Occupational therapy can help children with practical daily skills to encourage them to be independent.
What an occupational therapist does
An occupational therapist (OT) works directly with your child and with you as their parent or carer. They may also work with teachers or other specialists.
The OT will assess your child to see what they can do well, and what they find hard. They will then put together a treatment programme based on your child's needs.
Treatment programme
The treatment programme will focus on skills your child may need help with.
Programmes can include:
- parent education workshops
- individual sessions
- group sessions and sessions with other healthcare workers
- recommending special equipment if they need it - such as sensory equipment or equipment to help their movement
- advice about adaptations to your home or at school
Skills an occupational therapist may work on with your child
The skills can be used at home, in school and in the community.
Home skills
Your child may need help with skills at home, such as:
- dressing
- feeding
- bathing
- going to the toilet
- playing
- kitchen skills
School skills
The skills they may need help with at school include:
- handwriting
- play
- physical education (PE)
- computers
- posture
Community skills
Other skills they may need help with include:
- hobbies
- sports
- independence
- shopping
- travel
Referrals to an OT in the CDNT
Your GP can refer your child to the children's disability network team (CDNT) or you can make a referral yourself.
You cannot refer to a specific health professional. The team will decide which service suits your child best.