Healthy Habits - Developmental Delays and Early Intervention

 I had a chance to interview Senior Occupational Therapist for the NYC Department of Education and founder of Hands on Fun, Kim Cunningham, on how she's helping children with early signs of development delays. 

 

In the U.S. about one in six children have one or more developmental disabilities. Promptly addressing significant delays in development is important so children don’t fall further behind. Specifically for children, an OT helps kids play, improves their educational performance, and aids in their daily activities. It also helps to boost their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. These are all vitally important for children to have a healthy, normal routine in both social and professional environments as they age.

 

These are basic facts, but what most people don't realize or actively exposure children to is hands on help that will greatly improve development in children. Fun play is great play for little ones because they are working to improve various skillsets without even knowing it. Kim helps newborns and children of all ages through Hands on Fun, and parents love the activities as well. Kim wanted to pursue her degree further to become a doctor, but after helping so many in her current position, she has decided to stay where she is to help those in need.

1. What are some signs of developmental delays that parents should know?

First and foremost, it's important to remember that all children develop at their own pace. However, if you notice that your child is significantly behind their peers in certain areas, it could be a sign of a developmental delay. Some other signs to look out for include: not reaching typical developmental milestones (such as crawling, walking, or talking) on time, difficulty with social interactions or communication, persistent tantrums or meltdowns, and trouble with fine or gross motor skills. If you notice any of these signs, it's always best to talk to your child's pediatrician and consider seeking an evaluation from an occupational therapist.

2. What is occupational therapy and how can it help kids meet milestones?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of therapy that helps people of all ages develop or regain the skills they need to perform daily activities. For children, this specifically includes play, school-related tasks, and self-care activities. Occupational therapists work with children to improve their motor skills, sensory processing abilities, attention and focus, social skills, and self-regulation. Through focusing on healing through fun and engaging activities, HOFOT can help kids meet their developmental milestones and gain necessary independence in their daily lives anytime, anywhere!

3. Why is early intervention important?

Early intervention is crucial simply because the earlier a child receives therapy, the better their outcomes tend to be. At a young age, your child's brain is still developing, so receiving occupational therapy interventions as early as possible can have a greater impact on their long-term outcomes. Crucially, early intervention can also prevent potential social, emotional, or academic difficulties that may arise from unaddressed developmental delays.

4. How can families find their best fit for occupational therapy?

Finding the right occupational therapist can be overwhelming, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. Remember to always consult with your child's pediatrician first. They can help with identifying your child's specific OT needs and discuss possible interventions that can help. Once you understand what these include, find a list of potential therapists in your area that suit your individual insurance specifications. From there, it's all about finding a therapist that you trust, feel comfortable with, and who knows how to address your child's unique needs.

To sum up, occupational therapy can be a valuable tool for children with developmental delays, and early intervention really is key. By keeping an eye out for signs of delays and seeking OT help early on, you can help your child reach their full potential in a fun and hands-on way. Whether you're looking for a structured program to strengthen your child’s fine and gross motor skills, or simply want to find some fun activities for your child to enjoy, at school or at home, your child’s development is in good hands with HOFOT.