Pediatric Occupational Therapy
in Boise, ID
Does your child have trouble with daily activities like feeding, getting dressed, playing with other children, or staying on task? These activities occupy your child’s time and attention each day. In other words, this is your child’s occupation. Occupational therapy helps children overcome challenges that may interfere with these essential activities, empowering them to thrive.
We have the tools and experience to help your child overcome their struggles with fine motor skills, social skills, executive function skills, feeding skills, and much more. Our team will support your child to build the vital skills they need to participate in every aspect of life with confidence.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a specialized type of treatment for those who struggle with the activities of daily living. For children, these activities encompass a wide range of skills, including movement, emotional & behavioral regulation, play, self-care, feeding, and problem-solving. Nearly anything your child spends time doing each day, occupational therapy can support it.
Pediatric occupational therapy is designed to help identify the specific areas of life that children struggle to handle. We then address those areas using proven, play-based methods so that your child can gain more independence and confidence in daily life.
Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Occupational Therapy
Your child may benefit from occupational therapy if they show any of the following signs:
- Difficulty holding a pencil, crayon, or scissors properly
- Trouble with handwriting
- Struggles with buttoning or zipping clothes, or with tying shoes
- Difficulty manipulating small objects like beads or puzzle pieces
- Overreacting to sounds, textures, lights, or touch
- Underreacting to stimuli (e.g., not noticing loud noises or pain)
- Difficulty sitting still or constantly seeking movement
- Getting easily overwhelmed in noisy or busy environments
- Trouble with dressing, eating, or brushing teeth independently
- Refusing or avoiding certain textures of food
- Difficulty managing frustration or emotions
- Struggles with transitioning between activities
- Challenges with taking turns, sharing, or interacting with peers
- Trouble with age-appropriate play (e.g., building with blocks, pretend play)
- Struggles with problem-solving or planning activities
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
Our Approach to Occupational Therapy
At Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to your child’s treatment. We recognize that every child and every family is different, and we take the time to develop a treatment plan that will best support your child’s unique needs.
Our occupational therapists are experts who use evidence-based, child-directed treatment methods that get results. Some of the methods that we use during occupational therapy sessions include:
- Sensory Integration
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Beckman Oral Motor
- Brushing Protocol
- Reflex Integration Training
- Therapeutic Yoga
- Adaptive Equipment Assessments
What Can Your Child Learn in Occupational Therapy?
Our expert and friendly occupational therapists can help your child learn a variety of important skills, including:
- Sensory processing
- Fine motor coordination & manual dexterity
- Oral motor & feeding skills
- Emotional regulation
- Hand eye coordination
- Social skills
- Executive functioning
- Attention
- Memory
- Sequencing
- Problem solving
- Flexible thinking, and more!
Why Choose Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy
Our mission is to provide the highest quality of evidence-based care to the children and families we work with. This is how we do it:
Encouraging Triumph
We encourage children to triumph over their challenges through our integrity, our compassion, and our commitment to making therapy fun.
Dynamic Environment
We take a dynamic approach to pediatric therapy by meeting each child at their ability level and giving them the tools they need to reach their highest fullest potential.
Provider Dedication
Our therapists will do what it takes to support your child and your family, and we’re happy to acquire new skills, certifications, and tools to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to questions that parents frequently ask about pediatric occupational therapy. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help.
What conditions can occupational therapy help with?
Occupational therapy can help with a variety of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, other genetic conditions, sensory processing disorders, traumatic brain injuries, learning differences, ADHD, and developmental delays.
Will I need a referral from my child’s pediatrician to start occupational therapy?
Yes, we do require a referral from your child’s pediatrician to start with our services. We work with your child’s healthcare team to ensure they receive the best care for their unique needs. We also routinely update your child’s doctor about their progress throughout treatment.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept all insurances to make it easy for your child to access the care they deserve. We also work within your plan to help maximize your child’s benefits so they can get the most out of their occupational therapy sessions.
How Does Occupational Therapy Help with Sensory Processing Challenges?
Occupational therapy helps kids who feel overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, busy environments, or unusual textures. At Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy, we use sensory integration techniques that are designed to teach children how to better process what they see, hear, touch, and feel. By gradually building coping strategies and tolerance, therapy helps kids stay calm, focused, and comfortable during everyday activities like school, playdates, or family outings. Our fun, personalized therapy activities aim to strengthen emotional regulation, behavior control and physical responses, making daily life more manageable.
In addition to these FAQs, you can learn the signs that your child may benefit from occupational therapy, and how to schedule an evaluation here.
What Activities Are Typically Included in Occupational Therapy Sessions?
Occupational therapy sessions are thoughtfully designed to build critical skills through engaging activities, such as:
- Games like puzzles or bead threading to strengthen small muscles in the hand (fine motor)
- Sensory play activities like swinging or exploring various textures
- Handwriting practice
- Self-care tasks like buttoning clothes
- Strength and coordination exercises
At Kaleidoscope, each session is individualized based on the child’s developmental level and personal goals. Therapy is fun, creative, and motivating, helping children stay excited about their progress.
How Can Occupational Therapy Improve a Child’s Handwriting or Fine Motor Skills?
Occupational therapy improves handwriting and fine motor skills by strengthening the muscles and coordination needed for small, precise movements. Strategies include:
- Hand and finger strengthening exercises
- Visual-motor integration activities
- Adaptive tools like pencil grips
- Practice with proper posture and grip
Therapists at Kaleidoscope create customized plans to help children develop these essential skills, making writing tasks more comfortable and boosting classroom success.
Does Occupational Therapy Address Feeding and Self-Care Skills?
Yes! Occupational therapy frequently focuses on important life skills like feeding, dressing, grooming, and hygiene. Children may work on:
- Using utensils
- Brushing teeth
- Washing hands
- Fastening buttons and snaps
We use fun, achievable steps to help children master these self-care tasks and build confidence. These daily skills not only promote independence but also enhance self-esteem.
Can Occupational Therapy Help Children with Autism or Developmental Delays?
Occupational therapy helps children with autism and developmental delays strengthen important life skills. Therapy sessions focus on improving how children process sensory information, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in different environments. Therapists also work on building social-emotional skills, such as recognizing emotions and engaging with peers. By teaching daily living tasks like dressing, eating, and organizing school materials, occupational therapy promotes greater independence. Additionally, therapy supports school readiness by strengthening fine motor skills, attention, and coping strategies needed for classroom success. Kaleidoscope uses evidence-based, child-centered approaches that emphasize each child’s unique strengths and potential.
How Can Parents Support Occupational Therapy Progress at Home?
Parents can support therapy goals by:
- Practicing skills during daily routines
- Following home exercise programs provided by the therapist
- Creating consistent schedules and routines
- Offering positive support
- Communicating regularly with their therapy team
Kaleidoscope partners with families and gives guidance to support home-based reinforcement and progress. Together, we celebrate every achievement.
How Long Does It Usually Take to See Improvements in Occupational Therapy?
Progress timelines can vary depending on each child’s specific needs, therapy goals, and session frequency. Some children show progress within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy support. Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy will continually assess and adjust therapy plans to ensure each child experiences meaningful and lasting growth. Every step forward is a milestone worth celebrating!
Reach Out Today to Get Started with Occupational Therapy
Are you ready to give your child the support they need to thrive? We’d love to work with you! Give us a call at (208) 375-4200 or fill out the contact form below to schedule your child’s evaluation today. Together, we can help your child achieve their fullest potential for a lifetime of success.