Helping Children Grow Through Pediatric Therapy: How Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Support Confidence, Development & Everyday Success 

Sponsored by Move U

This article was originally printed in the July/August 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue

Pediatric therapy can help children build the skills they need to move, communicate, regulate emotions, and participate more confidently in everyday life—all through playful, child-led, and highly skilled care. 

Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes they benefit from extra support along the way. Pediatric therapy provides individualized strategies and interventions to help children overcome challenges, build confidence, and continue progressing toward meaningful milestones. 

At Move U Pediatric Therapy in Sioux Falls, our approach is different. Therapy sessions are intentionally designed to be child-led, playful, and joyful while still delivering highly skilled, evidence-informed care. We believe children learn best through connection, movement, and play. 

Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) 

Occupational Therapy helps children participate more successfully in daily activities at home, school, and in the community. 

OT can help children: 

• Improve emotional regulation and sensory processing  

• Develop fine motor skills for dressing, handwriting, feeding, and play  

• Increase attention, independence, and participation in routines  

Benefits of Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT) 

Physical Therapy supports strength, coordination, balance, and movement development. 

PT can help children: 

• Achieve milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping  

• Improve balance, coordination, and posture  

• Support for successful and independent bowel/bladder movements 

• Build confidence with movement, sports, and playground activities  

Benefits of Pediatric Speech Therapy 

Speech Therapy supports communication, feeding, and oral motor development. 

Speech Therapy can help children: 

• Improve speech clarity and language development  

• Build confidence in communicating wants, needs, and emotions  

• Support feeding challenges, picky eating, and oral motor coordination  

Why Families Choose Move U 

At Move U, therapy is more than exercises, doing the same activities while seated at a table, or repetition. Our sensory-rich environment encourages children to explore, move, and engage naturally while building important developmental skills. Families appreciate our collaborative approach, individualized care plans, and focus on helping children feel successful and confident. 

We proudly offer flexible cash-pay options and are in-network with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

If you have concerns about your child’s development or simply want guidance on the next steps, our team is here to help.