Children & Youth

AOTA has identified Children and Youth as a key practice area for the 21st century. Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners support societal needs by providing services to infants, toddlers, children, and youth and their families in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, and homes. With the new IDEA regulations, occupational therapy practitioners are also participating in broad new initiatives such as early intervening services and Response to Intervention.

Go to all patient & client Tip Sheets, including the Childhood Occupations Toolkit.

If you have questions, post them on OTConnections, a community for occupational therapy practitioners just like you. If you are an AOTA member, you are already signed up with OTConnections! Just use your member login and password for the AOTA Web site to access OTConnections. 

Call for Practice Stories

• Submit Stories of Inclusive Play for SAMHSA’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 10

• Submit Distinct Value Stories

Volunteer Opportunities

• Learn about the Communities of Practice (CoPs).

Featured Documents

• State Identified Measurable Result - xls 
• FAQ: What is OT’s role in Transition Services and Planning 
• What is the Role of Occupational Therapy in Serving Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Ayres Sensory Integration®  
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)on School Mental Health for School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioners
• Foster Care: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Mental Health Promotion, Prevention, & Intervention With Children & Youth

Fact Sheets: The Role of OT

Designed for practitioners and other professionals to explain the role and scope of occupational therapy. Find our fact sheets here.

Tips for Living

Brief Tip Sheets to help people cope with a variety of health conditions and explain how occupational therapy can help. Find our tips sheets here.

Evidence-Based Practice

Find evidence-based practice info and the latest research to guide your practice.

Other Resources

Find apps for Children & Youth here. 

AOTA Official Documents

Informative documents on the role and scope of occupational therapy services. Get AOTA's Official Documents here. 

Special Interest Sections

Read the Special Interest Section Quarterly articles related to Children & Youth: Children & Youth, Sensory Integration & Processing, and Developmental Disabilities.