Commonly Addressed Diagnoses & Deficits

ADD/ADHD – Often characterized by poor attention/concentration, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Ataxia – Lack of coordination

Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Broad spectrum of conditions characterized by severe deficits in the areas of reciprocal social interactions and communication skills as well as the presence of stereotypical behaviors, interests and activities and differences in sensory and perceptual processing.

Behavioral Difficulties – Include difficulties with emotional regulation, coping skills, aggression, defiance and following directions/commands.

Cerebral Vascular Accident/Stroke

Cognition/Executive Functioning

Developmental Coordination Disorder – Motor planning based disorder that negatively impacts gross and fine motor control/development.

Developmental Delay – Child’s participation and performance of physical and cognitive skills is less than what is typical for children of same age.

Dyspraxia – Impaired ability to plan and process motor tasks.

Feeding Difficulties – Self feeding, aversions to certain textures, oral motor control.

Genetic/Chromosomal Disorders – Due to differences in number or structure of chromosomes or genetic mutations. Some examples include:

Handwriting – Grasp, postural stability, letter formation, sizing, spacing and line placement.

Hydrocephalus – Excessive cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the ventricles of the brain which can result in visual perceptual deficits, cognitive impairment and seizures.

Hypotonia/Hypertonia – Abnormal residual muscle tension (passive partial contraction).

Intellectual Disabilities – Significantly impaired intellectual ability and impairment with adaptive skills needed for daily living.

Learning Disabilities – Umbrella term used to describe a wide range of difficulties grasping content and acquiring knowledge in a specific area such as reading, math or writing and includes conditions such as dyslexia and dysgraphia (both language based disorders).

Neuromuscular Diseases

Muscular Dystrophy – Genetic disorder which results in progressive degeneration and weakness of muscles
Cerebral Palsy – Non-progressive abnormalities in the developing brain, usually occurring at or before birth, resulting in neurological, motor, and postural deficits which can be accompanied by cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial Deficits that negatively impact functioning

Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular Injuries

Peripheral nerve damage; traumatic or occurring at birth
Traumatic Injuries to peripheral nerves can occur as the result of a fracture, dislocation, or excessive exercise
Brachial Plexus Injury
Torticollis – Shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck which results in reduced head/neck range of motion

Orthopedic Disorders

Orthopedic Injuries

Paralysis – Complete or partial loss of muscle function.

Paresis – Muscle weakness caused by nerve damage or disease.

Sensory Motor Dysfunction

Sensory Processing Difficulty/Disorder – Sensory processing difficulties that impact the ability to cope with environmental stimuli and regulate internal responses.

Social-Emotional Skill Difficulties

Spina Bifida – Congenital defect affecting the development of the vertebral arches and spinal column with or without malformation of the spinal cord; this can result in lower extremity paralysis and loss of sensation as well as loss of bowel and bladder control; complications include hydrocephalus.

Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury – Brain injury caused as a result of the head striking or being struck by an object:

Visual Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills

References: Case-Smith, J., Allen, A. S., & Pratt, P. N. (2001). Occupational therapy for children, Sixth Edition. St. Louis: Mosby.