Occupational Therapy Resources

Occupational Therapy and Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills necessary to participate in daily activities at home, school, and in the community.

Occupational therapists may help children improve:

  • Emotional regulation
  • Sensory processing
  • Fine motor skills
  • Handwriting and school participation
  • Self-care skills (dressing, grooming, feeding)
  • Social interaction skills
  • Executive functioning
  • Attention and organization
  • Play and leisure skills
  • Independence in daily routines

For children who have experienced trauma or adversity, occupational therapy often incorporates trauma-informed and sensory-based approaches to support regulation and participation.

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How Do I Know if My Child May Benefit from Occupational Therapy?

Every child develops at their own pace. However, an evaluation may be helpful if challenges significantly interfere with daily activities, learning, relationships, or participation.

Some indicators include:

Sensory Processing Challenges

  • Overreacts to sounds, lights, touch, smells, or movement
  • Avoids certain clothing textures or foods
  • Seeks excessive movement or physical input
  • Has difficulty calming after becoming upset

Fine Motor Difficulties

  • Trouble holding pencils, crayons, or utensils
  • Difficulty with handwriting
  • Challenges using scissors
  • Problems with buttons, zippers, or tying shoes

Self-Regulation Difficulties

  • Frequent emotional outbursts
  • Difficulty managing frustration
  • Challenges transitioning between activities
  • Problems maintaining attention

Daily Living Skills Concerns

  • Difficulty dressing independently
  • Problems with feeding or eating
  • Challenges with hygiene routines
  • Trouble completing age-appropriate tasks

Executive Functioning Challenges

  • Difficulty planning and organizing
  • Trouble following multi-step directions
  • Problems with time management
  • Difficulty completing tasks independently

Receiving an Occupational Therapy Referral

If you have concerns about your child's development or daily functioning, consider speaking with:

  • Your child's pediatrician or primary care provider
  • School personnel
  • Early intervention providers
  • Mental health professionals
  • Developmental specialists

An occupational therapy evaluation can help determine whether services would be beneficial.

Insurance Coverage

Occupational therapy services may be covered through:

  • Private health insurance
  • Utah Medicaid
  • Early Intervention programs (birth to age 3)
  • School-based special education services
  • Children's hospitals and outpatient clinics

Families should verify coverage requirements and referral procedures with their insurance provider.

Supporting Self-Regulation in Foster and Adoptive Youth

Children who have experienced trauma often benefit from learning self-regulation skills before being expected to manage emotions independently.

Caregivers can support regulation by:

  • Establishing predictable routines
  • Using visual schedules and reminders
  • Providing sensory supports when needed
  • Maintaining calm and consistent responses
  • Creating safe spaces for regulation
  • Focusing on connection before correction
  • Understanding behavior through a trauma-informed lens

Many occupational therapists specialize in helping children develop self-regulation strategies tailored to their individual needs.

Resource

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Providers in Utah

Families seeking occupational therapy services can search for licensed providers through:

Your pediatrician can also provide recommendations for therapists who specialize in trauma, adoption, sensory processing, and developmental challenges.

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) refers to difficulties in how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information.

Children with sensory processing challenges may have difficulty processing information from:

  • Touch
  • Sound
  • Movement
  • Sight
  • Taste
  • Smell
  • Body awareness (proprioception)
  • Balance and movement systems (vestibular processing)

Sensory processing differences can affect learning, behavior, emotional regulation, sleep, feeding, and participation in daily activities.

Although Sensory Processing Disorder is not currently recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), sensory processing challenges are widely recognized and frequently addressed through occupational therapy.

Learn More About Sensory Processing

Why Occupational Therapy Matters

Occupational therapy can help children build the skills and confidence needed to participate fully in family life, school, friendships, and community activities. For foster, adoptive, and kinship families, OT can be an important part of a comprehensive support system that promotes resilience, self-regulation, independence, and long-term success.

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