The Child Who Might Need an Outpatient PT or OT Evaluation

Infants

Preterm Infants

Correlated with impaired postural control and less exploratory, midline, and visual-motor movements

Torticollis and Plagiocephaly

Delay in treatment start can drastically increase the time needed for intervention

Sensory Issues

Difficulty tolerating bright lights, loud noises, different textures, bath time, changes in positioning, feeding

Feeding Problems

Visual Issues

Gross and fine motor milestones

Movement quality is also important

Erb’s Palsy

Early treatment can improve hand and arm function

Toddlers

In-toeing

Toes turning inward is abnormal at all ages

Toe walking

• For a short time after starting to walk, toe walking is normal
• After early walking, toe walking can be a symptom of sensory problems, muscle tightness, balance problems, muscle weakness, or overactive reflexes
• Prolonged toe walking may cause movement problems for other joints

Trouble Climbing or Running

Difficulty with hand-eye coordination, dressing skills, coloring, self-feeding

Preschool and School Aged

“Clumsy Child”

Bumps into objects or friends, trips often or falls out of chairs, movements are “off”

“Lazy Child”

Leans on surfaces, lays on belly, w-sit, low energy for movement activities

Trouble Focusing or Completing tasks Independently

Handwriting Delays and Immature Grasp Patterns

Poor Sitting Posture