OT, Physiotherapy or Speech Therapy? How They Differ for Children
When a teacher, doctor or another parent suggests "therapy", it isn't always clear which kind. Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language pathology are three separate regulated professions in Ontario. They often work side by side, but each has its own focus.
Occupational therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists help children take part in the everyday activities, or "occupations", of childhood: playing, learning, getting dressed, eating, writing and managing routines and feelings.
A paediatric OT may look at:
Fine motor skills, such as pencil grip, cutting, buttons and zippers.
Handwriting and printing.
Self-care, like dressing, feeding and toileting.
Sensory processing, including strong reactions to noise, textures or movement.
Attention, organization and planning, sometimes called executive function.
School readiness and coping with the classroom.
The key question for an OT is: what is getting in the way of this child doing what they need and want to do, and how can we help?
Physiotherapy (PT)
Physiotherapists focus on movement and physical function: strength, balance, posture, walking, running and recovery after injury or surgery. A physiotherapist might help a child with gross motor milestones, an orthopaedic condition or a sports injury.
There is some overlap with OT around coordination and motor skills. As a general rule, a physiotherapist focuses on how the body moves, while an OT focuses on how movement and other skills come together in daily tasks, like getting dressed or printing a sentence.
Speech-language pathology (SLP)
Speech-language pathologists help with communication and swallowing. That includes speech sounds, understanding and using language, stuttering, social communication, voice, and feeding or swallowing difficulties.
There is some overlap with OT around feeding. An SLP looks at the mouth movements and swallowing involved in eating, while an OT often looks at the sensory side of mealtimes, sitting at the table and using utensils.
When children see more than one
Many children benefit from more than one kind of support, and these professionals often share information with a family's consent. For example, a child with developmental coordination disorder might see an OT for printing and self-care and a physiotherapist for balance and sports skills.
How to know where to start
If you're not sure which service fits, start with what you're noticing day to day. If the main concern is everyday tasks, like dressing, printing, routines or sensory reactions, an OT is often a good first call. An OT can also tell you if another professional may be helpful.
Learn more about paediatric occupational therapy in Ottawa, read about what happens at an OT assessment, or see our FAQ.
Talk to an Ottawa occupational therapist
Every program starts with a free 15-minute call about your child. Call 613-797-9644 or email support@ottawaot.com. Our registered occupational therapists come to your home or your child's school anywhere in Ottawa, or meet you online.
This article is general information for parents. It isn't a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment by a registered occupational therapist.
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