Evaluataions For Children
Every child develops at their own pace. However, an evaluation may be helpful if your child is having trouble with everyday activities, movement, communication, or keeping up with children their age.
Some children may benefit from more than one type of therapy. Our team can help families decide which service may be the best place to start.
Occupational Therapy May Help If Your Child:
- Has trouble holding a pencil, coloring, writing, or using scissors
- Has difficulty using buttons, zippers, utensils, or shoelaces
- Needs more help than expected with dressing, bathing, feeding, or toileting
- Avoids certain sounds, textures, foods, clothing, or messy play
- Becomes easily overwhelmed in busy or noisy places
- Has trouble calming down or managing big feelings
- Has difficulty paying attention or completing tasks
- Seems clumsy or has trouble using both hands together
- Has difficulty with puzzles, blocks, or copying shapes
- Has a very limited diet or avoids many food textures
- Has trouble with play skills, routines, or independence
Physical Therapy May Help If Your Child:
- Is late learning to roll, sit, crawl, stand, or walk
- Has trouble walking, running, jumping, climbing, or using stairs
- Falls more often than other children
- Has difficulty keeping up with peers during play or sports
- Walks on their toes often
- Seems weak, stiff, or tires easily
- Has poor balance or coordination
- Has difficulty riding a bike, kicking a ball, or catching a ball
- Favors one side of the body
- Has head turning or head shape concerns as a baby
- Has pain or difficulty moving after an injury
- Needs help with braces, walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility equipment
Speech and Language Therapy May Help If Your Child:
- Is not using words or sentences as expected for their age
- Is difficult for family members or others to understand
- Has trouble saying certain sounds or words clearly
- Has difficulty understanding questions or directions
- Has trouble finding the words to explain what they want
- Uses fewer words than other children their age
- Repeats sounds, words, or phrases when speaking
- Has difficulty starting or keeping a conversation going
- Has trouble taking turns, reading social cues, or interacting with peers
- Becomes frustrated because they cannot communicate their needs
- Has difficulty telling a story or answering questions
- May benefit from pictures, signs, or a communication device
- Has difficulty chewing, swallowing, drinking, or eating different foods
Feeding & Eating Therapy May Help If Your Child:
- Eats fewer than 20–30 different foods
- Refuses entire food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, or proteins
- Becomes upset or anxious when new foods are offered
- Gags, coughs, or chokes while eating or drinking
- Has difficulty chewing or swallowing food
- Takes a very long time to finish meals
- Has trouble transitioning from breast or bottle to cups or solid foods
- Has difficulty drinking from a straw or open cup
- Has trouble using fingers, spoons, or forks to feed themselves
- Holds food in their mouth instead of swallowing it
- Overfills their mouth with food
- Avoids foods because of their texture, temperature, smell, or appearance
- Frequently spits food out or refuses to eat
- Has stressful mealtimes that often end in frustration for the child or family
- Has poor weight gain or concerns about nutrition related to eating
- Has feeding challenges related to autism, sensory differences, prematurity, developmental delays, neurological conditions, or other medical diagnoses
When in Doubt, Ask!
Many children go through phases of picky eating. However, if eating has become stressful, your child is not getting enough variety, or mealtimes are affecting your family’s daily life, a feeding evaluation may help identify the cause and provide strategies to make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Not Sure Where to Start?
It is common for children to have needs in more than one area. For example, a child may need help with movement, sensory skills, feeding, and communication.
Contact our clinic at (207) 781-0022 if you have concerns about your child’s development. Our team can listen to your concerns and help you decide whether an occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech and language evaluation may be appropriate.
