Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the skills they need to participate in everyday activities — from getting dressed, feeding themselves , brushing their teeth, and playing.

Our job as pediatric occupational therapists is to support your child’s development in ways that are fun, meaningful, and personalized to their needs. 

Pediatric occupational therapy is designed for children who are experiencing challenges with everyday tasks:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• Down syndrome 
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
• Cerebral palsy or motor delays
• Premature birth or NICU history
• Hyper/hypotonia
• Genetic anomalies
• Neurologic disorders
• Feeding delays/deficits
• Post surgical operations
   

Motor difficulties

• Difficulty with dressing, feeding, or toileting
• Challenges using utensils, zippers, or buttons 
• Poor coordination, clumsiness, or muscle weakness 
• Difficulty playing with toys or peers appropriately
   

Sensory integration

• Overreacts or underreacts to sounds, textures, or movement
• Has trouble calming down, staying focused, or transitioning between activities
• Seeks or avoids sensory input (e.g., frequent tripping/falling, crashing, avoids messy play)

Initial evaluations are 60 minutes with child and caregiver present.

Follow-up visits are 45-50 minutes of direct treatment with the child, and the last 5 minutes is caregiver training/home education programs.

The OT will ask caregiver general and medical questions.  Once that is gathered, the OT will use a standardized assessment to gather objective data, clinical observations, and interpret information to determine if the child is eligible for OT services. If the child is eligible for ongoing services, the OT will discuss goals, deficits, recommendations, and plan of care with caregiver.

Our sessions are very play-based because that's how children learn and thrive! The OT will create  individualized therapeutic interventions that addresses your child's goals and needs.

At the child's home, community, and telehealth.

Every child has unique needs. Please discuss with your occupational therapist about duration.

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. Three (3) no-shows or late cancellations may impact future scheduling and discharge due to accommodating other children that need our help. 

Please contact us for further details.

Scheduling  an appointment can be done through Simple Practice, email johan@playful-pathways.com, or phone call (626) 388-6577.  We accept cash, check, Zelle, and venmo.