AVOLA ASTROS · DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING
Does My Child Need Occupational Therapy?
A free guide to help you spot the signs by age and skill area — so you can decide if a conversation with a therapist makes sense.
Every child develops at their own pace — but when everyday tasks like getting dressed, holding a pencil, or handling transitions feel harder than they should, it's worth looking closer.
Below you'll find signs organized by skill area and milestones by age. If several items sound familiar, a five-minute call with our team can help you decide on next steps.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Common Signs a Child May Benefit from OT
You don't need a diagnosis to start. If several of these sound familiar, an evaluation can tell you more.
Fine Motor Skills
- Struggles with buttons, zippers, or snaps
- Avoids coloring, drawing, or writing
- Has trouble using scissors or utensils
- Holds pencil with an awkward grip
Gross Motor & Coordination
- Seems clumsy or falls often
- Avoids playground equipment
- Has trouble catching or throwing a ball
- Bumps into furniture or people frequently
Sensory Processing
- Covers ears at loud sounds
- Refuses certain clothing textures
- Seeks crashing, spinning, or heavy input
- Overly sensitive — or barely notices — touch, sound, or movement
Self-Regulation
- Meltdowns that seem bigger than the situation
- Difficulty calming down once upset
- Trouble transitioning between activities
- Always 'revved up' or unusually sluggish
Daily Living Skills
- Behind peers in dressing, feeding, or toileting
- Can't tie shoes at age-appropriate time
- Messy eater well past toddler years
- Resists grooming routines (hair brushing, teeth, nails)
School Readiness
- Can't sit still for age-appropriate activities
- Handwriting is illegible or painfully slow
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Avoids desk work or crafts
MILESTONES BY AGE
What to Expect at Every Stage
Children develop on a spectrum — not a schedule. These checkpoints follow single CDC milestone ages. If your child is missing several milestones, that's when a screening conversation is valuable.
9 months — Typical Milestones
- Shows caution or clinginess around unfamiliar people
- Looks when you call their name
- Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, or surprised
- Reacts when you leave by looking, reaching, or crying
- Smiles or laughs during peek-a-boo
- Makes lots of sounds like "mamamama" and "bababababa"
- Lifts arms up to be picked up
- Looks for objects that fall out of sight
- Bangs two objects together
- Gets into a sitting position by themselves
- Moves things from one hand to the other
- Uses fingers to rake food toward themselves
- Sits without support
WHEN TO ACT
Trust What You See
Parents notice things first. If you're reading this page, something prompted you to look — and that instinct matters. You don't need a diagnosis or a referral to start.
01
Count the signs
If 3 or more items in any skill area sound like your child, an evaluation is a smart next step.
02
Don't wait for school
Early support leads to faster progress. Waiting for a teacher to flag it can cost months of momentum.
03
One call does it
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll let you know honestly whether OT makes sense — no pressure, no sales pitch.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions Parents Ask
There's no minimum age. Children as young as 12 months can benefit from early intervention. The most common age range for starting pediatric OT is 2–6 years, when school-readiness demands reveal gaps. But children of any age up to 16 can benefit.
No. You don't need a diagnosis, and in Arizona you don't need a doctor's referral either. If you're seeing struggles with everyday skills, that's enough reason to schedule an evaluation.
Your therapist observes your child during natural activities — playing, drawing, getting dressed. They may use standardized tools like the BOT-2 or Sensory Profile. You'll get a clear summary of strengths, areas of concern, and a recommended plan.
Most children make meaningful progress within 3–6 months of weekly sessions. Some need less, some need more. Your therapist sets measurable goals and adjusts the plan as your child grows.
Yes. Most commercial insurance plans, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), and DDD cover occupational therapy for children. Arizona ESA funds can also be used. We verify your benefits before starting.
Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and school readiness. Physical therapy focuses on gross motor skills like walking, balance, and strength. Some children benefit from both.
Not sure yet? That's okay.
Tell us what you're seeing and we'll give you an honest answer — no evaluation required, no commitment. The call is free.