriting skills, self-care routines, time management, and social interactions. Our therapists employ evidence-based strategies and collaborate closely with families and educators to ensure that interventions are meaningful and effective, supporting each child’s journey towards achieving their full potential.
Occupational Therapy for 8 to 12 Years Old
If a number of difficulties are exhibited in the following areas, and are interfering with the child’s ability to perform at an age appropriate level within the home or school environment, an Occupational Therapy referral is recommended.
Fine Motor
- Difficulty writing in an age appropriate manner. May include difficulties with
– letter formation
– letter sizing
– letter placement
– spacing between words
– speed of writing - Difficulty in any self care task such as dressing, grooming, eating
Sensory
- Dislikes being touched
- Excessive touching of objects and people
- Likes to take frequent movement breaks
- Tires easily
- Covers ears frequently
- Distracted by noise
- Very sensitive to noise
- Fussy eater
Cognitive/ Perceptual
- Slow to learn or master new skills
- Lacks body awareness – bumps into things
- Seems to understand verbal instructions but cannot complete the task
- Difficulty with ball skills
- Difficulty with visual tracking, loses place when reading
- Squints, rubs, watery eyes
Behaviour (if associated with difficulties in previous columns)
- Difficulty coping with emotions such as stress, anger
- Difficulty with daily life skills such as meal preparation, money skills, chores
- Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene and presentation
- Difficulty managing time
- Difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Difficulty solving problems
- Low self esteem
- Inappropriate or immature behaviour
- Difficulty attending/ concentrating
- Overactive
- Underactive
- Poor social skills
- Reluctant to new and/or challenging tasks
- Limited leisure activities
