Occupational Therapy

Paediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children develop the everyday skills they need to participate in daily life with greater confidence, independence, and comfort. For children, their “occupations” are the important activities they do every day — such as playing, learning, communicating, getting dressed, eating, joining in at school, managing emotions, and connecting with others.

At Psych Assessment and Therapy Centre (PATC), our Occupational Therapists work with children and families in a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based way. We recognise that every child develops differently, and therapy is tailored to support each child’s unique profile, goals, interests, and environment.

A Paediatric OT may support children with:

• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Sensory processing differences
• Attention and concentration
• Fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting, scissors, drawing)
• Gross motor skills and coordination
• Self-care skills such as dressing, toileting, showering, and feeding
• Play and social participation
• School participation and classroom functioning
• Organisation, planning, and executive functioning
• Independence in daily routines
• Confidence and self-esteem

Therapy is designed to feel engaging, supportive, and meaningful for children. Sessions may involve games, movement, play-based activities, sensory experiences, practical skill-building, and collaborative problem-solving.

Our OTs also work closely with parents, educators, and other professionals to support children across environments, not just within the therapy room.

Children may access Occupational Therapy for many different reasons, including developmental differences, disability, learning differences, sensory differences, Autism, ADHD, anxiety, motor coordination difficulties, or challenges participating in everyday activities. A child does not need a diagnosis to benefit from OT support.

We aim to support children in ways that build confidence, safety, autonomy, and participation in everyday life. Therapy focuses on understanding the “why” behind difficulties, adapting environments where needed, and helping children develop skills in a way that respects who they are.