Occupational Therapy for Children in Melbourne: NDIS Support for Daily Life and Development
Children develop at different rates, and some children need additional support to participate in everyday activities. Paediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop skills and strategies that support participation at home, school and in the community.
Walnut Occupational Therapy supports children and families with practical occupational therapy strategies based on the child's individual needs, strengths and goals.
What does paediatric occupational therapy focus on?
Occupational therapy for children may address functional activities such as dressing, handwriting, feeding, play, classroom participation, emotional regulation, sensory processing and daily routines.
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are important for activities such as writing, drawing, using scissors, buttoning clothes, opening containers and manipulating small objects.
Self-care skills
Occupational therapists can help identify barriers affecting dressing, toileting, bathing, grooming, eating and other daily routines.
Sensory processing
Some children experience difficulties responding to sensory information. Occupational therapy can explore how sensory needs affect participation in daily activities.
School participation
Occupational therapy may consider factors affecting classroom participation, handwriting, organisation, attention, motor skills and independence at school.
NDIS occupational therapy for children
Where occupational therapy is relevant to a child's disability and goals, an OT may assess functional needs and provide recommendations that support participation and independence.
Working with parents and carers
Family involvement can be an important part of paediatric occupational therapy. Strategies are often most effective when they can be incorporated into everyday routines rather than being isolated to therapy sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children see an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapy can support children across different developmental stages depending on their individual needs.
Can an OT help with handwriting?
Yes. Occupational therapists can assess factors affecting handwriting and related fine motor and functional skills.
Can OT support children with NDIS plans?
Occupational therapy may be included where it is appropriate to the child's disability, goals and NDIS circumstances.