As the new year approaches, many families begin reflecting on their child’s development, school progress, and daily routines. The holiday season often highlights areas where children may need extra support—especially as schedules shift, sensory demands increase, and mid-year school expectations rise.

If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from occupational therapy (OT) in 2026, you’re not alone. January is one of the most common months families in Brevard County reach out for OT evaluations, thanks to new insurance benefits and the natural reset that a new year brings.

Below are 10 signs that may indicate it’s time to consider an occupational therapy evaluation.

1. Difficulty With Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills affect everything from using utensils to writing and manipulating small objects.

You may notice:

• Challenges with pencil grasp or drawing

• Difficulty using scissors

• Trouble buttoning, zippering, or opening containers

• Avoiding fine motor tasks altogether

OT helps strengthen hands and build confidence with everyday tasks.

2. Sensory Processing Differences

Sensory challenges can show up in many ways, and they are one of the most common reasons families seek OT.

Signs include:

• Overreacting to noise, crowds, or bright lights

• Constant movement or crashing

• Avoiding certain textures in food or clothing

• Difficulty transitioning between activities

OT can support emotional regulation, sensory tolerance, and smoother daily routines.

3. Delays in Self-Help Skills

Independence is a major area of focus in occupational therapy.

You may see:

• Difficulty dressing independently

• Resistance to toothbrushing or bathing

• Trouble using utensils or drinking from an open cup

• Needing more help than peers

OT supports the development of everyday living skills that boost confidence at home and school.

4. Emotional Regulation Challenges

If your child’s emotions feel “bigger” or harder to manage, OT may help.

Signs include:

• Frequent meltdowns

• Becoming overwhelmed easily

• Difficulty calming their body

• Struggling with new situations or changes

OT helps children understand their sensory needs and build coping strategies.

5. Handwriting Concerns

Handwriting continues to be a major concern for families and teachers, even in a digital world.

Red flags include:

• Letter reversals or inconsistent sizing

• Poor spacing

• Writing fatigue

• Avoiding writing tasks entirely

OT supports hand strength, posture, and efficient writing techniques.

6. Limited Play Skills

Play is the foundation of learning—and difficulties here may indicate a need for support.

You may notice:

• Trouble with pretend play

• Difficulty playing with peers

• Repetitive or inflexible play

• Avoiding new play activities

OT helps build imagination, motor planning, and social interaction skills.

7. Clumsiness or Poor Coordination

Movement and motor planning challenges can affect confidence and participation.

Look for:

• Frequent tripping or bumping into things

• Difficulty climbing playground equipment

• Challenges with running, skipping, or jumping

• Avoiding physical activities

OT builds strength, balance, and body awareness.

8. Picky Eating or Mealtime Stress

Feeding difficulties are often sensory or oral-motor in nature.

Signs include:

• Eating fewer than 15–20 foods

• Strong reactions to textures or smells

• Gagging or anxiety around food

• Difficulty chewing certain foods

OT feeding therapy helps make mealtimes calmer and more successful.

9. Trouble With Attention or Following Directions

OT doesn’t diagnose ADHD but is a strong support for attention and executive functioning.

Signs:

• Difficulty staying seated

• Trouble completing multi-step tasks

• Easily distracted

• Needing frequent redirection

OT equips children with routines, tools, and strategies for focus.

10. Concerns From Teachers or Caregivers

Educators often notice patterns early in the school year—especially sensory, fine motor, or emotional regulation challenges.

If a teacher has mentioned concerns, an OT evaluation may bring clarity.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

OT focuses on the foundations that support everyday success:

• Sensory processing

• Fine & gross motor skills

• Handwriting

• Feeding skills

• Emotional regulation

• Visual-motor integration

• Strength, coordination, and balance

• Independence with daily tasks

At Brevard Children’s Therapies, therapy is individualized, playful, and relationship-based.

Why January Is the Perfect Time to Start OT

Families often see the most progress when starting therapy in January because:

• New insurance benefits reset

• Routines normalize after holidays

• Schools identify mid-year needs

• Kids adapt well to new routines at the start of the year

Ready to Schedule an Evaluation?

Brevard Children’s Therapies provides pediatric occupational therapy in:

• Titusville

• Cocoa

• Merritt Island

• Viera

• Melbourne

We’re currently building our January 2026 waitlist and would love to support your child’s growth.

👉 Join our waitlist today

👉 Email: info@brevardchildrenstherapies.com

👉 Visit: brevardchildrenstherapies.com