What conditions do paediatric OTs treat?

Paediatric occupational therapists work with children from birth through to 18 years to help them develop skills needed for everyday activities—eating, dressing, writing, playing, and learning. They assess how a child's physical abilities, sensory processing, coordination, and thinking skills affect their daily functioning at home, school, and in the community.

Common conditions paediatric OTs support include:

**Autism and ADHD**: OTs help with sensory sensitivities, motor planning, organisation, time management, and self-regulation strategies that support learning and social participation.

**Sensory processing differences**: Some children are over- or under-responsive to sensory input (touch, sound, movement, taste). OTs use sensory integration strategies and environmental modifications to help children process sensory information more effectively.

**Developmental delay**: When children are slower to reach motor milestones (sitting, walking, running), OTs provide targeted activities to build strength, balance, and coordination.

**Fine motor delays**: Difficulty with tasks like holding a pencil, using scissors, fastening buttons, or manipulating small objects. OTs build hand strength and dexterity through play-based activities.

**Handwriting difficulties**: OTs assess posture, pencil grip, letter formation, and speed. They provide strategies and exercises to improve writing legibility and stamina.

**Coordination and gross motor challenges**: Clumsiness, difficulty with ball skills, climbing, or running. OTs use movement activities to improve body awareness and motor planning.

**Executive function difficulties**: Problems with planning, organisation, time management, and task initiation. OTs teach strategies and create systems to support independence.

**Accessing support**: If you're concerned about your child's development, start with your GP or paediatrician, who can refer you to an OT. Many families access OT through the NDIS (if eligible), Medicare via a GP referral (typically 10 sessions per calendar year), or private providers. NDIS participants aged 0–6 years can access up to $3,000 annually for therapy; school-aged children's allocations vary by plan. For diagnosis-related questions (autism, ADHD), consult your GP, paediatrician, or psychologist—OTs support diagnosed conditions but don't diagnose.

Occupational therapists in Australia are registered with AHPRA and hold tertiary qualifications. Sessions are individualised based on your child's needs, goals, and family circumstances.