Paediatric Allied Health
Occupational Therapy for Children
Supporting children to participate more confidently and independently in the everyday activities that matter to them and their families.
Helping children take part in everyday life
Occupational therapy is focused on helping people participate in the activities that make up everyday life.
For children, this can include playing, learning, getting dressed, eating, using the bathroom, participating at kindergarten or school, managing routines and becoming more independent.
At Spriggle Kids, occupational therapy is child-centred and tailored to the individual child's strengths, needs, interests and everyday environment.
Areas occupational therapy may support
Every child's goals are different, so support is based on their individual needs and the activities that are important in everyday life.
Play-based and meaningful
Sessions may involve movement, games, creative activities, sensory play, daily-living tasks or activities based around a child's interests. While therapy may look like play, the therapist may be working on coordination, regulation, planning, independence or participation.
Working with families
Occupational therapists may work with parents, carers, educators and other professionals to help strategies carry over into everyday routines at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.
Understanding sensory differences
Children can experience sound, touch, movement, light, smell, taste and other sensory information differently.
For some children, certain environments may feel overwhelming. Others may seek additional movement, pressure or other sensory experiences.
Occupational therapy may help families better understand a child's sensory needs and explore practical strategies that support participation in everyday activities.
When might occupational therapy be helpful?
Families may consider occupational therapy when everyday activities are becoming difficult, stressful or limiting for their child.
Examples may include difficulty getting dressed, using cutlery, participating in classroom tasks, coping with certain sensory experiences, developing handwriting, managing transitions or joining in play.
A child does not necessarily need a formal diagnosis before a family seeks occupational therapy advice. Access will depend on the child's individual circumstances and funding arrangements.
Occupational therapy in Balnarring Beach
Spriggle Kids provides paediatric occupational therapy and developmental support for children and families from Balnarring Beach and communities across the Mornington Peninsula.
Free Parent Resource
What does a paediatric occupational therapist do?
Read our parent guide to learn more about occupational therapy, everyday skills and when families might consider seeking support.
Read the Occupational Therapy parent guideLooking for occupational therapy support?
Join the Spriggle Kids waitlist or book a chat with our team to learn more about occupational therapy and current availability.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical, developmental or therapeutic advice. If you have concerns about your child's development or participation in everyday activities, speak with an appropriately qualified health professional.