How Can Occupational Therapy Help My Child?
As parents, we want to ensure our children meet developmental milestones.
When my friend’s toddler was not interested in eating anything but baby food, their pediatrician recommended an occupational therapist to help with chewing and texture.
She called it a “game-changer” for her daughter, who thrived after just a few sessions.
Pediatric occupational therapists have been changing the game for children for decades, helping with a range of motor and developmental skills.
We’ve polled KZOOKIDS readers for the best pediatric OTs in Kalamazoo, and the results are below.
Try our Best Doctors Guide for other specialties if you want additional providers.
In this guide
Voting Results: Pediatric Occupational Therapists
With most developmental concerns, your family doctor or pediatrician is your first stop for guidance.
If they believe occupational therapy can benefit your child, their office will refer you to a local OT office. Children participating in EarlyOn may also receive OT services through their program.
Every name in this guide received significant votes from our readers. Any sponsors you see were first voted by our readers and then were invited to offer more information about their practice.
We polled local parents for their top picks in occupational therapy; the top seven are listed below.
Best OT for Kids
Maria Dobbertien
at
Functional Kids Therapy
Top Occupational Therapists in Kalamazoo
1 • Dobbertien, Maria • Functional Kids Therapy
2 • Pixley, Kelly • Functional Kids Therapy
3 • Bell, Marie • Rise Therapy & Wellness
4 • Hernandez, Rebecca • Santosha Wellness
4 • Horton-Bierma, Wendy • Arcadia Center for OT, LLC
6 • Firth, Jessica • Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA)
7 • Shearer, Kyle • Bronson Rehabilitation Services – Elm Valley Drive
sponsored listings
Care for All Individuals · All Ages · All Abilities
At Rise Therapy & Wellness, we provide inclusive, neuro-affirming care designed to support individuals across the lifespan.
Our interdisciplinary team focuses on regulation, communication, movement, confidence, and whole person wellness.
NOW OFFERING
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Inclusive Sports & Movement Programs
COMING THIS SUMMER
• Physical Therapy
• Behavioral Health Services
At Rise Therapy & Wellness, we provide inclusive, neuro-affirming care designed to support individuals across the lifespan.
Our interdisciplinary team focuses on regulation, communication, movement, confidence, and whole person wellness.
NOW OFFERING
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Inclusive Sports & Movement Programs
COMING THIS SUMMER
• Physical Therapy
• Behavioral Health Services
Occupational Therapy Areas of Focus
So, what do occupational therapists DO, exactly? The answer is a pretty extensive list.
Occupational Therapists, commonly referred to as OTs, can help children with a variety of gross and fine motor skills:
• Developmental Delays: not meeting developmental milestones on time, not engaging in age-appropriate play
• Gross Motor Skills: using both sides of the body, maneuvering stairs, improving balance
• Fine Motor Skills: using scissors, manipulating buttons, tying laces, improving handwriting
• Sensory Processing: heightened reactivity to sound, touch, or movement, easily distracted by stimuli
• Visual Processing: letter recognition, spacing between letters, differentiating right versus left
• Oral Motor/Processing: eating and drinking using age-appropriate tools and techniques, picky eating/food texture concerns
Does Your Family Have a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?
Do you have a favorite OT for kids? Let us know in the comments.
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