10 Signs Your Child May Benefit From Occupational Therapy in 2026

As we head into a new year, many families begin noticing things about their child’s development, behavior, or school performance that they didn’t see clearly before. The holiday season brings routine changes, travel, and social events—making developmental gaps more visible.

If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from occupational therapy (OT) in 2026, you’re not alone. January is one of the most common months for OT evaluations, especially for families in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and South Tampa as school resumes and new insurance benefits begin.

Here are 10 signs that may indicate it’s time to consider a pediatric OT evaluation.

1. Difficulty With Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are essential for daily tasks like drawing, using utensils, building with blocks, or manipulating clothing fasteners.

Red flags include:

• Avoiding coloring or drawing

• Messy handwriting

• Difficulty holding a pencil

• Trouble manipulating buttons, zippers, or scissors

OT helps strengthen hand muscles, improve coordination, and build confidence with these tasks.

2. Sensory Processing Challenges

Sensory processing challenges are one of the most common reasons families seek OT.

You may notice:

• Your child is overwhelmed by noise or crowds

• Constant movement, crashing, or jumping

• Avoiding certain textures (foods, clothing, messy play)

• Difficulty with transitions or changes

OT supports sensory regulation, emotional control, and daily routines.

3. Delays in Self-Help Skills

These are the skills children need to participate independently in everyday life.

Signs include:

• Difficulty dressing

• Trouble using utensils or open-cup drinking

• Avoiding toothbrushing or bathing

• Needing more help than peers during mealtime routines

OT helps build independence and confidence with daily tasks.

4. Challenges With Emotional Regulation

If your child experiences big emotions that seem out of proportion—or frequently struggles with calming their body—OT can help.

You may see:

• Frequent meltdowns

• Difficulty transitioning between activities

• Trouble following routine

• Sensory triggers that spark emotional reactions

OT teaches strategies for managing feelings, energy levels, and body awareness.

5. Handwriting Struggles

Even in a digital world, handwriting remains a key school readiness skill.

Common signs:

• Letters formed incorrectly

• Writing that is too big or too small

• Complaints of hand fatigue

• Avoiding writing entirely

OT helps strengthen hand muscles, improve posture, and teach efficient writing habits.

6. Delayed Play Skills

Play is how children learn—and delays in play skills can signal difficulty with motor planning, imagination, or social development.

Watch for:

• Difficulty engaging in pretend play

• Trouble initiating or sustaining play with peers

• Limited interests or repetitive play

OT helps build flexible thinking, turn-taking, and imaginative play.

7. Trouble With Coordination or Balance

If your child seems “clumsy” or avoids physical activities, an OT assessment can help determine why.

Signs include:

• Frequent tripping

• Avoiding playground equipment

• Difficulty riding a scooter or bike

• Challenges with hopping, skipping, or climbing

OT supports body awareness, strength, and coordination.

8. Picky Eating and Feeding Challenges

Feeding issues go beyond being “just picky.” They often have sensory or motor roots.

Signs include:

• Eating fewer than 15–20 foods

• Gagging or refusing certain textures

• Anxiety at mealtime

• Difficulty chewing harder foods

OT-based feeding therapy can reduce mealtime stress and expand your child’s diet safely.

9. Difficulty Focusing or Staying Seated

OT doesn’t diagnose ADHD, but therapists frequently support attention, regulation, and executive functioning.

Watch for:

• Trouble following multi-step directions

• Difficulty staying seated at meals or in class

• Easily distracted

• Needing constant reminders

OT helps build routines, structure, and self-regulation strategies.

10. Teachers or Caregivers Raise Concerns

If a teacher, daycare provider, or pediatrician mentions developmental, sensory, or motor concerns, it’s worth exploring OT. Educators often see patterns across children and have experience spotting challenges early.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Pediatric OT addresses the building blocks of daily life:

• Sensory processing

• Fine motor skills

• Visual-motor coordination

• Self-help skills

• Emotional regulation

• Executive functioning

• Strength, balance, and coordination

At Tampa Children’s Therapies, we tailor every session to your child’s unique needs—and we make therapy fun and engaging.

When To Schedule an Evaluation

If you recognized any of the signs above, an occupational therapy evaluation can bring clarity, guidance, and a plan.

January is one of the best times to start therapy because:

• New insurance benefits reset

• Schools identify mid-year concerns

• Routines stabilize after holidays

• Kids adjust well to new rhythms in the new year

Ready to Begin? We’re Here to Help.

At Tampa Children’s Therapies, we provide pediatric occupational therapy in:

• Tampa

• Wesley Chapel

• South Tampa

• Westchase

• Tampa Palms

We would be honored to support your child’s growth in 2026.

👉 Click here to join our January waitlist.

👉 Or contact us at info@tampachildrenstherapies.com

👉 Learn more about our OT services on our website.