Speech vs. Occupational Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Trevor's Place
May 2
2 min read

Updated: May 5

Illustration comparing speech therapy and occupational therapy for children, with icons representing communication and physical development, created for Trevor’s Place

If your child faces challenges, it is natural to wonder: does my child need speech therapy, occupational therapy, or both? While both therapies are crucial for helping children thrive, they support different areas of development. At Trevor’s Place, we’re here to clarify the differences, so you can make the best choice for your family.

Speech Therapy: Helping Your Child Communicate

Speech therapy focuses on improving your child’s communication skills. This includes how they speak, understand language, express themselves, and even how they use their mouths for eating and drinking. At Trevor’s Place, our team can help support children who may struggle with:

Articulation or pronunciation
Delayed speech or language development
Understanding and using language
Social communication

Real-Life Example: If your child has trouble being understood by others or doesn’t respond to their name, speech therapy can help build those essential skills. If you think your child could benefit from speech therapy, check out our Services page to learn more.

Occupational Therapy: Building Everyday Life Skills

Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need for daily living. This includes everything from getting dressed to holding a pencil to regulating emotions. Our therapists at Trevor’s Place support children with:

Fine motor skills
Sensory processing challenges
Hand-eye coordination
Self-care routines
Focus and attention

Real-Life Example: If your child avoids certain textures, struggles with handwriting, or has a hard time following a routine, occupational therapy may be the right fit. Want to learn more about how occupational therapy could benefit your child? Visit our Services page for details.

Speech Therapy vs Occupational Therapy: Can My Child Benefit from Both?

Absolutely! When comparing speech therapy vs occupational therapy, many children benefit from receiving both types of support. That’s why we take a collaborative approach to care, working as a team to meet your child’s unique needs. Our integrated services allow us to address communication and daily living challenges at the same time. To learn more about our approach, visit our FAQ page.

Let’s Help Your Child Thrive

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to explore new options, our team at Trevor’s Place is here for you. We proudly serve families across the Killeen, Harker Heights, and Georgetown areas with compassionate, professional care.