What is paediatric occupational therapy?
Paediatric occupational therapy focuses on a child’s ‘occupations’, in other words – the jobs they need to to do in their everyday lives.
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For children this includes:
Playing and having fun!
Making friends & connecting with others
Developing strength & coordination
Developing a sense of identity,
self-esteem and confidence
Paying attention & developing organisational skills
Who do we help ?
Understanding & managing emotions
Developing independence
Our paediatric occupational therapists work with families and children of all ages and abilities to assist them with their daily living skills, including children with or without a diagnosis. We can support your child if they have:
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Development Coordination Disorder (also known as dyspraxia).
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties.
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Global developmental delay.
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Cerebral Palsy.
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Acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions.
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Generalised anxiety.
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Down Syndrome and genetic conditions.
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Intellectual disability.
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Behavioural and self-regulation challenges.
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Sensory Processing differences.
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Executive Function and organisational skills.
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Coordination and handwriting difficulties.
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Learning differences.
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We also provide parenting support.
You can see our paediatric occupational therapists at our clinic in the North Eastern suburb of Melbourne or we can visit clients in their home setting, at school, kinder or childcare.
What is neuro-diversity affirming practice?
An occupational therapist can assist your child with...
Classroom Skills
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Fine motor skills - including scissors skills, pre-writing, handwriting, manual dexterity.
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Executive Function (i.e. organisational skills)
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Attention and self-regulation
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Participating in routines
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Problem-solving skills
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Supporting a child's sensory processing differences.
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Understanding and managing behaviour.
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Working collaboratively with the child's parent and educational team to support their well-being and participation at school.
Leisure Activities and Life Skills
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Gross motor skills including playing in the playground
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Participating in sports activities and community groups
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Connecting with friends and family
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Enjoying hobbies
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Imaginative play
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Developing independence at home
Play and Social Skills
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Having fun with others
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Building relationships and making friends
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Developing empathy
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Playing, exploring and imagining
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Understanding the thoughts and feelings of others
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Social problem solving
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Sibling conflict
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Strengthening family relationships