Paediatric occupational Therapy Adelaide

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Why Choose us:

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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.

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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. We empower children to express themselves authentically and engage in their therapeutic journey with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We understand 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.

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Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower children to become self-advocates by nurturing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills. We 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

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.

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Working Closely with Educators and Schools

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 therapy needs. By working together, we can maximise the child's potential and create a seamless experience across different environments.

Your First Steps:

Step 1
Parent/guardian planning meeting.

These sessions are designed for parents and carers to openly discuss their child’s needs, strengths, and priorities without interruption. We encourage children not to attend so that caregivers can speak freely and have the space to explore concerns in depth with the therapist.

During the session, your therapist will gather key information, including medical history, family dynamics, current supports, and your child’s abilities in areas such as social communication, motor skills, sensory processing, emotional development, self-care, and learning. Together, we identify meaningful goals for the therapy plan to ensure everyone is aligned.

Sessions typically run for 60–90 minutes.

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Step 2
Initial meet and greet with the child.

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.

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Step 3
A therapy plan will be formulated.

After the initial steps (and sometimes a few additional sessions), the therapist 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.

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Step 4
Sessions will commence.

Ongoing sessions will be scheduled based on an agreed frequency, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is paediatric occupational therapy?

Paediatric occupational therapy supports children to develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities such as play, learning, self-care, and social interaction. Therapy focuses on supporting independence and participation in meaningful daily life activities.

How do I know if my child may benefit from occupational therapy?

Your child may benefit from occupational therapy if they experience challenges with fine or gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention, self-care, or participation at home, school, or in the community.

What age can children start occupational therapy?

Children can benefit from occupational therapy from infancy through to adolescence. Early support can help build skills during important developmental stages and support long-term independence.

What happens during a paediatric occupational therapy assessment?

An assessment may include parent or caregiver interviews, observations, play-based activities, and standardised assessments where appropriate. This helps the therapist understand your child’s strengths, needs, and goals.

Can paediatric occupational therapy be funded through the NDIS?

Yes. Paediatric occupational therapy may be funded through the NDIS for children who are eligible. We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

Can my child access occupational therapy without NDIS funding?

Yes. Occupational therapy can also be accessed privately without NDIS funding. Families may choose private therapy for flexibility or while awaiting NDIS outcomes.

Will parents or caregivers be involved in therapy?

Yes. Parents and caregivers are actively involved in the therapy process. Occupational therapists collaborate with families and provide strategies that can be used at home, school, and in daily routines.

How do I get started with paediatric occupational therapy?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team to discuss your child’s needs and the next steps in the therapy process.

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 therapy interventions to support their growth and development.