The goal of occupational therapy is to increase capacities for self regulation, relational and daily living skills at each developmental phase. For infants, this might involve tasks such as feeding, finding an even flow through different states of sleep, wake, play, developing motor skills and social interaction. As children grow and develop, other skills build upon the aforementioned, such as dressing, hygiene, self-organization, sequencing, navigating increasingly complex social interactions. As adults, further understanding one’s own sensory processing abilities and body can enhance wellness and can be a link to improving mental health. Providing opportunities for growth in the context of a family and community enhances confidence, self esteem and quality of life. Occupational therapy addresses life skills such as:

• Fine and Gross Motor Skill Development
• Sensory Processing (including regulation of sound, touch, proprioception, movement, taste, smell, vision and interoception)
• Co-regulation and self-regulation
• Sleep
• Daily living skills (dressing, motor planning, play)
• Feeding (“picky eaters”, transitional, or complex feeding situations)
• Hygiene (bathing, brushing teeth, toileting, grooming)
• Social Skill Development
• School Readiness