What is Occupational Therapy?

Hi! My name is Madeline, licensed occupational therapist and founder of Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I love OT because it is child-focused, family-driven, and rooted in evidence-based practices that help increase a child’s independence, participation, and engagement in daily life.

Many families have heard of occupational therapy, but aren’t always sure what it is. Pediatric OT focuses on helping children from birth through high school build the skills they need for daily life—whether at home, at school, or in the community.

What Occupational Therapy Looks Like for Kids

Occupational therapy focuses on helping children take part in the everyday activities that matter most to them and their families. That might mean eating meals, playing with peers, learning in the classroom, or managing self-care routines like brushing teeth and getting dressed. Sessions are often play-based, because children learn best when they’re engaged and having fun. What may look like simple play is carefully designed to build real-life skills—helping children grow independence, confidence, and success in their daily routines.

Every child develops differently, but some may need extra support. Pediatric OT can help with:

• Fine Motor Skills – Struggles with handwriting, using scissors, buttoning clothes, or precise finger movements.
  
• Visual Motor Skills – Difficulty copying shapes, drawing, or completing puzzles.
  
• Feeding Difficulties – Extreme picky eating, sensitivities to food textures, or challenges with trying new foods.
  
• Sensory Processing – Constantly seeking movement (jumping, crashing), difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, or being sensitive to clothing textures, loud noises, or certain movements.
  
• Self-Care Skills – Trouble brushing teeth, dressing, toileting, or managing age-appropriate daily routines.
  
• Emotional Regulation – Difficulty with transitions, easily frustrated, or struggling to manage emotions.
  
• Social Skills – Challenges initiating play, taking turns, or sharing with peers.
  
• Motor Planning & Coordination – Appearing clumsy, tiring easily, struggling to complete multi-step activities, or difficulty learning new tasks.
  
• Bilateral Coordination – Trouble using both hands together, such as catching a ball, cutting with scissors, or threading beads.

By addressing these areas through occupational therapy, children can gain confidence, develop independence, and participate more fully in the activities that make up their everyday lives.

What Families Are Saying 

✨ “Madeline with Building Blocks Therapy is amazing! She is so good with kids—our daughter absolutely loves her. Our 3-year-old has made big strides with managing emotions and eating new foods, and we couldn’t have done it without her support!” - 

✨ “There are not enough words to express how thankful we are that Madeline worked with our daughter. She not only helped her as a person, but supported us as a family. She will always be our top choice and someone we highly recommend.”

✨ “We have loved working with Madeline! The one-on-one sessions have helped our child grow so much, and we’ve all learned along the way. Our child enjoys therapy and we’ve noticed big improvements since starting. Highly recommend her services!” 

Check out more 5-star reviews on Google—real feedback from families who’ve experienced the difference OT can make.

About Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy

My name is Madeline! I am the owner and occupational therapist of Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy, serving families throughout Orange County. I provide in-home and in-school services, always working closely with families to focus on the goals that matter most to them. My approach is child-focused, family-driven, and evidence-based—ensuring progress that is meaningful and lasting.

I received my Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and have worked in a variety of pediatric settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, and in-home services. Together, these experiences have given me the tools to help children grow and thrive in every stage and environment of daily life. 

If you’d like to learn more or see if occupational therapy may benefit your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to partner with your family to help your child thrive! 

📞 Call or Text: (615) 495-3446
📧 Email: madeline@buildingblockstherapyca.com
🌐 Website: buildingblockstherapyca.com