Physical or Occupational Therapist?

Question

I don't really understand the difference. Say, a child with a down syndrome or some other developmental problem would need an occupational or physical therapist?

Answer 1

To simplify the definitions, a physical therapist works to develop and optimize the function of the muscles and joints

An occupational therapist helps people with disabilities and medical conditions, work to function in the world, life and their occupations, despite their disabilities.

So if your disabled child had muscle wasting and joint issues, a physical therapist might help them to develop the muscles and improve the joint function.  The occupational therapist would also work with this some, but would help the person develop skills to work with the decreased function of the joint, or the muscle problems, Such as helping learn to use adaptive devices which would allow them to use a computer for school or work, or learn to cook from a wheelchair.

Answer 2

If the child has sensory or muscular impairments that lead to difficulty with fine motor coordination or with daily tasks, OT would be the answer.  

PT would generally address balance, walking and more gross motor skills.

...many times they need both.