Helping Children Thrive at Home and School

Supporting Children Where It Matters Most

In early childhood, every developmental milestone from holding a spoon to focusing in class lays the foundation for future growth. When delays or sensory challenges arise, occupational therapy (OT) offers vital support. At Mubadala Health Dubai, OT helps children not only catch up but truly thrive in daily life.

What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric OT helps children build the skills needed for everyday tasks like:

• Self-care (e.g., dressing, brushing teeth)
• Play and social interaction
• Classroom participation (e.g., sitting still, writing, attention)

Occupational Therapist focus on motor coordination, sensory regulation, and emotional development, tailoring interventions to each child's needs.

Signs a Child May Benefit from OT

Consider OT if your child shows:

• Delayed milestones (walking, talking)
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., using scissors)
• Poor balance or coordination
• Trouble with self-care or classroom focus
• Diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, dyspraxia, or sensory processing disorder

OT at Home and School

OT supports development not only in clinics, but in everyday settings.

At home, we help families:

• Create visual routines
• Use sensory-friendly tools
• Practice self-care and play-based exercises

At school, we collaborate with teachers to:

• Improve handwriting and posture
• Introduce sensory breaks
• Support attention and peer interactions

Children with sensory processing difficulties may overreact or underreact to sounds, lights, or touch. Using play-based sensory integration, therapists help regulate these responses often improving sleep, focus, and emotional control.

Early years are critical for brain development. Starting OT early can make a significant difference in future independence and academic success. At MHD, we offer developmental screenings and family-centered care to identify needs as early as possible.

Occupational therapy helps children move beyond coping to thriving at home, in school, and in their communities. If you notice signs of difficulty, consider speaking with an OT. Early, evidence-based support can create lasting change.

Authored by Dr. Dongwook Lee, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, OTR/L (USA)