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Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists help children in the areas of play, school and self-care (such as dressing, feeding and toileting). In order for a child to take part in these situations they require concentration, motor planning, perceptual skills and coordination.

During treatment sessions KidsAbility’s Occupational Therapists help enable the child to engage in functional and meaningful activities.

Our Occupational Therapists can help your child work through difficulties with:

  • Attention and concentration.
  • Completing daily activities such as feeding, toileting, dressing, shoe tying or bike riding.
  • Fine motor control and coordination, grasp and handwriting.
  • Gross Motor including muscle control & coordination in physical activities such as climbing, running, walking or throwing.
  • Processing sensory information such as touch, smell, taste, movement or sight. Children with challenges in this area can be either over-responsive or under-responsive to sensation and may be seen as being overactive and risk-taking through to very quiet and withdrawn.
  • Visual perceptual for example, having difficulty processing visual information and matching this to something meaningful. Visual perception is very important for learning to read, copy, have good hand-eye coordination or complete any number of activities.
  • Executive Function Skills, for example remembering things, planning, problem-solving or organisation.
  • Emotional, sensory or behavioural regulation, for example remaining calm and in control in stressful situations.
  • Eating or drinking such as fussy eaters, limited food choices, fear of foods.

There are a number of key signs that indicate your child may benefit from therapy. These include:

  • Difficulty concentrating or following directions
  • Fidgeting or excessive movement
  • Becoming easily overwhelmed in situations
  • Challenging behaviours
  • Clumsiness
  • Difficulty with sitting at a desk or table
  • Slumped posture
  • Messy or poorly constructed handwriting
  • Dislike of messy or dirty play (eg. Playing in mud, food play)
  • Withdrawing from social situations, difficulty making friends
  • Reduced confidence, anxiety or avoidance of activities
  • Difficulty with dressing, toileting or other daily tasks
KidsAbility highly recommends all parents meet with their child’s paediatrician to discuss their concerns. Some insurance providers will require a physician referral. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm if this is required with your plan.

What Can I Do?

Give us a call to book an appointment with one of our skilled Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapists are the best people to assess your child’s motor skills and sensory needs. They will be able to identify any concerns and help organise therapy sessions to suit your child’s needs. Our Occupational Therapists are able to see clients in our clinic, home or school setting.