What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy supports children to participate in everyday activities that are important to them and their families. For children, this includes play, learning, self-care, emotional regulation, social participation, and independence at home, school, and in the community.

Paediatric Occupational Therapy looks at the whole child — their strengths, challenges, environment, and routines — and supports them to develop skills in a way that feels safe, meaningful, and achievable.

How Occupational Therapy can support your child

Occupational Therapy may help children with:

• Emotional regulation and anxiety

• Sensory processing

• Interoception

• Attention, focus, and executive functioning

• Fine motor skills (handwriting, pencil grip, scissors)

• Play skills and social participation

• Daily living skills (dressing, eating, toileting)

• School participation and classroom engagement

Support is always individualised and based on each child’s strengths, interests, and goals.

A child-centred, play-based approach

Therapy sessions are designed to feel engaging and supportive, not clinical. Play is a powerful tool for learning, connection, and skill development, and is used to help children build confidence and competence in a way that is enjoyable and motivating.

Activities are carefully selected to target therapy goals while respecting each child’s emotional and sensory needs.

Supporting children in their everyday environments

Occupational Therapy is most effective when it supports children in the environments where they live, learn, and play. Therapy may take place at home, at school, or in the community, depending on what best supports the child’s goals.

Strategies are designed to be practical and realistic for families and educators to use in everyday routines.

Working together with families and schools

Collaboration is a key part of Occupational Therapy. Families know their child best, and therapy works best when caregivers and educators are supported with clear strategies and guidance.

With consent, collaboration may include:

• Parent and caregiver education

• Liaison with teachers and education staff

• Collaboration with other allied health professionals

This helps ensure consistent support across settings.