Paediatric Occupational Therapy

What is Paediatric Occupational Therapy?

Paediatric Occupational Therapists (OTs) help children develop skills for everyday life, particularly in the areas of play, self-care/independence and learning. At Ranges, Paediatric OTs work as part of the Child, Youth and Families Team which includes other professionals working with children (e.g. Speech Pathology, Child Psychology). 

Who is this for?

• fine motor skills (eg writing/drawing, using scissors, choosing a dominant hand) which affect play and classroom activities
• gross motor skills (eg balancing, jumping, catching a ball) which affect joining in games with peers
• dealing with different types of sensory information (eg vision, noise, touch, movement) which affect concentration and learning
• self-care skills (eg getting clothes around the right way, fastening buttons and shoelaces, managing cutlery) which affect independence

Children with difficulties in multiple areas of development and/or a diagnosed condition are generally eligible for services from other agencies (e.g. Early Intervention Centre, Specialist Children’s Services, Scope), and are therefore not seen at Ranges – if you are unsure, please call us.

How can Paediatric Occupational Therapy help you?

The Paediatric OT will observe your child doing some of the above activities, talk to you and others who work with your child (eg school/kinder teacher), and compare your child’s development to other children the same age. They will then work with you and your child to develop your child’s skills. This might include:

• assessment and advice about typical child development
• direct therapy sessions, in a small group or individually
• training and education for parents on how to help develop their child's skills at home
• support for staff in other settings (e.g. pre-school or school)
• making referrals to and working with other professionals, including joint therapy sessions/groups (eg school readiness group)

   

You may also be interested in:

• paediatric speech pathology
• child psychology
• child and family support
• counselling
• podiatry
• dietetics