Does My Child Need Therapy?
Is My Child Meeting Their Milestones?
Every child grows at their own pace, and it's natural to have questions. This guide walks through common developmental signs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language development to help you know when a professional evaluation may be helpful.
Please note: this page is an educational guide, not a medical diagnosis. Research shows early intervention can make a meaningful difference, so if something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out to your pediatrician or our team.
Occupational Therapy Indicators
Occupational therapy helps children build the skills they need for play, learning, and everyday independence. If you notice several of these signs, an OT evaluation may help.
Sensory Sensitivities
Strong reactions to noise, clothing tags, textures, or messy hands; avoiding or craving movement; frequent meltdowns during transitions; or very picky eating linked to food textures.
Fine Motor Skills
No pincer grasp (thumb and finger) by about 12 months, an awkward or fisted pencil grip after age 4, difficulty with scissors, stacking blocks, or tiring quickly when drawing and writing.
Self-Care & Daily Tasks
Ongoing trouble with dressing, buttons, zippers, or shoes; difficulty using utensils or feeding independently; and struggles with tooth brushing or toileting compared to same-age peers.
Physical Therapy
Signs your child may benefit from Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapy supports gross motor skills — the big movements that help children sit, crawl, walk, run, and play with confidence. If you notice several of these signs, an evaluation can help.
Walking & Gait
- Persistent toe walking after age 2
- Not walking independently by 15–18 months
- Feet turning noticeably in or out
- Limping or an uneven walking pattern
Balance & Coordination
- Frequent falling or tripping compared to peers
- Difficulty with stairs, jumping, or hopping
- Seems clumsy or bumps into objects often
- Trouble catching, throwing, or kicking a ball
Early Motor Milestones
- Not rolling over by 6 months
- Not sitting independently by 9 months
- Delayed or skipped crawling
- Head tilt or a flat spot on the head (torticollis)
Strength & Posture
- Poor posture or slumping when sitting
- Tires quickly during play or walks
- Muscles seem very floppy or very stiff
- Prefers one side of the body over the other
SPEECH THERAPY
Signs your child may benefit from speech therapy
Every child develops at their own pace. If several of these signs feel familiar, a speech-language evaluation can offer clarity and peace of mind.
Language & Communication
- Limited eye contact or response to their name
- Few or no words by 15–18 months
- Not combining two words by age 2
- Small vocabulary compared to peers
- Difficulty following simple directions
- Rarely points, gestures, or shares interest
Articulation & Clarity
- Hard for family to understand by age 3
- Hard for strangers to understand by age 4
- Leaves off sounds or swaps them ("tat" for "cat")
- Stuttering, repeating, or getting stuck on words
- Frustration when not understood
- Persistent hoarse or nasal voice
Feeding & Swallowing
- Coughing, gagging, or choking during meals
- Difficulty chewing or moving food in the mouth
- Extremely limited range of accepted foods
- Trouble transitioning to textured foods
- Frequent drooling beyond toddler years
- Long, stressful mealtimes