Helping Kids Thrive Through Play!
Welcome to the wonderful world of occupational therapy!
Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession that supports children to develop skills for participation in everyday activities. Occupational therapists work with children of different ages to address areas such as self-care (for example dressing or feeding), play, and engagement in learning environments. Therapy is tailored to each child’s individual needs and goals, with the aim of supporting participation in daily routines at home, school, and in the community.
What can an OT help with?
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Fine motor skills like writing, drawing, and using tools.
Gross motor skills including walking, running, jumping, and playing sports.
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Managing sensitivity or under-responsiveness to touch, sound, sight, taste, smell, movement, or body position.
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Building social skills like making friends and playing with others.
Supporting emotional regulation and managing attention, focus, and concentration.
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Developing skills for bathing, dressing, tooth brushing, toileting, and sleep routines.
Aiding rewriting and handwriting skills development.
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Supporting learning, problem-solving, memory, visual perception, and visual-motor coordination.
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Prescription and use of assistive technology (adaptive equipment).
Environmental modifications to improve access and participation.
Functional capacity assessments.
Mealtime management and support for restrictive eating.
Tailored support for tweens and teens with age-specific challenges.
How Does Occupational Therapy Work?
Occupational therapists collaborate closely with children and their families to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to the child’s unique needs. This plan may include:
Individual therapy sessions:
One-on-one sessions focused on developing specific skills the child needs.Group therapy sessions:
Opportunities for children to learn and practice social skills in a supportive, fun environment.Sensory integration activities:
Activities designed to help children who have difficulty processing sensory information.Adaptive equipment:
Recommendations for tools such as special utensils or weighted vests to assist with daily tasks.Home and school collaboration:
Working with parents and teachers to develop strategies that support the child’s development across all environments.
The occupational therapist begins by observing the child and setting clear, achievable goals. They then use targeted activities and strategies to help the child reach these goals, which may involve teaching new skills, introducing adaptive equipment, or modifying the child’s environment.
Throughout the process, the therapist works as part of a team alongside the child, family, and educators to ensure consistent support and progress.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Kids could include:
Improved skills for daily living
Increased independence and self-esteem
Enhanced social and emotional development
Better academic performance
Reduced frustration and anxiety
The Ultimate Goals of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy supports children to participate in activities that are meaningful to them, including daily routines, learning tasks, and social engagement. Therapy focuses on developing skills relevant to a child’s individual goals and environments, such as home, school, and the community.
Through therapy, some children may develop greater confidence in using new or emerging skills. Occupational therapists work collaboratively with families to provide strategies and supports that can assist children’s participation over time.
Occupational therapy is an ongoing process that is adjusted in response to a child’s needs, progress, and circumstances. Outcomes vary between individuals, and therapy aims to support participation and functioning across different areas of daily life.