When Does My Child Need Occupational Therapy?

"If you feel like something is ‘off’ with your child’s development, trust your gut—early intervention can make all the difference." – Danielle Lyden

Is your child struggling with handwriting, coordination, or sensory sensitivities? Do they seem clumsy, easily overwhelmed, or exhausted after school? These could be signs that occupational therapy (OT) can help.

In this episode, Jessica sits down with occupational therapist Danielle Lyden to explore the role of OT and how it can support children’s development. Danielle, a seasoned occupational therapist and parent, shares her expertise on recognizing red flags that may indicate a child could benefit from occupational therapy.

Key Takeaways:

• What is Occupational Therapy? Understanding how OT helps children develop essential motor, sensory, and daily living skills.
• Red Flags by Age Group: From infants who struggle with movement to school-aged kids who have difficulty with fine motor skills, handwriting, or sensory processing.
• The Overlap Between OT and Vision Therapy: Why vision plays a huge role in development and when to seek both types of support.

Danielle also shares her personal journey with 4D Vision Gym and how vision therapy transformed her daughter Kira’s reading abilities, handwriting, and overall confidence. She explains how addressing Kira’s visual challenges helped her thrive in school and daily activities—something she wouldn’t have discovered without her OT background.

If you’ve ever wondered whether OT could help your child thrive, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

(00:00) Intro

(00:34) Meet Danielle Lyden: Occupational Therapist

(04:15) Understanding Occupational Therapy

(06:42) Red Flags for Parents - OT Might Be the Answer

(10:33) The Importance of Crawling

(14:51) OT vs VT

(20:26) Kira's Journey with Vision Therapy and 4D Vision Gym. Consistency is Key

(26:07) Challenges and Solutions in School Settings

(27:34) 4D Built to Read Program

(28:24) The Mom to Mom Connection and Current School Demands

(36:18) Sensory Integration and Strategies

(38:05) Extracurricular Activities and Their Benefits

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
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Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

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Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”