Did you know that pediatric occupational therapy isn’t just for younger kids? We help kids up to age 21!
As your child grows into their teenage years, their needs change, and so do our therapy methods. By this age, they’re less interested in crayons and playgrounds and more focused on preparing for adulthood.
You might be surprised to learn that handwriting habits are pretty much set by the age of 8! So, when we work with teenagers, we shift our focus to skills like typing, keyboarding, and word processing. We also help them fine-tune their motor skills using tools like graphs and calculators, which are crucial for independence both at school and at home.
Here’s something exciting: Teens play a significant role in their therapy sessions. We focus on something called executive functioning, which is like the CEO of the brain. It helps them plan, organize, and tackle tasks effectively. We give them the opportunity to choose goals that really matter to them and involve them in planning how to achieve those goals. It’s all about empowering them to take charge of their own development.
Executive functioning involves lots of mental skills, like planning, managing time, problem-solving, and controlling emotions and impulses. We work on all these areas to help teens succeed not just in school, but in life.
In therapy, we cover practical skills that are essential for adulthood. We help them learn how to cook, do laundry, manage time, and handle money. We also assist with resume building, job applications, and other everyday tasks they’ll encounter as they transition into adulthood.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s executive functioning or independence, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can work together with your pediatrician to provide the support and guidance your teen needs to thrive.
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