Firm Foundations - Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Assessment and therapy targeting the development of physical movement skills — gross motor skills (running, jumping, balance) and fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, fastening). Delivered by occupational therapists or physiotherapists to help children meet developmental milestones.

Support children to understand and regulate their emotions, learn positive strategies, and help parents respond to their child's emotional needs. Includes Tuning into Kids facilitation.

Strengthen skills required for school including attention, emotion regulation, social skills, handwriting, flexibility with transitions, and managing separation anxiety.

Work with problem feeders or fussy eaters to reduce food refusal and anxiety through food familiarisation, desensitisation and exploration in a fun environment.

Therapy and group programs that teach children and young people the skills needed to interact effectively with others — such as turn-taking, reading social cues, making conversation and managing conflict. Often delivered in small groups to allow real-life practice with peers.

A therapeutic approach where children express and process emotions, experiences and difficulties through play — their natural language. A play therapist creates a safe space where the child leads and works through challenges at their own pace.

Help children gain independence with everyday tasks such as dressing, self-feeding, toileting and bathing.

An evaluation of how a person processes sensory information — such as touch, sound, movement and taste — and how this affects their behaviour and daily functioning. Carried out by an occupational therapist, the results guide strategies to help the individual feel regulated and comfortable in their environment.