A Thoughtful, Balanced Approach to Pediatric OT

Pediatric occupational therapy today often falls at two ends of a spectrum—highly compliance-based approaches on one side and fully child-led approaches on the other. While each may be appropriate in specific situations, both can present limitations when used as a primary framework.

At Just for Kidz Therapy, we take a balanced, play-based approach that is time-tested, developmentally aligned, and evidence-informed. Play-based therapy supports real-world skill development through connection, intention, and developmentally appropriate challenges. Ongoing caregiver education and collaboration support carryover between sessions and beyond the therapy setting.

How Is Play-Based Therapy Different?

Play is the primary way young children learn, develop, and build independence. In play-based occupational therapy, the therapist follows the child’s interests while intentionally guiding play to support engagement, regulation, development, and functional skill-building.

This approach differs from compliance-based models, which emphasize adult-directed tasks and external rewards, and from fully child-led models, which may limit therapeutic guidance and goal progression. Play-based therapy sits in the middle—respectful, engaging, and purposeful, balancing autonomy with clinical intent.

At Just for Kidz Therapy, we use a play-based approach because it allows therapy to be both respectful and effective. While compliance-based approaches can be helpful for short-term or highly specific goals, they may not always support regulation, autonomy, or carryover into real life when used as the primary framework. Fully child-led approaches can foster emotional safety and connection but may not consistently provide the structure or guidance some children need to build new skills.

A balanced, play-based approach integrates the strengths of both—supporting engagement, regulation, and development through purposeful play—so skills can generalize beyond the therapy setting and into everyday life.