Occupational Therapist
At Mary Free Bed Kids, occupational therapists (OTs) are experts in helping kids build the skills they need for everyday life. By helping kids navigate daily life, occupational therapists help kids lay the groundwork for future independence.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after illness, injury, or surgery, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist is a specialized health care professional who uses therapeutic techniques rooted in child development, neuroscience and family-centered care to support meaningful progress.
Kids grow quickly. Our occupational therapists understand how to tailor treatment plans so they grow alongside your child. Children come to us with many different abilities and challenges, but our compassionate and creative approach ensures our team will meet your child where they are.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist (OT) helps children participate in daily activities that are essential to their development and well-being.
Here’s what they do:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our occupational therapists use a comprehensive evaluation to understand every part of your child’s needs.
This evaluation considers:
- Sensory processing
- Motor skills
- Fine motor development
- Feeding
- Emotional regulation
- Daily routines
Family-Centered Care
Pediatric occupational therapy is focused on helping kids participate in their daily lives. Our team works with you and your family to understand your child’s unique goals, so that therapy reflects their daily life.
Creative and Engaging Therapy
For kids, therapy looks a lot like play. Our occupational therapists design sessions to be playful and engaging. This encourages kids to explore and try new things
Collaborative Care
Occupational therapists are one part of a collaborative care team. By working together, we help your child build confidence, independence and lifelong skills.
Who can an occupational therapist help?
Occupational therapists work with children who may have:
- Sensory processing disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delay
- Cerebral palsy
- Feeding disorders
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Visual-motor and fine motor delay
- Behavioral or attention-related needs
Where Occupational Therapists Fit in Your Child’s Care Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our approach to care is collaborative. Occupational therapists work alongside a multidisciplinary team to help your child achieve their goals.
Care teams include:
- Pediatric physicians
- Psychologists
- Physical therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Recreational therapists
- Care managers
Examples of What an Occupational Therapist Can Help With
Here are real ways an occupational therapist may support your child’s rehabilitation:
Developing Fine Motor Skills
OT can help strengthen the fine motor skills needed for grasping toys, buttoning coats or tying shoes.
Improving Perception
Occupational therapists also work with vision and depth perception. This can support reading readiness and other school-related tasks.
Incorporating Daily Activites
A key part of occupational therapy focuses on increasing independence during daily activities like getting dressed, brushing teeth or bathing.
Cognitive Strengthening
Occupational therapists can also support cognitive skills like memory, sequencing or problem-solving.
Sensory Integration
Our occupational therapists are highly trained in identifying sensory patters, they can help kids understand how their bodies respond to the world around them.
Feeding Education
Occupational therapists play a key role in our pediatric feeding program and can evaluate oral motor abilities, sensory responses, feeding routines, and safe swallowing practices.
Why Choose our Occupational Therapists
Our occupational therapists are dedicated to helping kids build the skills they need in everyday life. They’re experts in using therapy to support meaningful progress and goals.
Choosing our occupational therapists means:
- Expert support for kids of all ages
- Personalized therapy plans
- Collaboration with your child’s rehabilitation team
- Family and caregiver education
- Support for growth, confidence and independence
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
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Mid-Michigan
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Indiana
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