Supporting Child Development with Pediatric Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
- Kaitlyn Martin, MOT, OTR/L
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
At Performance Therapy, we offer high-quality multidisciplinary pediatric therapy services, including occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy (ST), to support your child in reaching their full potential in a way that’s fun, engaging, and empowering. Throughout Scripture, we see the profound value that God places on children.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Providing pediatric therapy services allows us to honor this calling by ensuring that children with developmental, physical, and/or speech challenges receive the care they need to thrive. By investing in early intervention, we are empowering families, strengthening communities, and fulfilling our mission to reflect Christ’s love through compassionate, high-quality healthcare.
A Whole-Child Approach to Development
Every child is unique, and their development should be nurtured in a way that considers the whole picture—physical, emotional, social, and even spiritual well-being. Pediatric therapy is not just about improving skills; it’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of joy in learning new things. Through a combination of structured activities and play, therapy helps children feel successful and capable in everyday life while addressing a wide range of performance deficits.
What is pediatric physical therapy (pt)?
Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments. PTs have expertise in movement, motor development, and body function (e.g., strength and endurance). Improvement in these skills can have a far ranging impact on the child beyond the movement itself, such as improved confidence, success in school, and social interaction. This can include interventions for children with developmental delays, genetic disorders, neurological conditions, orthopedic disabilities, and other medical challenges.
Skills Pediatric PTs Address:
Strength and muscle development
Balance and coordination
Posture and body alignment
Walking and running mechanics
Flexibility and range of motion
Motor planning and control
Endurance and stamina
Injury prevention and recovery
Adaptive equipment training (such as orthotics or walkers)
Core stability for improved function
Does your child have trouble with balance, coordination, or keeping up with their peers on the playground? Physical therapy is all about improving strength, flexibility, and movement. Whether it’s learning to walk, improving posture, or enhancing motor skills, physical therapy helps children move with confidence and participate fully in their favorite activities.
Click below to request an appointment if physical therapy might be beneficial for your child.
WHAT IS PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (OT)?
Occupational therapy (OT) revolves around helping individuals participate in meaningful, everyday activities. For children, these activities, commonly referred to as “occupations”, may include play, socializing, learning, and self-care tasks like dressing or eating. Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on enabling children to achieve milestones that align with their developmental stage, all while celebrating their unique abilities.
Skills Pediatric OTs Address:
Fine motor skills (grasping, writing, cutting)
Hand-eye coordination
Primitive Reflex Integration
Sensory processing and integration
Self-care skills (dressing, feeding, grooming)
Emotional regulation and coping strategies
Attention and focus
Social interaction and play skills
Strength and coordination for daily tasks
Motor planning and problem-solving
Adaptive techniques for independence
If your child struggles with everyday tasks like holding a pencil, getting dressed, or trying new foods, occupational therapy can help! OT focuses on fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing so that children can feel more comfortable and confident in their daily routines. Sessions are fun and interactive, using games and hands-on activities to encourage progress.
If your child needs help with activities of daily living, contact us at a pediatric location near you today!
WHAT IS PEDIATRIC SPEECH THERAPY (ST)?
Pediatric speech therapy focuses on helping children develop effective communication skills, improve speech clarity, understand and use language, and address social communication challenges. It also supports children who have difficulty with swallowing or feeding. Speech therapists use engaging activities like storytelling, play, and interactive exercises to help children express themselves confidently and build meaningful connections.
Skills Pediatric STs Address:
Speech clarity and articulation
Language comprehension and expression
Social communication and conversational skills
Fluency and stuttering support
Voice modulation and control
Understanding and using nonverbal communication
Cognitive-communication skills (memory, problem-solving)
Feeding and swallowing difficulties
Oral Motor Skills
Strengthening oral muscles for speech production
Expanding vocabulary and sentence structure
Augmentative Assistive Communication Device (AAC)
Communication is key to forming relationships and expressing needs. If your child has trouble speaking clearly, understanding language, difficulty with oral motor skills resulting in feeding challenges or socializing with others, speech therapy can provide the support they need. Therapists use games, storytelling, and engaging activities to make learning to communicate both effective and fun.
Request an appointment with one of our highly-trained speech therapists today!
helping your child thrive
As a parent, you are your child’s biggest advocate, and you don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Performance Therapy Pediatrics offers a team of caring professionals who are ready to help your child grow, learn, and succeed. The earlier challenges are addressed, the more opportunities your child has to develop the skills they need for a happy, fulfilling life.
If you’re wondering whether therapy could benefit your child, please reach out to one of our pediatric therapy clinics. A simple conversation could be the first step in unlocking a world of possibilities for your little one!
We would love to serve your kiddo and your family! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions by emailing us at peds@performancetherapyms.com.
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