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Occupational Therapy Services

Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Charlotte, NC

Play-based evaluations and occupational therapy that build daily living, fine-motor, and self-regulation skills, plus help overcome sensory issues—personalized plans, caregiver coaching, and flexible scheduling.

Who We Help: Kids and Conditions we Treat

Our occupational therapists in Charlotte, NC provide children’s occupational therapy for toddlers to children up to 18 years old. The Hopebridge team specializes in a range of motor challenges, sensory sensitivities and diagnoses.

Ages and stages:

  • Infants/toddlers: sensory regulation, early play skills, feeding readiness
  • Preschoolers: fine-motor and pre-writing, dressing, potty readiness, sensory needs
  • School-age: handwriting, bilateral coordination, attention and organization, self-care independence
  • Teens: executive-function for school routines, self-advocacy, life-skills
  • Sensory processing differences (seeking/avoidance, modulation)
  • Fine-motor delays (grasp, scissor use, in-hand manipulation)
  • Gross-motor and core stability impacting seated attention
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): dressing, grooming, feeding, utensil use
  • Visual–motor and visual–perceptual skills (handwriting, spacing, copying)
  • Emotional regulation and transitions
  • Feeding challenges
  • Autism-related functional needs (environmental supports, routines, co-treatment with ABA/SLP when appropriate)
  • Common challenges associated with diagnoses such as ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, developmental coordination disorder and pediatric stroke

Occupational Therapy Charlotte, NC: Approaches We Use

What does a pediatric occupational therapist do?

Kids’ primary “occupations” are playing and learning—both of which are essential for development and independence. Unlike adult OT, which often focuses on regaining lost skills, a pediatric occupational therapist primarily supports children who are still learning them for the first time. That might include strengthening fine motor skills, improving emotional regulation or building sensory tolerance so they can success at home, in school and beyond.

Our licensed therapists create personalized plans using evidence-based techniques to support the foundational skills needed to participate in daily activities with confidence.

Some of the compassionate approaches we use include:

  • Sensory integration and sensory-based strategies (therapy swings, tactile play, proprioceptive input)
  • Motor learning, task analysis, and graded practice for ADLs
  • Executive-function supports
  • Developing fine motor motor skills including handwriting and visual motor skills
  • Self-regulation coaching
  • Parent/caregiver coaching with home programs
  • Feeding approaches such as food chaining

Note: Techniques are individualized based on evaluation findings and your child’s goals.

Is Occupational Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Wondering how to pay for occupational therapy or speech therapy? We work with many major insurance plans, both commercial and Medicaid, so your child can start with clarity and confidence. Benefits vary by plan and medical necessity.

We’ll verify coverage, obtain authorizations, and explain any copays or coinsurance before you begin. Each insurance plan is different, and coverage varies by policy. Here are some of the insurance partners we accept:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Cross NC)
  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • UHC United Healthcare
  • Alliance Medicaid
  • Trillium Medicaid
  • Vaya Medicaid
  • Healthy Blue Medicaid
  • Wellcare Medicaid
  • AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid
  • Carolina Complete Medicaid
  • UHC Community Plan Medicaid
  • Partners Health Medicaid

Check Your Insurance Coverage With Hopebridge:

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Our North Carolina Centers

Centers near Charlotte:

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Centers near Raleigh / Durham:

Other NC Centers:

Explore More Pediatric Services at Hopebridge +

Diagnostic & Evaluations

Early identification of autism is the first step to effective intervention. In addition to therapy, Hopebridge provides diagnostic assessments, as well as ABA, OT and speech evaluations to get the answers your family needs to set the stage at a young age.

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ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis is the basis of Hopebridge's comprehensive 1-on-1 therapy. By using these targeted techniques and principles of learning in collaboration with other therapies, we influence significant, positive change and independence. With our experienced team for autism (ABA) therapy, Charlotte NC has become a leading practice for pediatric therapy services.

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Occupational Therapy

The beauty of pediatric OT is that it teaches kids through what they love most - playtime! Hopebridge creates fun and supportive environments to address sensory, cognitive, perceptual and fine motor skills, including self-care and handwriting.

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Speech & Language Therapy

All children communicate in some form, even if nonverbal. It's our job teach them how to communicate their wants in a way that is understood by others. This ranges from developing oral motor control to make sounds, to using words to create meaningful relationships.

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Feeding & Swallowing Therapy

Our team mixes therapies for children having challenges with food. From mechanical concerns to sensory aversions, we cover it to lead your kiddo to the nutrition he or she needs, and the smoother functioning mealtimes you desire.

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Family Guidance

At Hopebridge, therapy doesn't stop at the center doors. To achieve success, it's imperative parents and caregivers are involved to pursue new skills. Hopebridge offers parent training and support opportunities to help you bring these practices into the home.

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FAQs About North Carolina Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Does my child need occupational therapy?
A child may benefit from occupational therapy (OT) if they have difficulties with everyday skills such as dressing, feeding, writing, playing or regulating emotions and behavior. Occupational therapy for kids can also help with challenges related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, attention, and independence. If a child struggles to participate in daily routines at home, school or in social settings, an evaluation by a licensed occupational therapist can help determine whether therapy is appropriate and what supports may be most helpful.

Why would a child need occupational therapy?
Children may need occupational therapy to support development in areas such as hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, sensory processing, self-care and classroom skills. OT is commonly recommended for children with developmental delays, sensory issues, autism, ADHD, or difficulty with tasks like using utensils, holding a pencil, or following routines. Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children build the skills they need to participate more independently in daily activities at home, school and in the community.

Does insurance cover pediatric occupational therapy?
Insurance coverage for pediatric occupational therapy varies by health plan, diagnosis, and whether services are considered medically necessary. Many insurance plans in North Carolina include occupational therapy as a rehabilitative or habilitative benefit when prescribed by a physician and provided by a licensed occupational therapist, though coverage may involve visit limits, prior authorization, or age restrictions. Coverage can also depend on whether the provider is in-network. At Hopebridge, families receive support with insurance verification so they understand their benefits and potential out-of-pocket costs before starting services.

How does occupational therapy help autism?
Occupational therapy for autism helps children develop the skills needed for daily living, communication and participation in school and social activities. OT can address sensory processing differences, fine motor challenges, self-care routines, emotional regulation, and play skills that may impact independence and learning. Through individualized treatment plans, occupational therapists use structured activities and evidence-based strategies to support a child’s strengths while helping reduce barriers to everyday functioning.

What to Expect
Occupational Therapy Evaluation

Motor Delays
Tips for Motor Development

Building Bridges Podcast
OT & ABA Teamwork

Team Spotlight
North Carolina OTs