Kids
We help kids and teens who might find some things tricky because of big feelings, neurodiversity (like autism or ADHD), tired or sore bodies (like with chronic pain or fatigue), or brain and body differences (like functional neurological disorders). Our occupational therapists work with each child to build skills, feel more confident, and do the things they love at home, school, and in the community.
Functional Capacity Assessment
Capacity Building
(Fortnightly or monthly)
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) helps us understand how a child does everyday things at home, school, or in the community. An occupational therapist works with the child to see what they can do on their own, what they might find tricky, and where they may need some help. This includes looking at things like how they move, think, feel, and manage tasks in their daily life. The goal is to find the best ways to support them to grow, learn, and be as independent as possible.
A Sensory Needs Assessment is when an occupational therapist learns how a child reacts to things like sound, touch, movement, light, smell, or pressure. Some kids might notice these things too much (over-sensitive), not enough (under-sensitive), or really love certain feelings (like swinging or squeezing). This assessment helps us understand how these sensory differences affect a child’s feelings, behaviour, focus, and how they do everyday things. It helps the therapist find the best ways to support the child so they feel calm, focused, and comfortable in their world.
Sensory Integration
Sensory Needs Assesment
Sensory integration is how our brain understands and responds to the things we see, hear, touch, smell, taste, or feel when we move. For most kids, this happens automatically — like knowing when to cover your ears if a sound is too loud, or when to stop spinning if you feel dizzy.
But for some kids, especially those with autism, ADHD, or other sensory differences, this process can be tricky. Some kids might be very sensitive to things like loud noises or itchy clothes. Others might not notice certain things, like when someone touches their shoulder. Some kids seek out certain feelings, like spinning or jumping. These sensory differences can affect how they feel, behave, focus, and join in with everyday activities.
An occupational therapist (or OT) helps kids understand and manage how their body reacts to different sensations. Here’s how:
Sensory-Based Activities: OTs use fun and active games like swinging, bouncing on a trampoline, exploring textures, or using weighted blankets to help the brain learn to handle different sensations better.
Gradual Exposure: If a child gets overwhelmed by things like bright lights or loud sounds, the OT helps them get used to these slowly in a safe and calm way.
Self-Regulation Skills: OTs teach calming tools like deep breathing, fidget toys, or taking a sensory break to help kids feel more in control when things feel "too much."
Changing the Environment: Sometimes small changes make a big difference — like using soft lighting, noise-cancelling headphones, or having a quiet corner at home or school.
Sensory Diets: This isn’t food! A sensory diet is a special plan made just for the child. It includes daily activities that give the right kind of sensory input (like jumping, squeezing, or swinging) to help them feel calm, focus, and do their best during the day.
Capacity building means helping kids get stronger at the things they need and want to do. With support from an occupational therapist, children can build their skills, confidence, and independence so they can do more by themselves—like getting dressed, joining in at school, or playing with friends. Capacity building helps kids work toward their goals, feel proud of what they can do, and learn new ways to manage everyday tasks. It’s all about giving them the tools they need to grow and shine in their own way.
Contact
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