As a parent, you are the expert on your child. You celebrate their triumphs and navigate their challenges right alongside them. Every child develops at their own unique pace, but sometimes you might notice a persistent struggle and wonder, “Could my child use a little extra support?”
It’s a common question, and seeking answers shows your incredible dedication. At Circle of Life Therapy, we partner with parents of children from birth to 21 years old to provide clarity and compassionate, evidence-based care. This guide is designed to help you recognize some common signs that your child might benefit from occupational or speech therapy.
Sign #1: Persistent Mealtime Struggles
Is every meal a battle? While a “picky eating” phase is common for many toddlers, some challenges go deeper. You might notice your child has extreme reactions to certain food textures, has difficulty chewing or swallowing, or resists trying new foods to the point that it impacts their nutrition.
These can be signs of an underlying issue that feeding therapy can address. Our occupational and speech therapists work with children to build positive relationships with food, improve oral motor skills, and make mealtimes a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Sign #2: Strong Reactions to Sensory Experiences
Does your child seem overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or the feeling of certain clothes against their skin? Or, on the flip side, do they seem to constantly seek out intense movement, crashing into things, or touching everything in sight?
These behaviors can point to challenges with sensory processing. A child’s nervous system may be having trouble organizing information from their senses. Through our specialized sensory processing therapy, our occupational therapists use fun, play-based activities in our sensory-friendly gym to help children regulate their sensory needs and participate more comfortably in their world.
Sign #3: Delays in Speech and Language Milestones
You might be wondering if your child’s communication is on track. Perhaps your toddler isn’t talking as much as their peers, your child is difficult for others to understand, or they struggle to follow directions or express their thoughts.
These can be indicators of a speech or language delay, which falls under the umbrella of language disorders. Our certified speech-language pathologists specialize in helping children find their voice. Through engaging, one-on-one speech therapy, we work on everything from articulation and fluency to building the vocabulary and social communication skills needed to connect with others.
Sign #4: Difficulty with “Childhood Jobs”
A child’s “job” is to play, learn, and grow. This involves countless small tasks that require motor skills and coordination. You may notice your child has difficulty with fine motor skills like holding a pencil, using scissors, or fastening buttons. They might also struggle with daily living skills, such as using a fork and knife, dressing, or managing their belongings.
This is where occupational therapy shines. We help children build the strength, coordination, and confidence they need to master these essential life skills, fostering independence and reducing frustration.
Sign #5: Challenges with Social Skills and Play
For many children, especially those with Autism, navigating social situations and playing with peers can be challenging. You might observe that your child prefers to play alone, has trouble taking turns, or finds making friends difficult.
Play is a critical part of development, and our therapists are here to provide support. We create a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn to understand social cues, engage in cooperative play, and build meaningful friendships through a compassionate, child-centered approach.
Your Partner in Unlocking Your Child’s Potential
Recognizing a sign is the first step; you don’t have to take the next one alone. At Circle of Life Therapy, we are dedicated to a family-centered approach where parents are essential partners in the therapeutic process. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge and strategies to support your child’s growth at home.
If you are in Grand Prairie, Texas, or the surrounding Tarrant, Dallas, or Johnson counties and have questions about your child’s development, we are here to help.
Ready to learn more? Click here to request a consultation with our compassionate team.