Terapia ocupacional no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapy plays a fundamental role in promoting children’s psychomotor development, acting in an integrated way on motor, cognitive, affective and social aspects. Through early intervention, play-based activities, sensory integration and functional skills training, occupational therapy contributes to autonomy, social inclusion and school performance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the role of occupational therapy in children’s psychomotor development, identifying effective interventions, scientific gaps, and impacts on children’s quality of life. METHODOLOGY: This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted in scientific databases such as SciELO, LILACS, PubMed and Google Scholar, covering national and international publications from 2000 to 2025. Original studies, reviews, dissertations, theses and book chapters addressing psychomotor development and occupational therapy interventions in children aged 0 to 12 years were included. Qualitative analysis considered early stimulation, motor coordination, activities of daily living, sensory integration and family and school participation. RESULTS: The analysis indicated that occupational therapy promotes significant improvements in gross and fine motor coordination, autonomy in daily activities, socialization and school performance. Interventions based on therapeutic play, sensory stimulation and family guidance were especially effective. However, some gaps were identified, including a lack of longitudinal studies, methodological heterogeneity and absence of standardized protocols, particularly in vulnerable populations. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Occupational therapy is essential for children’s integral development, contributing to the acquisition of motor, cognitive and social skills. This study highlights the need for public policies that ensure access to occupational therapy interventions and for future research with robust methodology and longitudinal follow-up in order to consolidate scientific evidence and strengthen evidence-based practice.