When you think of occupational therapy (OT), you might wonder what “occupation” a child actually has. For children and young adults, their job is to play, learn, and engage with daily life. Finding the right occupational therapy in Las Vegas is not just about fixing handwriting—it is about fostering independence.

At Let’s Talk! Therapy Center, we look at how your child interacts with their environment. From a toddler who refuses messy textures to a teenager struggling to organize schoolwork, OT challenges can appear as behavioral concerns. Waiting for a child to “grow out of it” often creates unnecessary stress at home and school. Below are four clear indicators that it may be time for an evaluation with our specialized team.

1. Sensory Processing Issues (Over- or Under-Responsive)

Sensory processing difficulties are one of the most common reasons families seek occupational therapy. When the brain struggles to process sights, sounds, or textures, daily life can feel overwhelming or under-stimulating.

• The Sign: Extreme reactions to sensory input that disrupt daily activities.
• For Kids: Covering ears at loud noises, refusing certain fabrics, gagging on food textures, or crashing into furniture for pressure.
• For Teens & Adults: Becoming overwhelmed in crowds, difficulty focusing with background noise, or having a very limited diet due to textures.

2. Fine Motor Delays (Hand Skills)

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and wrists. These skills are essential for school tasks and daily self-care.

• The Sign: Avoiding precision tasks or tiring quickly during hand-based activities.
• For Kids: Difficulty holding crayons, using scissors, buttoning clothing, zipping zippers, or producing legible handwriting.
• For Teens & Adults: Trouble manipulating small objects, slow typing speed, or difficulty with hygiene tasks such as flossing or shaving.

3. Poor Emotional Regulation

Occupational therapy is deeply connected to the nervous system. When emotional regulation is difficult, transitioning between activities can feel overwhelming.

• The Sign: Emotional responses that seem disproportionate or difficulty calming after distress.
• For Kids: Tantrums during transitions, difficulty sitting still, or impulsive behavior affecting safety.
• For Teens & Adults: Anxiety with routine changes, difficulty organizing thoughts, or frustration when plans change.

4. Struggles with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

The ultimate goal of occupational therapy is independence. When daily self-care skills lag behind peers, confidence can be impacted.

• The Sign: Needing excessive assistance with age-appropriate tasks.
• For Kids: Difficulty dressing, using utensils, or progressing with toilet training.
• For Teens & Adults: Challenges with time management, organizing belongings, or handling money and shopping tasks.

Experience the Let’s Talk! Difference

If you recognize any of these signs, you do not have to navigate them alone. Our multidisciplinary team is here to help your family reach its full potential.

Contact Let’s Talk! Therapy Center today to schedule an evaluation for occupational therapy in Las Vegas.