Early intervention in occupational therapy refers to a set of services and programs for children aged up to three years who have or are likely to develop disabilities and require support to lead a normal life.

While both therapies focus on motor skills, occupational therapy focuses on smaller muscle groups and improves engagement quality in an individual’s daily tasks. A physiotherapist works with large muscle groups to improve the quality of movement in the human body.

It may involve activities like drawing shapes, colour classification, simple puzzles, balancing objects and other games. In some cases, the therapist may support the child with special equipment like a wheelchair, communication aids, splints etc.

There is no definite time range for the requirement of occupational therapy as it varies with symptoms severity and how quickly the child is developing the skills.