As children grow, they gain the ability to handle daily tasks independently. But for children with developmental delays or disabilities, everyday activities like brushing their teeth or getting dressed can feel challenging. If your child is struggling with self-care skills, pediatric occupational therapy can provide the support they need to build their independence and confidence.

In today’s blog post, we’ll explore what self-care skills are, why some children need extra help to develop them, and how our occupational therapists help kids build these skills for a lifetime of independence and success.

What Are Self-Care Skills?

Self-care skills, or activities of daily living (ADLs), are the basic tasks people do every day to take care of themselves. For children, these tasks involve learning how to:

  • Feed themselves
  • Get dressed
  • Use the bathroom
  • Communicate their needs effectively 
  • Take care of personal hygiene (e.g., brushing their teeth or washing their hands)
  • Plan and complete routines, like preparing for school or bedtime

 

These skills are essential for independence and play a big role in building a child’s confidence. However, for some children, mastering these skills can be especially challenging without extra guidance and support.

Why Might a Child Need Help with Self-Care Skills?

Some children face barriers to developing self-care skills due to developmental delays, physical or cognitive disabilities, or sensory challenges. For example, a child with cerebral palsy might find it difficult to button their shirt or use utensils, while a child with sensory processing difficulties might avoid tasks like brushing their teeth due to discomfort.

Occupational therapy can help by identifying the root cause of the challenges and addressing it with evidence-based strategies. Early intervention is especially valuable, as it helps children overcome their obstacles sooner and develop the skills they need to thrive.

How Occupational Therapy Builds Self-Care Skills

Our occupational therapists (OTs) help kids strengthen the underlying skills they need to complete self-care tasks. These can include:

  • Fine motor skills: Tasks like holding a toothbrush or zipping a jacket require hand strength, coordination, and dexterity. Our OTs use fun, play-based activities to develop these skills and make it easier for children to handle everyday tools.
  • Cognitive skills: Many self-care tasks involve problem-solving, memory, and sequencing (planning and carrying out a plan). Our OTs help children break tasks into manageable steps and practice routines until they become easier to manage independently.
  • Sensory processing: Children with sensory sensitivities may struggle with the textures, sounds, or smells associated with self-care activities like feeding or hygiene. Our OTs use proven sensory-integration techniques to make these tasks more comfortable for children.
  • Social and communication skills: Asking for help or expressing preferences is an important part of self-care. Our OTs support children in developing the communication skills they need to confidently advocate for themselves.

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?

If your child is struggling with self-care skills, Let’s Communicate is here to help. Our pediatric occupational therapists love empowering children to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.

Give us a call today at (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation with our team and take the first step toward helping your child thrive.