Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Chicago: Meeting Your Child Where They Are

Who makes up the Occupational Therapy team?

We Understand Your Child’s Unique Journey

Watching your child struggle with daily tasks—whether it’s holding a pencil, tolerating loud noises, or zipping a coat—can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating a new diagnosis like Autism or ADHD, or perhaps you’ve noticed your child isn’t meeting milestones like their peers.

We know you are the expert on your child. You are looking for a partner who listens to your concerns and sees your child’s potential, not just their challenges.

At Eyas Landing, we provide pediatric occupational therapy that fits your life. We don’t just treat a diagnosis; we treat the whole child and support the whole family. Whether at our West Loop clinic, in your home, at school, or online, we are here to help your child overcome obstacles and prepare for future success.

Success Stories: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

“We saw changes in weeks, not years.”

“Before coming to Eyas Landing, our son would have meltdowns every morning before school because he couldn’t tie his shoes or organize his backpack. We felt helpless. The OT team didn’t just teach him to tie shoes; they helped him organize his thoughts. He walks into school confident now. It’s a transformation we didn’t think was possible.”
Sarah, Bucktown mom

“They actually listened to me.”

“I was used to professionals telling me ‘he’ll grow out of it’ regarding my daughter’s picky eating and sensitivity to noise. Eyas Landing validated my concerns immediately. They explained sensory processing in a way I finally understood. Now, family dinners are actually peaceful.”
Michael, West Town Dad

Our Occupational Therapy Services

Think of occupational therapy (OT) as “skills for the job of living.” For a child, their “job” is to play, learn, socialize, and take care of themselves.

Our board-certified therapists help children develop the skills they need to participate fully in daily life. We break complex tasks down into small, achievable steps that your child can master.

Occupational Therapy helps children who face challenges with:

  • Sensory Processing: Helping kids who are sensitive to textures, sounds, or movement feel more comfortable in their environment.
  • Fine Motor Skills: strengthening hands and fingers for writing, drawing, using scissors, and buttoning shirts.
  • Self-Regulation: Teaching strategies to manage big emotions, reduce anxiety, and transition between activities calmly.
  • Daily Living Skills: Building independence in feeding, dressing, and grooming.
  • Social Skills: Learning how to play with peers, share, and understand social cues.

Click below to learn more about our occupational therapy services:

  • Occupational Therapy for Toddlers in Chicago
  • Occupational Therapy for School-Aged Children in Chicago
  • Occupational Therapy for Early Intervention in Chicago
  • Occupational Therapy for Fine Motor Skills for Children in Chicago
  • Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing in Chicago

Our Occupational Therapy Team:

Together, the Occupational Therapy team seamlessly collaborates with each child’s entire therapeutic team to address best practices and individualized treatment plans. This collaboration between our highly-educated, compassionate staff maximize therapeutic outcomes and help support our clients to reach their fullest potential. At Eyas Landing, we value evidence-based practice, client-centeredness, community, diversity, collaboration, and flexibility.

Why Choose Eyas Landing?

We don’t just treat “speech issues.” We treat the whole child, and we support the whole family. We believe therapy should reduce family stress, not add to it. That’s why flexibility is the foundation of our approach. We meet families where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and physically.

Flexible Therapy Settings

We offer evidence-based interventions in the environment that works best for your child:

  • Clinic-Based: Our state-of-the-art facility in Chicago’s West Loop is designed for sensory play and skill-building.
  • Home-Based: We work on skills in your natural environment, making daily routines easier.
  • School-Based: We collaborate with teachers to support academic success and social inclusion.
  • TeleHealth: Accessible support for adolescents or families needing remote flexibility.

A Multi-Disciplinary Team

Your child isn’t one-dimensional, and their care shouldn’t be either. Our occupational therapists collaborate closely with speech therapists, physical therapists, behavioral therapists (ABA), and social workers. This ensures that every part of your child’s development is supported under one roof.

Family-Centered Care

We partner with your family every step of the way. We don’t just work with your child for an hour and leave; we provide coaching and strategies you can use at home. Your goals become our goals.

