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.

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:

Dressing and undressing

Tying shoelaces and managing fastenings (buttons, zips, buckles)

Toileting and hygiene routines

Using cutlery, preparing simple snacks, and opening lunchboxes

Developing morning and bedtime routines

Fine and Gross Motor Development

OT intervention can support the building blocks of physical and cognitive development, including:

Fine motor skills: handwriting, scissor use, drawing, puzzles, construction play, organizing belongings, tool use

Gross motor skills: balance, coordination, ball skills, core strength, posture, playground skills, cycling

Emotional and Sensory Regulation

Children often present with challenges in managing emotions, attention, and sensory input. OT can:

Support children to develop calming, alerting, and self-regulation strategies

Help families and schools understand sensory processing needs (e.g., tactile sensitivity, movement seeking, noise sensitivity)

Co-create personalized “sensory diets” or regulation plans

Enhance resilience and participation in both structured and unstructured settings

Organisation & Daily Living Skills

Time management, planning, and building routines

Following instructions and staying on task

Organising schoolwork, bags, and personal belongings

Learning independence with chores, travel, and community skills

Support for teenagers and young adults with study skills, workplace routines, and participation in meaningful activities

Our Occupational Therapy Services

Comprehensive assessment and screening, with written reports

Individual therapy programs tailored to child goals and family priorities

Consultation and advice for families

Parent education and coaching to empower families in supporting progress

School/teacher training and coaching to promote inclusion and independence in educational settings

Signpost to other services (speech therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, medical professionals) where needed.

School and home guidance and modifications to maximise participation and independence