Pediatric Therapy in Bozeman, MT

Pediatric Therapy at Root Pediatrics in Bozeman

Childhood is when the brain and body do their most important work — and structured therapy at the right time can change a child’s trajectory. Root Pediatrics is a dedicated pediatric program offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy under one roof, with multi-disciplinary collaboration for children with complex or multi-system needs.

We see children from birth to 18 — infants on feeding and motor milestones, toddlers building first words and walking, preschoolers preparing for school, school-age kids working on motor coordination and academic participation, and teens managing chronic conditions or injury recovery. When a patient turns 18 and still needs care, they transition seamlessly to our adult team rather than starting over somewhere new.

Our Pediatric Services

• Pediatric physical therapy — gross motor delays, cerebral palsy, hypotonia, torticollis, toe walking, sports injuries, and developmental coordination disorder. See our Gross Motor Disabilities and Pediatric Neurological Disorders pages for specifics.
• Pediatric occupational therapy — fine motor skills, sensory integration, self-care, handwriting, executive function. See our Executive Functioning Support page for school-age and teen support.
• Pediatric speech therapy — speech sounds, expressive and receptive language, social communication, fluency, apraxia, and early intervention.
• Pediatric feeding therapy — picky eating, ARFID, sensory food aversions, infant feeding, tube weaning.

What Counts as a Developmental Delay — and When Should You Have Your Child Evaluated?

A developmental delay means a child is reaching milestones — moving, talking, eating, playing, or regulating — later than expected for their age. One late milestone isn’t necessarily cause for concern. A pattern across months, a skill that disappears, or a sense that something is off is worth an evaluation. Root does not diagnose; we evaluate, support, and coordinate with your pediatrician.

Start with the area that concerns you most: movement and motor skills, speech and language, feeding, or sensory processing — and if it spans more than one, that is exactly what a multidisciplinary evaluation is for.

Who We Treat

• Developmental delays — across motor, language, cognitive, and social domains.
• Cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions — including TBI, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, genetic syndromes.
• Down syndrome — early gross motor support, hypotonia management, orthopedic surveillance.
• Autism spectrum disorder — neurodiversity-informed motor, sensory, communication, and feeding support.
• ADHD and executive function challenges — strategies for attention, planning, organization, and self-regulation.
• Sensory processing differences — sensory integration intervention and home/school strategies.
• Torticollis and plagiocephaly — early intervention for infant head and neck asymmetry.
• Toe walking — orthopedic, neurological, or sensory-driven gait patterns.
• Coordination difficulties (DCD) — improving motor planning and skill acquisition.
• Speech and language delays — articulation, language, social communication, fluency.
• Feeding difficulties — picky eating, sensory aversions, oral motor delays, infant feeding.
• Childhood orthopedic and sports injuries — rehab tailored to growing bones and developing motor patterns.

What Therapy Looks Like at Root Pediatrics

1. Comprehensive evaluation (60 minutes) — developmental history, standardized assessment, observation in play, a parent interview, and a goals discussion.
2. Functional, family-driven goals — concrete targets tied to what matters in your child’s life.
3. Play-based 1-on-1 sessions — engaging, child-led, and individually delivered.
4. Multi-disciplinary co-treatment when needed — PT, OT, and speech together for complex cases.
5. Parent coaching at every visit — strategies you use during meals, baths, drives, and play.
6. School and medical coordination — IEP/504 alignment, pediatrician communication, specialty team updates.
7. Re-assessment every 12 weeks with goals updated as your child progresses.

Early Intervention (Birth to 3)

For children under 3, Montana’s Early Intervention program offers free developmental evaluation and support, provided locally through Family Outreach. If you have concerns about your baby or toddler’s development, it’s worth reaching out — early support during these first years tends to go especially far. Clinic-based therapy at Root works right alongside Early Intervention, adding longer 1-on-1 sessions focused on your child’s specific goals, and we’re glad to help you connect with Family Outreach and coordinate care.

Why Bozeman Families Choose Root Pediatrics

• Dedicated pediatric program — clinicians who focus on children.
• PT, OT, and speech under one roof with collaborative treatment planning.
• Play-based, strength-based approach — children learn through play, choice, and competence.
• Family partnership — parents coached at every visit, integrated into the plan.
• School coordination — IEP and 504 alignment with school-based therapists.
• Medical coordination — a referral from your child’s pediatrician helps us stay connected with their care team; we’ll help you get one.
• Montana Medicaid welcome alongside major commercial plans.

Take the First Step

Starting earlier gives a developing child more to build on — but meaningful gains are possible at every age. Request an evaluation today — most families are seen within the same week.