What Does a Paediatric Occupational Therapist Do?
A paediatric occupational therapist (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to take part in everyday life. These are the skills that allow children to play, learn, care for themselves, and participate confidently at home, school, and in the community.
Paediatric OTs work with babies, children, and adolescents who may be experiencing developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, or challenges with everyday activities.
What “Occupations” Mean for Children
In occupational therapy, the word occupation doesn’t mean a job.
For children, occupations are the important activities of childhood, such as:
Playing and exploring
Getting dressed and eating
Learning and participating at school
Managing emotions and behaviour
Making friends and joining in with others
A paediatric OT supports children to engage in these activities in ways that feel safe, successful, and meaningful.
Areas a Paediatric OT Can Help With
🖐️ Fine Motor Skills
Pencil grip and handwriting
Cutting, colouring, and drawing
Using utensils, buttons, and zips
🏃 Gross Motor Skills
Balance and coordination
Running, jumping, climbing
Core strength and posture
🧠 Sensory Processing
Sensitivity to noise, touch, or movement
Sensory seeking or sensory avoidance
Emotional regulation and self-calming strategies
🧩 Daily Living Skills
Dressing, toileting, and hygiene
Mealtime skills and independence
Following routines and transitions
🏫 School & Learning Skills
Attention and focus
Classroom participation
Organisational skills and task completion
💬 Social & Emotional Skills
Managing big emotions
Building confidence and independence
Social interaction and play skills
How Paediatric OT Sessions Work
Paediatric OT sessions are play-based, child-led, and goal-focused. Therapy often looks like fun—but every activity has a purpose.
An OT may:
Use games, obstacle courses, and play activities
Adapt tasks to suit the child’s abilities
Teach strategies to support regulation and learning
Work closely with parents, carers, and teachers
Sessions may occur in:
The clinic
The child’s home
School or childcare
Community settings
Assessments and Goal Setting
A paediatric OT will complete assessments to understand a child’s strengths and challenges. Together with the family, they develop individualised goals that are meaningful and practical for everyday life.
Goals might include:
Getting dressed independently
Participating in class without distress
Improving handwriting confidence
Managing sensory overload in busy environments
Who Can Benefit from Paediatric OT?
Paediatric OT supports children with a wide range of needs, including:
Developmental delays
Autism
ADHD
Sensory processing differences
Physical or neurological conditions
Emotional regulation difficulties
Support is always strengths-based and tailored to the child and family.
Working With Families
Families are central to paediatric occupational therapy. OTs provide:
Education and coaching for parents and carers
Home programs and practical strategies
Collaboration with schools and other professionals
The goal is to help children succeed not just in therapy, but in real life.
In Summary
A paediatric occupational therapist helps children build the skills they need to participate fully in childhood—through play, learning, independence, and connection with others.
OT isn’t about fixing children.
It’s about supporting them to thrive in their own unique way.
FAQ
Do I need a referral to see a paediatric occupational therapist?
In many cases, no referral is required, though some funding options may require one.
How long does occupational therapy take?
This depends on the child’s goals and needs. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others require ongoing therapy.
Is therapy only for children with a diagnosis?
No. Many children access occupational therapy without a formal diagnosis to support specific challenges.
Can therapy be done at school or at home?
Yes. Occupational therapy is often most effective when delivered in the environments where a child spends their time.
