How Parenting a Child with Differences Shaped My Work as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist

When I first became a pediatric occupational therapist, I approached my work with the knowledge and structure I had gained through my education and clinical experiences. I understood developmental milestones, therapeutic interventions, and how to implement strategies to support children’s growth. But becoming a parent—especially to a child with medical and developmental differences—reshaped everything I thought I knew.

A Shift in Perspective

Before having children, I worked with families from a professional distance, offering them research-based solutions and structured approaches. I saw parents struggling with emotions I was sympathetic to and yet couldn’t fully grasp at the time—grief, frustration, uncertainty. I thought I understood, but it wasn’t until I experienced it firsthand that I truly recognized the weight of parenting a child with complex needs.

I now approach my work with a deeper sense of empathy. I see the exhaustion in a parent’s eyes and know what it means to be running on empty. I understand the immense mental load of coordinating appointments, therapies, and advocating for a child in a world that often doesn’t accommodate their differences. My role as a therapist has evolved—not just as a provider of strategies, but as a partner in a family’s journey.

Meeting Families Where They Are

One of the biggest shifts in my practice has been acknowledging that progress looks different for every child and every family. As a therapist, I once had clear ideas of how intervention should look, how goals should be set, and what success should mean. But parenting a child whose development doesn’t follow a predictable trajectory taught me that flexibility and individualized support are crucial.

Some days, success isn’t about meeting a milestone—it’s about a child feeling safe and a parent feeling heard. It’s about celebrating small victories, even when they don’t align with traditional expectations. I now spend more time helping families redefine progress in a way that feels meaningful to them.

The Importance of Emotional Support

Therapy isn’t just about skills—it’s about connection. I used to focus primarily on outcomes, as we have been trained, but I now realize that parents need more than intervention plans. They need reassurance. They need to know that they are not alone, that their frustrations are valid, and that their love is enough even when progress feels slow. My role as a therapist is just as much about supporting parents as it is about working with their children.

Advocacy in Action

Becoming a parent to a child with differences in early childhood also ignited a stronger sense of advocacy within me. I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate systems that aren’t designed for neurodivergent or medically complex children. I’ve learned that part of my work isn’t just in the therapy sessions—it’s in helping parents access resources, understand their rights, and feel empowered to advocate for their child’s needs.

Bridging the Gap Between Therapy and Real Life

Therapy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The best strategies are the ones that seamlessly integrate into daily life, making routines easier rather than adding stress. I now approach therapy with a more practical mindset—offering solutions that work in the context of a family’s everyday reality rather than idealistic frameworks that may not be sustainable.

A Therapist and a Parent, Learning Every Day

Parenting a child with developmental differences continues to shape my work in ways I never expected. It has deepened my understanding, softened my approach, and reinforced my belief that progress is not linear. The families I work with are not just clients; they are fellow travelers on this journey, navigating a world that often requires them to redefine expectations and find joy in the smallest moments.

To the parents I work with: I see you. I hear you. I am you. And I am honored to walk this path alongside you.

Amy