How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Disabilities Thrive
April is Occupational Therapy Month, and at the Trudeau Center, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on one of the most impactful and often misunderstood roles in children’s developmental services.
When most people hear “occupational therapy,” they think of adults recovering from injuries. But for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, occupational therapy is something far more foundational. It’s the work of helping a child button a shirt, hold a crayon, tolerate the feel of a new texture, or navigate a busy classroom without becoming overwhelmed. It’s the bridge between a child’s potential and their ability to participate fully in daily life.
At the Trudeau Center, occupational therapists play a vital role across two key programs serving children in Rhode Island: Early Intervention and Home-Based Children’s Services.
Starting Early, Making a Lasting Difference
Trudeau’s Early Intervention program serves children from birth through age three, a period researchers consistently identify as one of the most critical windows for developmental support. During these early years, the brain is developing at a remarkable pace, and targeted therapeutic support can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s trajectory.
Occupational therapists working within Early Intervention focus on the skills that allow young children to explore, play, and engage with the world around them. Fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care skills, and the ability to participate in daily routines are all within the OT’s scope. Crucially, Trudeau’s Early Intervention model is built around a coaching approach, meaning therapists work directly alongside parents and caregivers to embed strategies into everyday moments at home.
“Occupational therapy in Early Intervention isn’t something that happens in a clinic and then stops when a child goes home,” said Andre Bessette, Ph.D., Vice President of Children’s Services. “Our therapists work with families inside their daily routines, whether that’s mealtime, bath time, or getting dressed in the morning, because that’s where real skill development happens. When a parent feels confident using these strategies on their own, that’s when we know we’ve made a lasting difference.”
“Occupational therapy is woven into everything we do in Early Intervention,” said Jacqueline Ferreira, Director of Early Intervention. “When an OT works with a child on something as simple as picking up a small toy or tolerating a new texture, they are laying the groundwork for so much more: attention, independence, confidence, and the ability to engage in learning. Our model puts therapists right alongside families in their homes and daily routines, so those skills get practiced and reinforced in the moments that matter most.”
Support That Grows with the Child
For children ages three and older, Trudeau’s Home-Based Children’s Services continues to provide individualized therapeutic support, including occupational therapy, in the environments where children spend their days. Whether in the home, at school, or in the community, OTs assess each child’s unique needs and develop tailored plans that address both current challenges and longer-term goals.
For children with sensory processing differences, motor delays, or difficulty with everyday self-care tasks, this kind of consistent, individualized support can be transformative. It’s not just about skill-building in isolation. It’s about helping children gain the confidence and capability to participate in the activities that matter most to them and their families.
“What I see occupational therapists do every day is remarkable,” said Samantha Moore, Director of Home & Center Based Children’s Services. “They meet children exactly where they are and help them find ways to engage more fully with the world. A child who struggled with something as simple as holding a spoon or managing a classroom transition can make real progress with the right support. Those gains ripple outward into everything else, including communication, confidence, and connection with others.”
A Career Worth Pursuing
Occupational Therapy Month is also a moment to recognize the dedicated OTs who bring this work to life every day at Trudeau. If you are a licensed occupational therapist or OT assistant looking for a meaningful career in a mission-driven organization, Trudeau’s Children’s Services programs offer the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families across Rhode Island.
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AI may have been used in the initial drafting and research of this article. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical, therapeutic, or individualized service advice. Every person’s needs and circumstances are unique. For information about services specific to you or your loved one, please contact the Trudeau Center.
