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When can occupational therapy support your child?
Occupational therapy can support children facing challenges in their daily activities, development, or interactions with the world around them. If your child struggles with fine or gross motor skills, sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, attention, self-care tasks, or social participation, occupational therapy can provide targeted support. Our neuro-affirming approach focuses on fostering confidence and independence by tailoring strategies to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Whether at home, school, or in the community, occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to thrive and participate more in everyday life.
Recognising signs that your child may benefit from occupational therapy can help address their specific needs and promote their overall development.
Below are some common signs that may indicate your child could benefit from occupational therapy:
Fine Motor Skills Difficulties
If your child struggles with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil, tying shoelaces, using cutlery, or manipulating small objects, it may be a sign that they could benefit from occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can provide interventions to improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and fine motor skills.
Sensory Processing Challenges
If your child shows extreme reactions or difficulties in responding to sensory stimuli, such as being overly sensitive to touch, sound, or light, or seeking excessive sensory input, occupational therapy can help. Occupational therapists can assess sensory processing difficulties and provide strategies to help your child regulate their responses and participate in daily activities more effectively.
Self-Care Skills
If your child struggles with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, feeding, or independent toileting, occupational therapy can be beneficial. Occupational therapists can work on improving your child's self-care skills and promoting independence in these areas.
Gross Motor Skills Delays
If your child has difficulties with coordination, balance, or gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, catching a ball, or riding a bike, occupational therapy can help. Occupational therapists can provide interventions to improve motor planning, strength, balance, and coordination.
Challenges with Organisational Skills
If your child has trouble organising their belongings, managing their time, following instructions, or staying focused on tasks, occupational therapy can assist in developing organisational and executive functioning skills. Occupational therapists can provide strategies and techniques to improve these skills and enhance your child's ability to succeed in academic and daily life activities.
Behavioural or Attention Difficulties
If your child displays behavioural challenges, impulsivity, difficulty staying on task, or struggles with attention, occupational therapy can help. Occupational therapists can work on improving self-regulation, attention span, and behavioural strategies to support your child's overall functioning.
Here's why our focus on neuroaffirming practice is so important:
Celebrating Neurodiversity
We believe that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming practice embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are a part of the diverse fabric of humanity. We celebrate and value the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our society.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Our approach creates a safe and accepting environment for all children, regardless of their neurological differences. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, where children feel understood, accepted, and valued for who they are. By providing a neuroaffirming space, we empower children to express themselves authentically and engage in their therapeutic journey with confidence.
Respecting Individual Needs
Neuroaffirming practice emphasises the importance of understanding and respecting individual needs and preferences. We recognise that each child has their own unique way of experiencing the world and engaging with daily activities. Our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet the specific needs and sensory sensitivities of each child.
Supporting Self-Advocacy
We empower children to become self-advocates by nurturing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills. Through our neuroaffirming approach, we foster a sense of agency and encourage children to actively participate in their therapy, make choices, and express their opinions. This prepares them to advocate for their needs and rights throughout their lives.
Collaborating with Families and Support Networks
Our neuroaffirming approach extends to our collaboration with families and the child's support network. We actively involve parents, caregivers, and family members in the therapy process, valuing their insights and perspectives. We work together as a team, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive and supportive network around the child.
Working Closely with Educators and Schools
At All Things Therapy, we understand the pivotal role that educators and schools play in a child's development and success. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with educators to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the child's occupational therapy needs. By working together, we can maximise the child's potential and create a seamless experience across different environments.
Take the first leap towards progress
Completing our intake form is the best way to get started—it helps us understand your child's needs and how we can support them. Submitting the form is obligation-free and does not commit you to therapy. It’s simply a way to start the conversation and explore the best options for your child.
Once we receive your form, our team will reach out to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have. Let’s work together to support your child’s growth and development!
Step 1: Parent/guardian planning meeting.
These sessions are typically conducted online or by phone, with clinic visits available if preferred. Children do not attend, allowing parents/carers to openly discuss their child's needs, concerns, and priorities. Your therapist will gather key information, including medical history, family dynamics, current therapies, and the child's abilities in areas like social skills, motor skills, sensory processing, emotional development, self-care, and learning. Together, we identify goals for the Therapy Plan, ensuring everyone is aligned.
Sessions usually last 60–90 minutes.
Step 2: Initial meet and greet with the child.
At All Things Therapy, we prioritise creating a safe, welcoming space where your child feels comfortable engaging in therapy. Our first goal is to build trust and rapport, laying the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship. This initial session, attended with a parent or trusted caregiver, involves play, conversation, and exploration of the purpose of therapy. During this time, the therapist will observe your child’s strengths, preferences, and challenges to help shape their Therapy Plan.
Session length varies based on the child’s needs, typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 3: A therapy plan will be formulated.
After the initial steps (and sometimes a few additional sessions), the OT will create a Therapy Plan outlining key goals, strategies to achieve them, and important details for structuring sessions.
This comprehensive report typically takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete.
Step 4: Sessions will commence.
Ongoing sessions will be scheduled based on an agreed frequency, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Remember, every child is unique
The presence of one or more of these signs does not automatically mean that therapy is needed. However, if you have concerns about your child's development, motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, or overall functional performance, it is recommended to consult with a therapist. They can assess your child's needs and recommend appropriate interventions to support their growth and development.
Helping children build skills, gain confidence, and thrive in everyday life.
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