Occupational therapy (OT) can be highly beneficial for children and young people with disability, as it aims to improve each child’s overall functional abilities and independence in daily activities.

At Xavier, our experienced Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with children to address various physical, cognitive, sensory, and social challenges they may face. Here are some ways occupational therapy can help your child.

1. Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Occupational Therapists can work on improving your child's fine motor skills, such as grasping objects, using utensils, and writing, as well as gross motor skills like balance, coordination, and body awareness. These skills are essential for performing daily tasks and participating in various activities and for just being a kid!
2. Sensory Integration: If your child with has sensory processing difficulties, this can affect their response to sensory stimuli. Our Occupational Therapists can help them integrate sensory information better, making it easier for them to cope with sensory experiences and engage in activities more effectively.
3. Self-Care Skills: Occupational therapy can help your child to learn and improve self-care skills, such as dressing, eating, grooming, and hygiene. Our therapists use strategies and adaptations to support children and young people to become more independent in these areas.
4. Cognitive Skills Enhancement: Occupational Therapists can use various techniques and activities to stimulate and support cognitive development, including problem-solving, memory, attention, and executive functioning skills. This can help your child with learning, academic performance, and day-to-day tasks.
5. Social Skills: Occupational Therapists can work on social skills and help your child develop better communication, emotional regulation, and interpersonal interactions. This can improve their ability to make friends, build relationships and participate in social activities and play.
6. Adaptive Equipment and Technology: Occupational Therapists can recommend and teach the use of adaptive equipment or assistive technology devices that cater to your child's specific needs. These tools can enhance their independence and participation in various activities.
7. Play and Fun: Occupational therapy can help your child engage in appropriate play and fun activities that promote physical, cognitive, and social development. Play is crucial for children's learning and development, and we believe that all children should have to opportunity to play with their peers.
8. Home and School Environment Modifications: We work with parents and educators to create a supportive environment for your child, making necessary modifications and adaptations to facilitate learning and participation at home and at school.
9. Behavioural Strategies: Occupational Therapists may also address challenging behaviours that impact your child and how they experience day-to-day interactions and develop strategies to manage and cope with these behaviours effectively.

We’re here to help

At Xavier, our team of Occupational Therapists work as part of our wider and connected multi-disciplinary team to support children and young people. We can support children and young people in their family home, at one of our clinics or at daycare or school. We work to support children and families in ways that meet their needs and help children to improve their overall development and their day-to-day lives.

If you’d like to know more about how our experienced OT team can support your child, call us on 1800 XAVIER, use the contact form on our occupational therapy page or email intake@xavier.org.au