Children develop at their own pace, but some signs suggest an occupational therapy (OT) assessment could help. Common signs include difficulty with fine-motor tasks (holding a pencil, using scissors, doing up buttons), strong reactions to sensory input (sounds, textures, messy play), trouble with self-care like dressing or feeding, poor balance or coordination, difficulty focusing or sitting still, and struggling to keep up with everyday tasks their peers manage. You don’t need a diagnosis or a referral to book an assessment.
Fine motor and school-readiness signs
These affect a child’s ability to use their hands for everyday and classroom tasks. Watch for an awkward or tight pencil grip, avoiding drawing or colouring, difficulty using scissors or cutlery, trouble doing up buttons, zippers or shoelaces, messy or slow handwriting, or avoiding puzzles and building toys.
Sensory processing signs
Some children are over- or under-sensitive to everyday sensory input. Signs include being bothered by clothing tags, seams or certain fabrics, covering ears at ordinary sounds, avoiding messy play or certain food textures, seeking constant movement (spinning, crashing, jumping), or seeming unaware of bumps and scrapes.
Self-care and daily living signs
Difficulty with age-appropriate independence can point to an OT need. Examples: needing lots of help to dress, struggling with toileting routines, being a very picky eater or gagging on textures, or difficulty with morning and bedtime routines.
Attention, coordination and social signs
OTs also support regulation, motor coordination and participation. Look for difficulty sitting still or focusing, frequent meltdowns or trouble calming down, clumsiness or frequent tripping, trouble with playground skills like catching or climbing, or difficulty joining in play with other children.
When should I seek an assessment?
If several of these signs are affecting your child’s daily life, school, or confidence, an OT assessment can clarify what’s going on and what will help. Trust your instincts — you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis, and early support often makes everyday routines easier for the whole family.
How Swift Health helps
Swift Health’s pediatric occupational therapists assess and support children across the Lower Mainland, in-clinic or in your community. See our occupational therapy for kids page for how we help.
Start with Swift Health
Not sure if OT is right for your child? Contact Swift Health to book an assessment or ask a question.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to book pediatric OT? No — you can book a private assessment without a doctor’s referral.
My child doesn’t have a diagnosis — can they still see an OT? Yes. Many children benefit from OT without any formal diagnosis.
What happens in an OT assessment? The OT observes your child, talks with you about daily routines, and identifies specific areas to support with a play-based plan.
