FAQs

Occupational Therapy (or ‘OT’) helps people of all ages to live their lives to the fullest by enhancing their ability to perform the “occupations” of their daily living.

Pediatric Occupational therapists are specialists who work with children who have challenges with physical, sensory, or cognitive skills that interfere with their ability to participate in everyday activities such as self-care, work, school, and play.

Whatever it is, Occupational Therapy aims to develop your child’s skills to help them live more enjoyably and independently.

Research shows that early intervention for children is crucial, maximising the child’s potential for growth and development given the brain is most adaptable during early childhood, making it an ideal time for OT. Early intervention involves identifying and treating development delays or disabilities in children as soon as possible.

If you or anyone supporting your child’s health or education (e.g. teacher, speech pathologist, doctor, paediatrician) is concerned about your child’s development or they are struggling with their daily activities, Occupational Therapy sessions may be able to help them. ‘Daily activities’ can range from focusing and learning at school, tying their shoelaces, making new friends, participating in sports, toileting, doing their homework, eating dinner — any part of their daily life.

Signs your child might benefit

• Difficulty with fine motor skills: If your child has difficulty holding a pencil, writing, cutting with scissors, or using other tools

• Difficulty with gross motor skills: If your child has difficulty running, jumping, climbing, or playing sports

• Poor body awareness and postural control: If your child has poor body awareness or postural control, they may struggle with activities requiring coordination, such as riding a bike or catching a ball

• Inability to stay focused on a task or activity: If your child finds it difficult staying focused may find it difficult to complete tasks, follow instructions or engaging in activities requiring sustained attention

• Unusual responses to sensory stimuli: If your child has unusual responses to sensory stimuli such as noise, light, or touch they may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to certain stimuli, affecting their ability to engage in activities and interact with others

• Trouble planning and organising tasks: If your child struggles with planning and organising tasks demonstrated by difficulties with activities that require sequencing or problem-solving, such as puzzles or games

• Difficulty with self-care skills: If your child has difficulty dressing, bathing, or eating independently

• Difficulty with social-emotional skills: If your child has difficulty interacting with others, managing their emotions, or solving problems

• Problems expressing needs and wants verbally or through gestures: If your child has difficulty expressing their needs and wants, they may have trouble communicating with others and become frustrated when they cannot get their message across

If you are concerned about your child’s development or ability to participate in daily activities, we encourage you to contact Child Led Therapies using our enquiry form.

✅ASD

✅ADHD

✅Global Developmental Delay

✅Epilepsy Syndromes

✅Joint Hypermobility

✅Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI)

✅Sensory Processing Disorder

✅ Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)

✅Neurological conditions

✅ Acquired Brain Injuries

✅ Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders

✅ Genetic conditions

The aim of Pediatric Occupational Therapy is to help children live their lives to the fullest by enhancing their ability to perform the “occupations” of daily living.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for children

• Improved self-esteem and confidence: OT can help children feel more confident in their abilities and improve their self-esteem

• Increased independence: OT can help children become more independent in their daily lives

• Improved participation in school and activities: OT can help children participate more fully in school and extracurricular activities

• Reduced frustration and anger: OT can help children develop coping mechanisms to manage their emotions and reduce frustration and anger

• Improved overall quality of life: OT can improve a child's overall quality of life by helping them participate more fully in their daily activities and achieve their goals

We are proud to offer comprehensive mobile services, making it easier than ever for our patients to access the care they need, where and when they need it. Mobile OT brings services directly to your home, school, or other community setting. This eliminates the need for you to travel to a clinic, making it a more convenient and accessible option.

Our mobile Occupational Therapy appointments, currently cover Sydney’s Lower North Shore available to you in the comfort of your home, school or day-care.

As with in-person therapy sessions, online Occupational Therapy sessions are tailored to your child’s unique needs and goals. With a high-speed internet connection and your laptop, iPad or tablet, or even your mobile phone, you can connect with us from anywhere.

Traditionally, Occupational Therapy has been provided in person, clinic, or hospital; however, thanks to technological advances, we can now provide Occupational Therapy online.

Online Occupational Therapy uses video conferencing to provide therapy services. This type of therapy is convenient and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Benefits of online therapy include:

Convenience and flexibility

Your child can receive Occupational Therapy services from the comfort of your own home, from work, pre-school or school. This is especially helpful for those who have difficulty leaving their homes or who live in remote areas.

Improved access to care

You may have more options for therapists and appointment times when you receive occupational therapy services online. It also improves opportunities for family and parent involvement.

Improved outcomes

Studies have shown that online occupational therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for many people.

You don’t need a referral to access Occupational Therapy, just contact Child Led Therapies using our enquiry form today to make an appointment or for a chat about how we can support your child.