Occupational Therapy for Children:
Expert OT by Certified Occupational Therapists
Get in Touch With Us Now
Occupational therapy support focuses on helping a child expand emerging skills, master new skills, and recognise and utilise existing strengths. It helps a child to understand their body and its responses, and it empowers them by teaching strategies that support their individual differences.
An occupational therapist will advocate for a child in school by providing recommendations that enhance their participation and success in learning and play situations. For example, this may involve adapting a task or a physical space.
An OT also offers valuable support to parents by giving them insight into the underlying reasons why their child may be responding differently. They then work collaboratively on shared goals that address the child’s development and wellbeing.
In essence, OT is about providing practical, functional solutions that maximise potential and allow a person to participate fully in life.
We Help Children With
Self-care skills
Movement skills
Visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills
Executive function
Emotional and sensory regulation
Sensory Differences
Social and Behavioural Differences
Note: We do not require an official diagnosis.
What does Occupational Therapy support look like?
Our intervention begins with a comprehensive informal or formal assessment that involves gathering information from many sources. We may observe the child participating in activities at home, school, or at Kaleidoscope. Based on our assessment findings, support may include:
An individualised therapy program – this includes a plan of action with clearly stated goals.
Advice for accommodations in school and at home.
Strategies to help children cope with sensory differences.
Parent training and support relating to our areas of expertise.
Consultation and collaboration with school, as and when required.
Occupational Therapists
Kris Borja
- 17 Years Experience -
Adeline Liew
- 5 Years Experience -
Katherine Aw
- 8 Years Experience -
Jovinia Ong
- 1 Years Experience -
Shanice Tan
- 20 Years Experience -
Testimonials
Hear what our happy parents and children are saying about us.
Fees start at $190+ (per session)
To find out more about our therapy fees, click on the button to contact us, or to download our price chart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can occupational therapy help my child develop better gross motor skills?
Occupational therapy can significantly enhance your child’s gross motor skills, which include activities that use large muscle groups like walking, jumping, and throwing. Our therapists at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre use engaging and child-friendly techniques to improve coordination, balance, and strength. The progress in gross motor skills can lead to increased independence and better performance in sports and other physical activities.
What kinds of needs does occupational therapy address for kids?
Occupational therapy addresses a variety of needs for kids, ranging from fine and gross motor skills to sensory processing skills. Our therapists help children improve their ability to perform daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, and handwriting. For children with special needs, occupational therapy can also provide strategies for managing sensory issues or improving social and cognitive skills.
How does occupational therapy assist a child with sensory processing issues?
Children with sensory processing issues often struggle with interpreting sensory information like touch, movement, smell, and sight. Occupational therapy can help by providing structured, therapeutic activities that help children better process and respond to sensory information. These strategies can lead to improvements in behavior, focus, and overall functioning.
What can I expect from my child’s first occupational therapy session at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre?
The initial occupational therapy session typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to understand your child’s unique needs and challenges. The therapist will observe your child’s skills and behaviors and may engage your child in a variety of activities. The goal of this first session is to develop a personalised therapy plan that addresses your child’s specific needs.
How does occupational therapy support a child with Autism?
Occupational therapy can be highly beneficial for a child with Autism, as it focuses on improving everyday skills that enhance independence and social interaction. Therapists may work on social skills, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, as well as self-care tasks. The ultimate goal is to help children with Autism lead a more fulfilling, independent life.
How can parents support their child's progress in occupational therapy at home?
Parents play a critical role in their child’s occupational therapy. Therapists at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre provide parents with guidance and strategies to reinforce therapy goals at home. This might include specific exercises, modifications in the home environment, or strategies to support sensory needs. Engaging in these activities at home can greatly enhance your child’s progress in therapy.
How often should my child attend occupational therapy sessions?
How do occupational therapists at Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre approach challenges faced by autistic children?
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by addressing challenges related to sensory processing, motor skills, social interaction, and daily living activities. Here are some common approaches used by our therapists working with autistic children:
Sensory Integration Therapy:
Many children with autism experience sensory processing difficulties. Our therapists may use sensory integration therapy to help the child better process and respond to sensory stimuli. This could involve activities that stimulate or desensitize different senses.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development:
Our therapists work on developing both fine and gross motor skills to enhance a child’s coordination, balance, and strength. This can include activities such as playing with manipulative toys, engaging in sports, or practicing handwriting.
Social Skills Training:
Social skills are often a significant challenge for children with autism. Oor therapists may use structured activities and role-playing exercises to teach and practice social interactions, communication skills, and appropriate behaviors.
Visual Supports and Routine Development:
Establishing routines and using visual supports (such as schedules, charts, and visual cues) can be beneficial for children with autism. Our therapists work with families to create visual supports that help children understand and navigate daily activities.
Adaptive Strategies for Daily Living:
Our therapists assist in developing strategies to improve independence in daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, and eating. They may recommend adaptive tools or techniques to make these tasks more manageable for the child.
