Helping Clifton Kids Do the Things They Need and Love to Do
Every child has their own “jobs”: playing, learning, getting dressed, eating, making friends and managing big feelings. When one of those jobs feels harder than it should, occupational therapy can help. At our Clifton clinic, an experienced occupational therapist with neuro and hand experience works with children one on one, using play to build skills that carry over into daily life.
You don’t need to be sure something is “wrong” to ask. Many parents call simply because they have a feeling their child is working harder than other kids at certain tasks. If that sounds familiar, our guide to the signs your child may benefit from occupational therapy is a good place to start.
Who Pediatric OT Helps
Pediatric occupational therapy can help children who have trouble with:
- Fine motor skills and handwriting — holding a pencil, writing legibly, cutting with scissors, buttons and zippers
- Self-care — dressing, brushing teeth, using utensils and other daily routines
- Sensory processing — being very bothered by noise, textures, clothing tags or messy play, or constantly seeking movement and touch
- Motor planning — figuring out how to do a new, multi-step movement, like getting on a jacket or learning a game
- Regulation — staying calm, focused and organized, and recovering from frustration
- Feeding tied to sensory needs — very limited food choices or strong reactions to certain textures, smells or tastes
- Coordination — using both hands together, catching and throwing, or seeming clumsy compared with peers
We also see children who are recovering from hand or arm injuries, such as fractures or after surgery, and children with neurological conditions who need help with movement, strength and daily skills.
Occupational therapists do not diagnose autism or ADHD; that is done by your pediatrician or a developmental specialist. OT works on everyday skills whether or not your child has a diagnosis. We do not provide ABA therapy.
What the Evaluation Looks Like
The first visit is all about getting to know your child. The therapist will:
- Talk with you about your concerns, your child’s history, and what daily life looks like at home and at school
- Watch your child play and try age-appropriate activities, such as drawing, building, cutting or moving through a short obstacle course
- Look at hand strength, coordination, posture, sensory responses and self-care skills, using standardized tests when they are helpful
- Share what they noticed and work with you to set clear, practical goals
Most kids experience the evaluation as a play session. Bring any school or doctor reports you have, and a sample of handwriting or schoolwork if that is part of your concern.
What Sessions Look Like
Play-based. Children learn best when they are engaged. Sessions use games, crafts, puzzles, movement and sensory activities chosen to target your child’s goals, so the hard work feels like fun.
Parent coaching. You know your child best. The therapist will explain what they are working on and why, and show you simple ways to support those skills during everyday routines like getting dressed, mealtimes and homework.
Home programs. Short, realistic activities to practice between visits help progress happen faster. The therapist will adjust them as your child grows and as your family’s schedule allows.
Why Families Choose Our Clifton Clinic
For many families in Clifton, Passaic, Nutley, Little Falls, Woodland Park, Montclair and Garfield, our Clifton clinic is a shorter drive. That makes it easier to keep up with regular sessions around school, work and activities.
Holsman also has a dedicated pediatric clinic: the Holsman Children’s Therapy Center at 15-01 Broadway, Suite 14C, Fair Lawn, NJ (201-351-1682). It has a full sensory gym and offers pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy under one roof. If your child may benefit from more than one type of therapy, our staff can help you choose the location that fits best.
Insurance and Getting Started
You can schedule physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy directly. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage; our staff will verify your benefits before your first visit and explain what your plan covers. See our insurance page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for pediatric occupational therapy?
You can schedule physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy directly. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage; our staff will verify your benefits.
What ages do you see for pediatric OT in Clifton?
We see children and teens. When you call, tell us your child's age and what you have noticed, and our staff will help you find the right appointment.
Can occupational therapy diagnose autism or ADHD?
No. Occupational therapists do not diagnose autism or ADHD. Your pediatrician or a developmental specialist makes those diagnoses. OT focuses on everyday skills, such as fine motor control, self-care, sensory processing and regulation, whether or not a child has a diagnosis. We do not provide ABA therapy.
How long is each session, and how often will my child come?
It depends on your child's needs and goals. After the evaluation, the therapist will recommend how often to come and will review progress with you along the way.
Should I go to Clifton or to the Children's Therapy Center in Fair Lawn?
Clifton is often closer for families in Clifton, Passaic, Nutley, Little Falls, Woodland Park, Montclair and Garfield. The Holsman Children's Therapy Center in Fair Lawn is our dedicated pediatric clinic, with a full sensory gym and pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy under one roof. If your child may need more than one type of therapy, Fair Lawn may be the better fit. Our staff can help you decide.
What should my child wear or bring to the first visit?
Comfortable clothes they can move and play in, any school or doctor reports you have, and samples of handwriting or schoolwork if that is a concern. A favorite snack can help with feeding-related questions.
Schedule a Pediatric OT Evaluation in Clifton
If you have questions about your child’s development or daily skills, we’re happy to talk them through with you. Call our Clifton clinic at 973-246-6565 or contact us online to get started. You can also learn more about our Clifton location.