Children develop at different rates, but some challenges can signal that extra support may help. Below are 10 common signs, grouped by therapy type, with real-world examples and guidance on when to seek help.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
1. Difficulty with daily tasks
Your child struggles with dressing, toileting, using cutlery, or handwriting compared to children their age.
2. Sensory sensitivities or sensory seeking
Your child is overly sensitive to noise, clothing, or touch, or constantly seeks movement such as crashing, spinning, or jumping.
When to seek help:
If sensory challenges or daily tasks affect your childās independence or participation at home or school.
Physiotherapy
3. Delayed gross motor milestones
Your child was late to walk or has difficulty running, jumping, or climbing.
4. Poor balance or coordination
Your child appears clumsy, avoids physical play, or falls more often than expected.
When to seek help:
If movement difficulties limit your childās confidence, play, or physical skills.
Speech Pathology
5. Delayed or unclear speech
Your child has a limited vocabulary, struggles to form sentences, or is difficult for others to understand.
6. Difficulty understanding instructions
Your child struggles to follow directions, especially multi-step instructions, or has difficulty keeping up at school.
When to seek help:
If communication challenges affect learning, behaviour, or social interaction.
Psychology
7. Big emotional reactions or anxiety
Your child experiences frequent meltdowns, excessive worry, or difficulty coping with change.
8. Ongoing behavioural concerns
Your child shows persistent aggression, withdrawal, defiance, or challenges at school or home.
When to seek help:
If emotional or behavioural concerns interfere with daily life, relationships, or learning.
Across Multiple Areas
9. Social difficulties
Your child struggles to make friends, take turns, or understand social cues.
10. Regression or ongoing concerns
Your child loses previously learned skills, or you have ongoing concerns about their development.
When to seek help:
If you are concerned, trust your instincts. Early support can make a meaningful difference.
Why Choose Therabees?
At Therabees, we take a whole-child approach, supporting children and families with tailored therapy that meets real-life needs. Our experienced team works collaboratively across occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and psychology, making support simple, connected, and child-centred. Early intervention with the right team can build confidence, independence, and long-term success.