Summary:
Pediatric Occupational Therapy at SunBright Therapy in Minneapolis helps children with autism and other developmental challenges build independence through play-based, purposeful therapy. From improving motor skills to supporting sensory processing, our therapists create personalized plans to help each child reach their full potential.
💛 Introduction
Every parent wants their child to feel confident, independent, and capable in daily life. For children with autism or other developmental differences, these skills don’t always come easily—but with the right support, meaningful progress is possible.
At SunBright Therapy, our Pediatric Occupational Therapy program is designed to help children gain the skills they need to thrive at home, in school, and in their community. Whether it’s learning to button a shirt, tolerate new textures, or follow a morning routine, our occupational therapists offer the expertise, patience, and encouragement to help children succeed—step by step.
Table of Contents
🧠 What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on helping children develop the physical, cognitive, and sensory skills they need to participate fully in daily life. Unlike adult occupational therapy, pediatric OT looks a lot like play—but every activity is intentional, goal-driven, and personalized to meet each child’s unique developmental needs.
At SunBright Therapy in Minneapolis, we work with children who face challenges such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Developmental delays
- ADHD
- Fine and gross motor difficulties
- Feeding or self-care struggles
Our goal is to build independence, confidence, and everyday functional abilities that allow each child to participate in life with greater ease.
🎯 Core Focus Areas in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Our therapists work with families to address key developmental areas that impact a child’s daily life. Here are the foundational skills we focus on:
✅ Fine & Gross Motor Skills
We help children improve control of small muscles (like writing or zipping a jacket) and large muscles (like jumping or climbing). These skills are essential for school, play, and self-care.
✅ Hand-Eye Coordination
Using tools like puzzles, pegboards, and games, we support the development of coordinated movements between what children see and how they respond physically—critical for activities like handwriting and feeding.
✅ Sensory Integration
Children with autism often experience the world differently through their senses. Our sensory-friendly approach helps children manage hypersensitivities (like loud noises or itchy fabrics) or seek needed sensory input in safe, appropriate ways.
✅ Self-Care & Daily Routines
Dressing, brushing teeth, feeding, and toileting are milestones we target with practical, achievable goals—always tailored to the child’s developmental level.
✅ Emotional Regulation & Transitions
Through Pediatric Occupational Therapy, we guide children in managing big emotions, adapting to change, and building resilience through structure and supportive routines.
👩⚕️ Personalized, Child-Led Therapy
At SunBright Therapy, no two therapy plans are the same. Our Board Certified Occupational Therapists begin with a detailed evaluation to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. From there, we create a personalized care plan that may include:
- 1:1 therapy sessions (in-clinic or in-home)
- Sensory gym activities
- Real-life practice with daily routines
- Collaboration with ABA and speech therapists
- Parent coaching and at-home strategies
We use a play-based approach because children learn best when they’re engaged, curious, and comfortable.
🌟 Real Stories, Real Progress
Our families often share how occupational therapy has transformed daily life. For example:
- Liam, age 5, struggled with transitions and sensory issues that made dressing and tooth brushing a battle. After 10 weeks of therapy focused on sensory processing and motor planning, he now dresses independently and participates in morning routines with minimal support.
- Ava, age 7, had difficulty using classroom tools due to weak grip strength and poor hand coordination. Through fun, structured OT sessions, she can now confidently write her name, use scissors, and participate in group art activities.
These are just a few examples of how Pediatric Occupational Therapy at SunBright builds lifelong skills, one step at a time.
🤝 Family Involvement is Key
We believe parents and caregivers are essential partners in the therapy process. That’s why we provide:
- 💬 Regular progress updates
- 🏡 Take-home strategies and sensory tools
- 📞 Ongoing communication with therapists
- 💡 Guidance on routines, transitions, and school supports
Consistency between home and therapy helps children make faster, more lasting progress—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
📚 Trusted Autism Resources
For national information on autism and caregiver support, we recommend visiting the CDC’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Resource Page. It offers expert guidance on early signs, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions.
📍 Serving Minneapolis and Surrounding Communities
Our welcoming clinic is located in St. Anthony Village, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. We proudly serve families from:
- Minneapolis
- Hennepin County
- Ramsey County – including Roseville & New Brighton
- Anoka County – including Columbia Heights & Fridley
Whether you’re seeking your first evaluation or expanding your child’s care team, SunBright Therapy offers compassionate, expert support close to home.
🌐 Related Services at SunBright Therapy
In addition to Pediatric Occupational Therapy, we also offer:
- 🧩 ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Caregiver Training
- 🗣️ Speech & Language Therapy
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures your child receives holistic care that meets their full range of needs.
📞 Start Your Child’s Journey Toward Independence
At SunBright Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to live as independently and confidently as possible. With the right support, children can build the foundational skills that lead to a brighter future.
If you’re ready to explore how Pediatric Occupational Therapy can help your child thrive, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today:
📍 3055 Old State Highway 8, Minneapolis, MN 55418
🕘 Mon – Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
📞 651-785-5664
📧 Info@sunbrighttherapymn.com
SunBright Therapy – Empowering kids. Supporting families. Building brighter futures.🌞