Successful occupational therapy treatment is a collaborative effort between the therapist(s), family, child, and other caregivers (e.g., teachers, grandparents, medical team, etc.)

Occupational therapy will look different for each child depending on the child’s needs and the focus of services. The goal is to build skills for the child, modify the environment to promote independence, and/or alter the task to support participation in daily life. Additionally, therapists and parents collaborate on how the strategies and skills in sessions can be carried over throughout the day. During the initial evaluation, the parent will complete a sensory-based questionnaire and the therapist will administer standardized assessments. Recommendations are made based on results of the evaluation, and a plan of care is established by the therapist & family. Home programs are also developed to facilitate carryover of treatment strategies and improve progress towards goals.

 

Diagnosis and Conditions Our Occupational Therapists Treat:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Developmental Delay

  • Down Syndrome

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Neurological or Brain Injury

  • Picky Eaters
  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Handwriting or Fine Motor Delay
  • Premature Babies

  • Sports Injury

  • Torticollis

  • School and Test Anxiety
  • Adoption

Client-Focused Occupational Therapy Approach:

  • Neuro-Affirming Care

  • Intentional Relationship Model

  • Play-Based Therapy

  • DIR/Floortime

  • Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding

  • Food Chaining

  • Sensory Integration

  • Therapeutic Listening

  • Auditory Integration

  • Social Skills Programs
  • Emotional Regulation Programs

  • Handwriting Without Tears

Next Steps to Starting Occupational Therapy

Evaluation And Outcome Measures

Initial Evaluations are completed with standardized measures, clinical observation and parent report components. Re-evaluations are completed every six months to determine progress. Eyas Landing therapists proactively collaborate with families and other professionals to increase positive outcomes

Plan Of Care

Eyas Landing treatment plans are individualized to meet each child’s unique strengths, interests and goals. Goals are reviewed weekly and daily treatment notes are emailed directly to parents. Eyas Landing therapists are skilled in utilizing the client’s interests and motivations to increase participation in challenging therapeutic activities.

Billing Options

Eyas Landing offers a variety of billing and payment options to support your child’s treatment. There is a dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff that are here to answer any of your questions. Eyas Landing is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO plans. Eyas Landing also accepts most out-of-network PPO plans, including United Healthcare and Cigna. Claims are submitted directly to your insurance company and staff can assist in disputing any denied claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy for Kids:

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
In many cases, yes, for insurance purposes. However, you can contact us directly to start the conversation. We can help guide you through the process of getting the necessary paperwork from your pediatrician.

My child has an IEP at school. Can we still do private therapy?
Absolutely. Many families find that school services are helpful but may not offer the 1:1 attention or frequency a child needs to make rapid progress. We often collaborate with school teams to ensure our goals align with their IEP, maximizing your child’s success.

Do you take insurance?
We accept a wide range of insurance plans and also work with families on Early Intervention funding. During your initial consultation, our intake team will verify your benefits so you know exactly what to expect.

What does an initial assessment look like?
A: It is a low-stress, play-based evaluation. We observe how your child moves, plays, and reacts to sensory input. We also spend time talking with you to understand your primary concerns and goals.

Center Based, In-Home or School Therapy:

  • Large Sensory Motor Gym

  • Small Private Rooms

  • Classroom-like Environment

  • In School Therapy Support
  • Therapy in Daycare Support

  • In-Home Therapy

Center-Based Occupational Therapy in Chicago

Kids love our sensory friendly clinics equipped with the best sensory equipment and engaging therapy resources.

Our Play-Based Therapy Clinics are located in:

  • Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood
  • Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood

In-Home Occupational Therapy in Chicago

Eyas Landing therapists offer in-home therapy for early intervention and family convenience.

Our in-home therapy services are offered in the following Chicago neighborhoods:

  • Lincoln Park
  • Lakeview
  • Gold Coast
  • Roscoe Village
  • North Center
  • Ravenswood
  • Ukrainian Village
  • West Town
  • Streeterville
  • Loop / Downtown Chicago
  • Bronzeville
  • Wicker Park
  • Logan Square
  • Bucktown
  • West Loop
  • South Loop
  • River North
  • Hyde Park
  • Near North Side
  • Oak Park