What does a paediatric occupational therapist actually do?
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
When parents first hear the words “occupational therapy”, they often wonder what occupation has to do with their child.
For children, their main occupations are the everyday activities that help them learn, play, participate and become more independent. This includes everything from getting dressed and using cutlery to concentrating in the classroom, making friends and managing big emotions.
A paediatric occupational therapist works with children to understand what may be making these everyday activities more difficult and to find practical ways to support them.
What can an occupational therapist help with?
Every child is different, but occupational therapy may support children who are having difficulty with:
Fine motor skills, such as writing, drawing, cutting or using buttons and zippers
Gross motor skills, including balance, coordination and body awareness
Sensory processing and responding to sounds, textures, movement or busy environments
Emotional regulation and coping with frustration or change
Attention, concentration and following instructions
Self-care skills, including dressing, toileting, eating and personal hygiene
Play, turn-taking and participating with other children
Planning, organising and completing everyday tasks
Adjusting to preschool, school or changes in routine
Sometimes a child may have a diagnosis or recognised developmental delay. At other times, a parent or teacher may simply notice that certain activities seem much harder for the child than they do for their peers.
You do not need to have all the answers before speaking with an occupational therapist.
What happens during an occupational therapy assessment?
An occupational therapy assessment is not about looking for everything a child cannot do. It helps us understand the child as a whole, including their strengths, interests, environment and the activities that are currently challenging for them.
Depending on the child’s needs, an occupational therapist may observe how they move, play, communicate, use their hands, respond to sensory information or complete everyday activities. We will also speak with parents and carers because they know their child best.
Information from teachers, educators and other health professionals may also be helpful.
What does occupational therapy look like for a child?
Occupational therapy sessions are designed around meaningful activities and achievable goals. For a child, this often looks like play.
A child might complete an obstacle course to develop coordination, play a game that practises turn-taking, use craft activities to strengthen their hands or learn strategies to help their body feel calmer and more organised.
There is purpose behind each activity, but therapy should also feel encouraging and engaging.
Parents and carers are an important part of the process. Where appropriate, we provide practical strategies that can be used at home, at school and during everyday routines. This helps a child practise their skills in the places where they need them most.
When should I speak with an occupational therapist?
You may consider speaking with an occupational therapist if your child regularly avoids certain activities, becomes distressed by everyday demands or needs significantly more support than expected for their age.
Seeking advice does not mean there is something “wrong” with your child. It simply gives you an opportunity to better understand what they need.
If you have concerns about your child’s participation, development or independence, the team at Stepping Stones OT is here to listen and help you decide on the next step.
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