Collaboration with Families and Schools:
Our OTs often collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals involved in the child’s care and education. This collaboration helps ensure consistency in interventions and strategies across different environments.
It’s important to note that the specific interventions used can vary based on the unique needs and preferences of each child.
In what ways can OT sessions be tailored to the specific environment needs of children with autism?
Sessions for children with autism can be highly individualized, and tailoring interventions to the specific environment needs of each child is crucial. Here are some ways in which occupational therapy sessions can be customized:
Home Environment Assessment: Occupational therapists often conduct assessments of the child’s home environment. This involves evaluating the layout, sensory stimuli, and potential challenges within the home. Recommendations may be provided to create a supportive and sensory-friendly environment.
School Environment Collaboration: Collaboration with school personnel is essential. Occupational therapists may work closely with teachers and other school staff to understand the specific challenges the child faces in the classroom environment. They can then develop strategies to address these challenges and support the child’s participation and engagement.
Sensory Modifications: Given that sensory processing difficulties are common in autism, occupational therapists may recommend sensory modifications to different environments. This could involve suggesting changes in lighting, noise levels, or seating arrangements to create a more comfortable and supportive setting.
Routine and Schedule Implementation: Establishing routines and schedules is often beneficial for children with autism. Occupational therapists can work with families to develop and implement consistent routines at home, and they may collaborate with schools to ensure that the child’s schedule is structured in a way that supports their needs.
Social Skills in Natural Settings: Occupational therapy sessions can incorporate activities that mimic real-life social situations. This might involve practicing social skills in natural settings, such as a playdate at home or interactions in the community, to help the child generalize social skills to various environments.
Use of Visual Supports: Visual supports, such as schedules, cues, and charts, are commonly used in occupational therapy. These supports can be tailored to the specific environments where the child spends their time, providing visual cues for transitions, expectations, and activities.
Adaptive Equipment and Tools: Occupational therapists may recommend adaptive equipment or tools to enhance a child’s independence in various environments. This could include tools for self-care activities, seating modifications, or sensory tools to help the child regulate their sensory experiences.
Parent and Caregiver Training: Involving parents and caregivers in the therapy process is essential. Occupational therapists often provide training and education on how to implement strategies and interventions in the child’s natural environment, promoting consistency across settings.
Functional Goal Setting: Occupational therapy goals are typically tied to functional outcomes. Therapists work with families and individuals to identify specific challenges in daily life and set goals that are meaningful and relevant to the child’s environment.
By tailoring occupational therapy sessions to the specific environment needs of children with autism, therapists can maximize the effectiveness of interventions and promote generalization of skills across different settings. Regular communication and collaboration with parents, educators, and other relevant stakeholders play a key role in this process.
What challenges can children with autism expect to overcome with the help of occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in helping children with autism overcome a range of challenges. The specific challenges addressed can vary widely based on the individual needs of each child, but common areas of focus include:
Sensory Processing Difficulties: Many children with autism experience challenges in processing sensory information, such as sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or smell. Occupational therapists work on strategies to help regulate sensory input, making the child more comfortable in various environments.
Motor Skills Development: Both fine and gross motor skills may be delayed in children with autism. Occupational therapists help children improve their coordination, balance, and motor planning through activities that target specific motor skills, such as writing, dressing, and playing sports.
Social Skills and Interaction: Children with autism often face difficulties in social interactions, including challenges with communication, making friends, and understanding social cues. Occupational therapists use structured activities and interventions to teach and practice social skills in a supportive environment.
Daily Living Activities: Occupational therapists assist in developing independence in daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and feeding. They may recommend adaptive tools or techniques to make these tasks more manageable for the child.
Emotional Regulation: Emotional regulation can be a challenge for some children with autism. Occupational therapists work on strategies to help children identify and manage their emotions, promoting self-regulation and coping skills.
Executive Functioning Skills: Difficulties in executive functioning, including planning, organization, and time management, are common in individuals with autism. Occupational therapists work on developing these skills to enhance independence in daily tasks and academic activities.
Adaptive Strategies: Occupational therapists help children develop adaptive strategies to navigate various environments. This may include using visual supports, creating routines, and implementing tools or techniques to support the child in different settings.
Play and Leisure Skills: Play and leisure activities may present challenges for some children with autism. Occupational therapists work on developing play skills, fostering creativity, and promoting engagement in age-appropriate leisure activities.
Transition Planning: Changes in routine or transitions between activities can be challenging for children with autism. Occupational therapists work on developing strategies to ease transitions, providing predictability and reducing anxiety.
Self-Advocacy and Independence: As children with autism grow, occupational therapists support the development of self-advocacy skills and independence. This includes fostering communication skills to express needs and preferences.
It’s important to note that the goals and interventions are highly individualized based on the specific needs and strengths of each child. Collaborative efforts among parents, caregivers, educators, and occupational therapists are crucial for addressing these challenges and promoting the child’s overall well-being and development.
