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What is the OT Role in Childhood Grief?

Elizabeth Reymann, OTR/L

May 1, 2026

Question

What is the OT role in childhood grief?

Answer

Occupational therapy addresses children's grief by focusing on the disruption of meaningful occupations, including ADLs, play, education, and social participation. Practitioners use purposeful activities to promote mental health, helping children who may show behavioral regressions—such as loss of dressing skills or school avoidance—re-engage with their daily routines. By integrating holistic, client-centered interventions like mindfulness and sensory regulation, OTs provide a vital service that restores a child's ability to navigate their world after a devastating loss.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Addressing Children's Grief Head On From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, presented by Elizabeth Reymann, OTR/L.


elizabeth reymann

Elizabeth Reymann, OTR/L

Elizabeth Reymann, OTR, has been an Occupational Therapy Practitioner since 1983, practicing in areas such as pediatric schools and hospital settings, as well as adult rehabilitation with specialties in brain injury, low vision, and home health. She developed a Low Vision program in 1996 and educated OTPs in Florida and at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix. She has certifications in Early Intervention, Yoga for the Special Child, Windbridge Institute, Forever Family Foundation, and Handwriting Without Tears. Elizabeth is the author of published books, Daysee, Last Wishes, Practical Advice From Your Angels, and There’s a Man Standing Next To You. I have developed and provided seminars on the Intuitive Tools 4 Kids Dealing with Grief, Meditation, and the Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling. 


Related Courses

Addressing Children’s Grief Head On From An Occupational Therapy Perspective
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Video

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