What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy helps children and young people to build the skills and strategies needed for daily life — from tying shoelaces and writing, to managing routines and emotions, to engaging in meaningful activities as they grow older. We work closely with families, schools, and other professionals to create practical, individualised plans.
OT also supports adults, helping people to rebuild or adapt their daily lives following challenges such as illness, injury, or changes in mental health. This may include developing strategies for managing routines, supporting return to work, enhancing independence at home, or re-engaging in meaningful social and leisure activities.
Occupational Therapy compliments psychology by helping children, young people, and families develop the practical and emotional skills needed for daily life. With a focus on independence, confidence, and meaningful participation at home, school, and in the community, our goal is to empower families through evidence-based assessment, tailored intervention, and collaborative care.
What can occupational therapy help me with?
Self-Care Skills
A paediatric OT can work with children on everyday activities that promote independence and self-esteem. Goals are tailored to the child’s needs and may include:
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Dressing and undressing
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Tying shoelaces and managing fastenings (buttons, zips, buckles)
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Toileting and hygiene routines
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Using cutlery, preparing simple snacks, and opening lunchboxes
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Developing morning and bedtime routines
Emotional and Sensory Regulation
Children often present with challenges in managing emotions, attention, and sensory input. OT can:
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Support children to develop calming, alerting, and self-regulation strategies
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Help families and schools understand sensory processing needs (e.g., tactile sensitivity, movement seeking, noise sensitivity)
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Co-create personalised “sensory diets” or regulation plans
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Enhance resilience and participation in both structured and unstructured settings
Sensory Supports
Our sensory assessments are completed by an Occupational Therapist and explore how an individual processes and responds to sensory information in their everyday environment.
Sensory processing differences can influence how we respond to sounds, touch, movement, light, textures and other sensory experiences. These differences may affect emotional regulation, attention, participation in daily activities, relationships and overall wellbeing.
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The assessment aims to develop a clearer understanding of an individual's sensory profile, identify areas where they may be experiencing difficulties, and provide practical, individualised recommendations to support them at home, in school, at work or in other everyday settings.
What does the assessment involve?
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Initial appointment (60 minutes): An appointment with our Occupational Therapist to explore sensory experiences, current concerns and the impact on everyday functioning.
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Written report: A report outlining the assessment findings, sensory profile and individualised recommendations.
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Feedback appointment (30 minutes): An opportunity to discuss the findings, ask questions and consider how the recommendations can be implemented in everyday life.
Sensory assessments may be helpful for children, adolescents or adults who experience sensory sensitivities, sensory-seeking behaviours or difficulties managing sensory demands in their daily lives.
Fine and Gross Motor Development
OT intervention can support the building blocks of physical and cognitive development, including:
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Fine motor skills: handwriting, scissor use, drawing, puzzles, construction play, organising belongings, tool use
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Gross motor skills: balance, coordination, ball skills, core strength, posture, playground skills, cycling
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Handwriting Assessments
Our handwriting assessments are carried out by an Occupational Therapist and explore a child’s handwriting skills, including legibility, letter formation, spacing, speed and overall written output. The assessment identifies areas of difficulty and provides tailored recommendations and practical strategies to support handwriting at school and at home. Where appropriate, recommendations may include assistive technology; however, applications for assistive technology must be made by the school and approval is not guaranteed.
Organisation & Daily Living Skills
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Time management, planning, and building routines
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Following instructions and staying on task
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Organising schoolwork, bags, and personal belongings
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Learning independence with chores, travel, and community skills
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Support for teenagers and young adults with study skills, workplace routines, and participation in meaningful activities
Our Occupational Therapy Services:
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Comprehensive assessment and screening, with written reports
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Individual therapy programs tailored to child's goals and family priorities
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Consultation and advice for families
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Parent education and coaching to empower families in supporting progress
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School/teacher training and coaching to promote inclusion and independence in educational settings
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Signpost to other services (speech therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, medical professionals) where needed.
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School and home guidance and modifications to maximise participation and independence