Could OT help my child?
Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. Sometimes, though, you might notice your child finding certain things consistently tricky, and that’s where occupational therapy can help.
OT supports children to build the skills they need for everyday life: at home, at school, and in the world around them. If any of the areas below sound familiar, it may be worth having a chat with our team.
Movement & Coordination
You might notice your child:
- Seems clumsy or awkward in their movements
- Has difficulty with balance or coordination
- Is slower to develop fine or gross motor skills
- Tires easily or appears floppy
- Avoids or struggles with drawing or writing
- Finds forming letters difficult
Sensory Processing
You might notice your child:
- Is very sensitive to noise, touch, or movement
- Seeks constant sensory input (e.g. touching people or objects)
- Becomes overwhelmed in busy or noisy environments
- Has difficulty regulating their energy levels throughout the day
Learning & Attention
You might notice your child:
- Struggles to concentrate or stay on task
- Moves quickly between activities without finishing
- Has difficulty remembering or following instructions
- Finds it hard to organise thoughts, especially for writing (planning, sequencing or putting ideas together)
- Has variable performance (great some days, finds things really hard on others)
- Shows limited interest in learning activities (e.g. puzzles, letters, numbers)
Behaviour, Emotions & Wellbeing
You might notice your child:
- Appears anxious or lacks confidence
- Has strong emotional reactions that are hard to understand
- Shows very focused or repetitive interests
- Is overly fearful or cautious in new situations
Everyday Routines
You might notice your child:
- Has difficulty with feeding, sleep, or toileting
- Is more messy or disorganised than expected for their age
- Isn’t quite reaching their potential, despite trying
Your child may also have a diagnosed condition such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia, Developmental Delay, or another developmental difference. OT can support children across all of these.
Not sure if what you’re seeing warrants a referral? It’s always okay to reach out and ask. Early support can make a real difference.
Ideas to try at home
The resources below offer practical strategies you can explore at home. If things don’t improve within a few weeks, your child seems resistant to the activities, or you’re not sure where to start… individual therapy can help you get the right plan in place.