Occupational Therapy
Building Independence, Confidence & Everyday Skills
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy supports children and young people in developing the ability to participate in daily routines through fun, purposeful activities.
At Therabees, our OTs focus on helping young people strengthen motor skills, improve emotional regulation, and build independence in daily self-care tasks, learning, and social participation.
Did You Know?
Most children develop key life skills through everyday play, but for some, these skills need to be taught step by step with expert support.
How Occupational Therapy in Adelaide Can Help
Some children find it difficult to complete everyday tasks like writing, playing with peers, or managing emotions. This can affect their confidence and participation in school or home routines.
These challenges may show up in:
- Fine Motor Skills – Writing, cutting, buttoning, and grasping small objects
- Gross Motor Skills – Coordination, strength, and balance
- Sensory Processing – Over/under-responsiveness to sounds, textures, and movement
- Social & Play Skills – Building friendships and engaging with others
- Self-Care & Daily Tasks – Dressing, eating, toileting, and personal hygiene
- Emotional Regulation & Behaviour – Managing emotions and frustration
- School Readiness & Learning Skills – Handwriting, focus, and classroom participation
- Executive Functioning – Organisation, attention, and task completion
Who We Support
Consider booking an OT session if your child:
- Has trouble expressing emotions or managing frustration
- Finds it difficult to focus or follow multi-step instructions
- Struggles with coordination and motor tasks like running, jumping, or catching
- Has challenges with handwriting, cutting, or fine motor activities
- Has difficulty dressing, using utensils, or managing toileting independently
- Shows sensitivity or aversion to textures, lights, or sounds
- Finds it hard to engage in group activities or interact with peers
Early intervention can make a significant impact. Not sure if Occupational Therapy in Adelaide is right for your child? We’re here to guide you through it.
Functional Capacity Assessments now available!
A FCA is a structured and objective evaluation designed to determine what you can do physically or cognitively.
Benefits of a FCA:
- Comprehensive Evaluation of Daily Functioning
- Tailored Support Planning
- Access to Funding and Services
- Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Interventions
Our Approach to Occupational Therapy
Comprehensive Assessments
Standardised tools and observations to tailor therapy plans
Play-based Therapy
Making therapy enjoyable while working on important skills
Family-Centred Care
Working closely with parents and caregivers to reinforce progress at home
School Collaboration
Partnering with educators to support children in their learning environment
Emotional Regulation Therapy
Support for managing frustration, focus, and mood
Fine Motor Skills Support
Build hand strength, coordination, and control
Meet Our Occupational Therapists
Chantel
Occupational Therapist
Trinity
Occupational Therapist
Brooke
Occupational Therapist
Rebecca
Occupational Therapist
Gia
Occupational Therapist
FAQs
What does an occupational therapist help with?
Paediatric occupational therapists help children build the everyday skills they need for home, school, and community life. This can include fine motor skills, handwriting, self-care, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention, play skills, school readiness, and independence with routines such as dressing, eating, and toileting.
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
You might consider OT if your child finds everyday tasks harder than expected for their age. Common parent concerns include difficulty with handwriting, using scissors, dressing, tolerating certain textures or sounds, following routines, managing big emotions, coping with transitions, or joining in with peers.
Is OT only for children with a diagnosis?
No. A diagnosis is not always required. Many children access OT because there are functional concerns affecting daily life, participation, or independence. Therapy is guided by your child’s strengths, needs, and goals rather than diagnosis alone.
What happens in an occupational therapy assessment?
The first appointment usually includes discussing your concerns, learning about your child’s routines and strengths, and observing how they manage specific tasks. Depending on your child’s age and needs, the OT may look at fine motor skills, sensory responses, play, self-care, attention, emotional regulation, or school-related tasks. We then explain our findings and recommend next steps.
Can occupational therapy help with sensory sensitivities?
Occupational therapy can help understand how sensory differences may be affecting your child’s comfort, participation, and regulation. Support may include identifying patterns, adjusting the environment, building self-awareness, and developing practical strategies that help your child feel safer and more settled in daily routines.
Can OT help with handwriting and school skills?
Yes. If handwriting is hard work for your child, an OT may look at posture, hand strength, pencil grasp, visual motor integration, motor planning, attention, and the physical demands of classroom tasks. Therapy may focus on the underlying skills that support writing, not just handwriting practice on its own.
Will I be involved in sessions?
Usually, yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is important because children make progress best when strategies are carried over into daily life. We may talk with you about routines at home, goals for school, and practical ways to support your child between sessions.
How long does OT usually take?
That depends on your child’s goals, strengths, and level of support needed. Some children benefit from a short block of therapy and home strategies, while others need longer-term support. We review goals regularly so the plan stays relevant and realistic.
Ready to Get Started?
Book an assessment or enquiry call today.
Together, we help children and young people thrive, one step at a time.