OUR SERVICES
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to help children join in daily activities such as personal care (e.g., toileting, dressing), school participation (e.g., handwriting, attending to tasks), and leisure activities (e.g., playing, sports).
This is achieved by a mix of, addressing underlying factors and skills, adapting the environment or task, and teaching the child strategies to improve their participation.
PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Conditions Supported
Our Occupational Therapy services cover a wide range of conditions, including:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Neuromuscular disorders
Sensory processing differences
Degenerative disorders
Traumatic brain injuries
Visual and hearing impairments
Physical and cognitive disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome, rare neurological disorders)
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Programs and Techniques
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based programs and techniques to support children’s development, including:
- Assessment: assessment carried out by an occupational therapist to understand an individual’s abilities, challenges, and barriers impacting on their daily life activities. To create personalised recommendations and intervention strategies to improve the person’s participation in meaningful activities.
- Feeding Interventions: For picky or restrictive eaters.
- Handwriting Programs: To improve writing skills and increase participation in recording class work.
- Individualized Therapy Plans: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, that ad-dress the child’s unique challenges and are designed to promote progress.
- 1:1 specialist therapy: goal focussed individual therapy.
- Group Therapy: Goal directed group therapy.
- Self-Care Interventions: To support the development of daily living skills.
- Classroom Modifications: Sensory-friendly adaptations for nurseries and schools.
- Play-Based Interventions: Engaging activities to promote learning and development.
- Seating Recommendations: modifications to improve postiitoning to support participation in activities.
- Sensory Strategies: Sensory strategies and adaptations to support participation in everyday activities.
- Caregiver Training: Coaching for parents and caregivers to support their child’s development.
- Equipment recommendations: recommendations on specialist equipment and adapted clothing/ toys/ tools etc.
- Natural Environment Interventions: Conducting therapy in familiar settings like nurseries, schools, or malls.
- Early Intervention: promote the function and engagement of infants and toddlers.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
What to Expect
Our occupational therapists provide family and child-centered interventions. They collaborate with caregivers, parents, educators and healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive services for children from birth to 18 years old.
Initial Assessment
The therapist identifies the child’s strengths and challenges. Parents and caregivers are integral to this process, providing insights and information about the child’s (ADD) strengths and needs.
Therapy Sessions
Conducted individually or in groups with the child or with educators/parents/ caregivers, in clinic or school. Focusing on personalized goals tailored to the child’s unique needs.
Education and Training
Providing parents with strategies to support their child’s development during sessions, group therapy, and workshops.
School Collaboration
Occupational therapists work with teachers to develop strategies and accommodations using a strengths-based approach to support the child in meaningful engagement for their school activities and routines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy is a form of therapy that helps children to participate in things they want to and have to do to improve their wellbeing, at home, school – and everywhere else. Occupational therapists address barriers to a child’s ability to engage in meaningful activities and routines.
Who can benefit from Occupational Therapy?
Children with challenges joining in activities that they need to or want to be able to engage in. This may include children with diagnosis’ such as ADHD, ASD, developmental delays or any child without a diagnosis who struggles with accessing daily routines or activities.
How do I know if my child needs Occupational Therapy?
If your child currently struggles with participating in daily activities in areas of looking after themselves, school tasks, or play/ leisure activities. An occupational Therapy assessment can help determine if they would benefit from therapy and provide strategies and recommendations to try.
What happens during an initial assessment?
The therapist evaluates the child’s strengths and challenges, involving parents, caregivers and educators in the process to gather comprehensive information and collaboratively set goals.
How often will my child need therapy sessions?
The frequency of therapy sessions depends on the child’s needs and goals, ranging from occasional reviews, weekly therapy or multiple times a week.
Where are therapy sessions conducted?
Therapy sessions can be conducted in our clinics, schools, or natural environments like nurseries and malls, depending on your child’s needs.
How can Occupational Therapy help with school participation?
Occupational therapy enhances school participation by identifying and addressing barriers to a child’s ability to engage in meaningful school activities and routines. They promote strengths, adapt environments, use and recommend strategies in tasks and routines to help children thrive in their educational journey.
Can parents and caregivers be involved in therapy?
Yes, parents and caregivers are encouraged to be involved in the therapy process, including assessment, goal setting, and implementing the recommended strategies.
What types of interventions are used in Occupational Therapy?
A range of approaches are used depending on the child’s needs – this may include cognitive problem-solving strategies, handwriting interventions, coaching the supporting adults, environment and equipment recommendations or group therapy.
How can I get started with Occupational Therapy for my child?
Contact us to schedule a discovery call and initial assessment to begin the process of supporting your child’s development through Occupational Therapy.