Here’s a look at how occupational therapy provides gentle guidance for infants and their families, by building them essential skills to adapt, and thrive beyond expectations
DR. VAILANKI NAZIRA
RAPOSO (OT)
In every new-born’s first breath and every child’s first step lies the promise of a bright future. But for some, those first milestones may arrive with challenges. Premature birth, developmental delays, birth injuries, or neurological conditions can make it difficult for children to meet their expected developmental goals. This is where Occupational Therapy (OT) steps in — supporting infants and children to reach their fullest potential, one small step at a time.
Champions in the NICU
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is where life begins for many premature or medically fragile infants. These tiny patients often struggle with feeding, sensory regulation, or delayed motor milestones. Occupational therapy in the NICU play a crucial role in their early development — helping them adjust to sensory experiences like touch, sound, and light, while supporting vital functions such as sucking, swallowing, and bonding with their parents.
An early stimulation program designed by OTs focuses on gentle positioning, sensory input, and movement patterns that promote optimal growth of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Just as importantly, OTs empower parents by teaching them how to handle, comfort, and interact with their baby confidently; because nurturing connection is the first step toward healing.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, involving doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychologists etc. — occupational therapy becomes even more powerful. Working hand in hand, this team ensures that every infant receives holistic care tailored to their unique needs, turning small steps into big milestones and making true recovery possible.
Each year on World Prematurity Day (November 17), the world comes together to raise awareness about preterm birth and the unique needs of premature infants. The 2025 theme: ‘Give pre-term babies a strong start for a brighter future’ — beautifully reflects the mission of Occupational Therapy. Through timely intervention, sensory support, and family-centred care, OTs help these tiny fighters gain strength, stability, and confidence from their earliest days.
Growing through play
In paediatrics, occupational therapy is all about learning through play. Every activity like stacking blocks, drawing, dressing, or holding a spoon, becomes a building block for independence. OTs assess a child’s developmental skills, including fine motor coordination, sensory processing, attention, and daily living activities, and then design fun, goal-oriented sessions to build these abilities.
Children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, or sensory integration issues benefit greatly from occupational therapy. Through play-based interventions, sensory rooms, and adaptive techniques, OTs help children gain control over their bodies and minds, enhancing learning, self-care, and social participation.
Empowering NICU families
Parents are an essential part of every therapy plan. Occupational therapists guide families in creating supportive home environments that encourage growth and independence. From recommending adaptive tools and seating aids to structuring daily routines, OTs ensures that therapy continues beyond the clinic, in every home and school setting.
Early intervention in Goa
Across Goa, occupational therapists are extending their services beyond hospitals — reaching schools, early intervention centres, and homes. By identifying developmental concerns early and offering timely therapy, OTs helps prevent long-term challenges and support every child’s right to thrive.
Nurturing independence
Every smile, every grasp, every word learned is a victory — not only for the child, but for the family and community. Occupational therapy in the NICU and paediatrics is more than rehabilitation; it is nurturing hope, growth, and confidence. Through dedication and compassion, occupational therapy continues to empower Goa’s youngest citizens to live meaningful, independent lives — one milestone at a time.
(Dr. Vailanki Nazira Raposo (OT), Occupational Therapist at Occupational Therapy OPD 17 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Goa Medical College & Hospital Bambolim)
