Skip Navigation
Part of the Easterseals National Network
Find Your Easterseals
Search
Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Boy smiling holding a book.

Occupational Therapy

The primary occupation of childhood is to grow, learn and play - allowing the child to live life to their fullest potential.

Contact our Intake Coordinator, Diana Dixon at 630.282.2022 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.

Overview

Our OT department is a team of dynamic, committed, licensed and experienced professionals.  With over 200 total years of experience in the department, the therapists offer the depth of knowledge and range of certifications to assist children with autism or physical challenges at any level of involvement. Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on developing motor skills, sensory-processing abilities, coordination, peer interaction, play and self-care skills to participate in daily life activities. We offer a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation and customized treatment plans.

Our Programs

Why Begin Here?

Our OT department is a team of dynamic, committed, licensed and experienced professionals.  With over 200 total years of experience in the department, the therapists offer the depth of knowledge and range of certifications to assist children with autism or physical challenges at any level of involvement. Because each child's needs are different, we create an individualized treatment plan based on parent concerns and the most current treatment approaches.

Our staff holds certifications and advanced training in:

  • Sensory integration
  • Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
  • Baby treatment
  • DIRFloortime
  • Early Intervention Evaluators and Providers

Other areas of training include:

  • Social skills training
  • TEACCH
  • Kinesio taping
  • Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES)
  • Handwriting Without Tears
  • Therapeutic listening
  • Interactive metronome
  • Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
  • Bi-Manual Therapy
  • Executive Function

Focused Therapy programs for occupational therapy include: 

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley has several specialty clinics, many that are interdisciplinary, that provide specific and individual care to best suit a child's needs. Occupational therapists serve on the below specialty clinics. 

We believe effectiveness begins with a strong relationship between the child, caregiver and therapist. We offer continuity of care and passionate staff commitment to help meet your child’s needs. Our occupational therapists are leaders in the field providing courses, consulting and mentoring locally, nationally and internationally.

How Do I Get Started?

Contact our Intake Coordinator, Diana Dixon at 630.282.2022 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.  

See what your first day in Occupational Therapy will be like! Watch the video here.

Are you interested in learning more about our virtual services options? Click here to learn more about Tele-Therapy.

  • Child and Therapist in a pool during a therapy session.

    Aquatic Therapy

    Exercise in water can be used to strengthen weak muscles, relax tight muscles and improve body awareness, coordination and control of movement for daily tasks.
  • Two children on treadmills with two therapists.

    Brain & Body Builders

    This PT/OT program utilizes treadmill training based on TAAP (Treadmill Training for Autism and Apraxia Protocol), combined with motor skills.
  • Child smiling at camera wearing a blue shirt.

    Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

    Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is designed to specifically treat “learned non-use” of the affected side due to stroke, cerebral palsy, or brachial plexus injuries.

    For Children Ages 2 - 5
  • Dance Dynamics Group

    Dance Dynamics

    This dance‑themed program helps children develop strength, balance, and coordination while working toward a final performance for family and friends.
  • boy is reading a book with a therapist looking on

    DIR Floortime Intensive

    For children with autism spectrum disorders, often an intensive burst of therapy is found to be effective in developing foundational skills. We now offer an intensive therapy plan that includes DIR (Developmental Individualized Relationship) based treatments or floortime techniques.
  • Child smiling holding a lemon.

    Fun with Food

    Led by a speech‑language pathologist, this group supports children who may be hesitant eaters or who benefit from structured, sensory‑based food exploration.
  • child with bungees in exercise unit

    Intensive Therapy

    We offer customized intensive therapy sessions across our services that are multi-disciplined and highly individualized for each child.
  • Photo of a child smiling while sitting on a slide.

    KinderReady Crew

    The KinderReady Crew therapy program is focused on preparing preschool-aged children with the foundational skills they need to be successful in kindergarten.
  • Child playing in a nature setting.

    Nature Group

    Outdoor sensory play encourages creativity, exploration, problem‑solving, and shared joy through child‑directed learning.
  • Child smiling at a camera with the words spelled out "Happy".

    Social Synergy

    This program led by a Speech Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist, is designed to help children aged 8-12 years old build essential executive functioning skills and social skills in a supportive interactive group setting.
  • Child throwing a frisbee.

    Sports Group

    This program supports visual‑motor integration, coordination, and social skills through structured sport activities and peer engagement.
  • Child smiling while sitting in grass and catching a soccer ball

    Sports Strength and Conditioning

    This program focuses on enhancing a child’s ability to participate fully in sports programs, gym classes, and other sport-related activities.

Resources

Cerebral Palsy Services

Summer Sensory 

See All Resources
  • Child smiling in an outdoor setting.

    Down Syndrome Therapy Services

    Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley offers down syndrome therapy services and treatments for children, as well as support for parents and siblings.
  • young boy receiving physical therapy outside the home
    Directory

    Client Handbook

    The Client Handbook is your essential resource for navigating services at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley. Packed with helpful information, policies, and answers to common questions, it’s designed to support your family every step of the way.

  • Man in blue with a trach and wheelchair looking to the side with a lake and greenery in the background
    Advice & Facts

    Adult Resource List

    At Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, our objective is to help clients feel empowered to keep reaching their goals into and throughout adulthood.
  • An older child that is playing basketball in a therapy room.
    Advice & Facts

    Adult Resources

    At Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, our objective is to help clients feel empowered to keep reaching their goals into and throughout adulthood.

Other Areas of Support

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley offers these services at our centers in Villa Park, Naperville, and Elgin. To get started or learn more, call us at 630.282.2022.