Occupational Therapy in Chandler, Glendale & Mesa, AZ
Building Skills for Greater Independence in Everyday Life
Getting dressed, holding a pencil, completing work or school tasks, managing different sights and sounds, and following daily routines involve many skills working together. When some of those skills are challenging, occupational therapy can provide extra support and practice.
At Arbor Therapy, our occupational therapists use individualized, engaging activities to help clients from birth through age 30 develop skills that can make everyday activities easier and more manageable.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps individuals develop the skills they need to participate more independently in everyday activities. These “occupations” include things like playing, learning, getting dressed, eating, completing school or work activities, and interacting with the world around them.
Occupational therapists look at the different skills involved in these activities and identify where clients may need additional support. Depending on individual needs, OT can address fine motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, self-care skills, visual motor skills, and more.
Signs Someone Might Benefit from Occupational Therapy
Consider talking with an occupational therapist if you or someone you care for:
- Has difficulty using utensils, pencils, scissors, buttons, or zippers
- Needs extra help learning to dress or complete other self-care routines
- Has difficulty with handwriting or other school activities
- Seems especially sensitive to certain sounds, textures, movement, or other sensory experiences
- Seeks out lots of movement or sensory input
- Has difficulty with coordination or using both hands together
- Becomes overwhelmed during transitions or everyday routines
- Has difficulty participating in age-appropriate activities
Our Approach to Occupational Therapy
Every client has different strengths, needs, interests, and goals. We use those differences to guide therapy rather than expecting every client to learn skills in the same way.
OT sessions can be active and playful. Depending on their age and goals, clients might climb, swing, draw, play a game, practice getting dressed, work on a daily routine, or complete other activities chosen specifically for their needs.
Our purpose-built clinics include sensory gyms, movement spaces, private treatment rooms, feeding kitchens, and even washers and dryers, giving clients opportunities to practice everyday skills in environments that feel more like real life.
We also involve clients and caregivers in the therapy process so they understand which skills are being addressed and how to carry helpful strategies into daily life. Teletherapy services are available when appropriate.
What Skills Can Occupational Therapy Address?
Depending on their individual needs, OT can help work on:
Fine motor and hand skills
Sensory processing and regulation
Hand-eye coordination
Dressing and other self-care skills
Handwriting and school-related tasks
Play and social participation
Following routines and transitions
Greater independence in daily activities
Why Choose Arbor Therapy?
At Arbor Therapy, each client’s care is built around what they need to do in their everyday life. Our occupational therapists can also collaborate with speech and physical therapists within the practice when clients receive multiple services, helping make care more convenient and connected.
Reach Out Today to Get Started with Occupational Therapy
Have questions about everyday skills or routines? Contact Arbor Therapy to learn more or schedule an evaluation at one of our Arizona clinics.