What is the average age for receiving occupational therapy for children with motor problems and what factors can affect it?

Early diagnosis of motor problems and initiation of occupational therapy services helps children with motor problems to achieve better results. Because the developing brain has a high potential for improving in the first months after birth. Therefore، in this study، the mean age of onset of occupational therapy (OT) services and the factors tht affects it has been investigated. This cross-sectional study was done in a comprehensive rehabilitation clinic in the city of Shiraz. 65 children with motor problems was recruited by convenience sampling method، using a researcher-designed questionnaire and Family Empowerment Assessment Questionnaire. the age of motor problems diagnosis in the clients of this clinic was 9. 1±8. 5 months and the age of commencing the rehabilitation service was 17. 9±13. 9 months. There was a 11month period difference between age of diagnose and age of services onset (p=0/001). Children who have been diagnosed by a physician have benefited of OT services sooner than those whom their parents have expressed concern about their motor problems (p=0/041). Other factors such as gender، educational and societal status of parents، the economic level of families، birth weight، and the child’s birth status was not significantly effective in initiating the OT services (p<0. 05). Diagnosis of motor problems by physicians and their recommendation to seek OT services has an essential role in the early launch of OT in children with motor problems.