Supporting Your Child’s Growth: Understanding Pediatric Therapies
If you’re a parent navigating your child’s developmental journey, you’ve likely heard about pediatric therapies—physical, occupational, and speech. But how do you know which type of therapy your child may need? And what exactly does each one help with?
At The Denver Village, we believe in empowering parents with knowledge so they can confidently support their child’s unique growth. Below, we break down the key differences between Pediatric Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy to help you better understand these supportive services.
🌟 Pediatric Physical Therapy
Dr. Nicole Crippen Schremp, PT, DPT, PCS
Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on helping children improve their gross motor skills and physical function. This type of therapy is essential when children experience challenges with movement, strength, or coordination. Some of the key areas PT supports include:
Torticollis & head shape concerns
Body tension & low muscle tone
Gross motor delays (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking)
Tummy time difficulties
W-sitting habits
PT can make a tremendous difference in helping children reach developmental milestones and move confidently through their world.
🌟 Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Dr. Kayla Culbertson, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapy (OT) addresses both fine and gross motor development, as well as daily functional skills that support a child’s independence. OT may be right for your child if they’re struggling with:
Tethered oral ties
Feeding challenges (breast, bottle, or solids)
Body tension or low tone
Motor delays (both fine and gross)
Reflex integration difficulties
OTs work to strengthen your child’s ability to engage with the world around them—whether that’s eating, playing, or participating in school activities.
🌟 Pediatric Speech Therapy
Susan Doherty, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Therapy focuses on communication and language development, including how your child expresses themselves and understands others. A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can support your child in the following areas:
Speech-sound development
Receptive and expressive language
Early communication and play skills
Parent coaching and school consults
Speech Therapy doesn’t just help with speaking—it supports your child’s ability to connect with others and thrive socially and academically.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help 💛
Every child is unique, and sometimes they need a little extra support to reach their full potential. Whether your little one is having trouble with motor skills, feeding, or language development, understanding your options is the first step.
If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician or a licensed therapist for a consultation. Early intervention can make a world of difference!
📚 Helpful Resources for Parents:
Pathways.org Developmental Milestones Guide – A trusted source for tracking your child’s physical, cognitive, and communication milestones.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Great insights into speech and language development and when to seek help.
ZERO TO THREE – A resource-rich site supporting early childhood development with parenting tips, videos, and expert advice.
