What is Occupational Therapy?
With occupational therapy, children learn and practise the skills that help them in daily life, from dressing and eating to concentrating in lessons, forming friendships, and playing with others.
Chatterbox’s paediatric occupational therapists provide support for children of all ages, whether it’s toddlers developing physical and play skills, preschoolers preparing for kindy routines, or school-aged kids working on handwriting, focus, emotional wellbeing, and social participation.
Our team of qualified OTs provides help for children in:
- Gross Motor Development
- Fine Motor Development
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory processing
- Self-Care Skills
- Social Skills
You can learn more about the conditions we work with here.
If your child has difficulty sitting still, managing handwriting or coordination, is sensitive to certain textures or clothing, or simply needs support with daily routines, we’re ready to assist.
Why Might My Child Need Occupational Therapy?
Children also have occupations, similar to adults. Their daily ‘work’ involves growing, learning, playing, and interacting with others, but for some kids, these tasks can be tougher than they should be.
While many children thrive on practice, others need specific, guided support to build the skills underneath the activity. The focus isn’t on trying harder; it’s on finding an approach to learning that suits them.
It’s common to wonder if your child will simply catch up, but in most cases, these challenges don’t resolve on their own. That’s not because your child isn’t trying, it’s because they’re missing the building blocks needed to complete tasks successfully. The concern is that without this support, everyday tasks can become harder and more frustrating over time. As children grow, expectations increase at school, at home, and in social settings. That’s why early support matters. It helps lay strong foundations early, giving your child the best chance to thrive and reducing the risk of those challenges becoming a barrier later on. The good news? Occupational therapy may be able to help!
How Occupational Therapy Works at Chatterbox
Getting started with OT can feel like a big leap, but we make it easier. From the very beginning, we focus on keeping the experience positive, supportive, and family-friendly:
1. Initial Assessment
Our process starts with a friendly, play-focused assessment that looks at your child’s abilities, difficulties, and how they engage in everyday activities. From this, we aim to identify the right areas for support and tailor an approach to fit your child.
2. Setting Individual Goals
When we have a clear picture of your child’s needs, we partner with you to decide on priorities, whether that’s handling transitions, managing buttons, building play skills, or concentrating in the classroom. We then divide the bigger goals into manageable steps to support their ongoing growth.
As we create goals, we look at your child’s age, developmental stage, and daily routines, making sure the plan is achievable, relevant, and aligned with the way they learn.
3. Engaging, Evidence-Based Therapy
Our therapy sessions at Chatterbox are:
- Tailored to your child’s unique needs, preferences, and learning style
- Based on proven, evidence-informed strategies and the latest research
- Structured to enhance abilities and support areas of difficulty
- Focused on supporting confidence, independence, and participation
Therapy activities can range from obstacle courses and handwriting practice to sensory play, mindfulness, role play, and practising daily routines. We use whatever best helps your child to learn, develop, and engage comfortably. All sessions are neurodiversity-affirming, meaningful, and enjoyable.
4. Family Support and Coaching
You play an important role in your child’s progress, so we make sure you feel supported every step of the way. We don’t just give you strategies, we coach you on how to use them in everyday life, whether it’s at home, during routines, or when things feel tricky.
We work alongside children and their families, because supporting you means supporting your child.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
We track your child’s progress in every session, which allows us to adjust goals, activities, and strategies to match their needs at the moment. This ensures therapy stays relevant and achievable for both your child and your family.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
We use a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.
- We create family-focused goals and adapt therapy plans for your child
- We make sessions fun, engaging, and grounded in real life
- Our team helps children grow across different areas of development under one roof
- Our occupational therapy services are available both in person and online
- We have a group of experienced therapists dedicated to caring for children and families
These are all part of what we offer, but want to know the biggest reason?
Families come to Chatterbox for peace of mind, knowing their child is supported by people who provide more than therapy: they truly care.
What’s the Next Step?
Frequently Asked Questions
How are therapy goals set?
We set goals by talking with you. Together, we’ll figure out what matters most for your child’s wellbeing, independence, and everyday life. From there, we break bigger goals into smaller, achievable steps so your child may build confidence and experience success along the way.
In planning therapy, we think about your child’s age, stage of development, and individual needs to ensure it’s achievable, relevant, and aligned with the way they learn.
How often will my child attend therapy?
Your therapist will suggest a schedule guided by up-to-date research and your child’s individual needs. In most cases, steady and consistent therapy brings the best outcomes.
Chatterbox offers both 60 and 90 minute sessions. Therapy is usually weekly, based on research, but families can also choose extra sessions or intensives – a great way to use school holidays or concentrate on a particular skill.
How long will my child need OT?
The answer varies depending on your child’s age, goals, needs, and their response to therapy. After the first assessment and a few sessions, your OT will provide more clarity.
Although no “quick fix” exists, our aim is progress – strengthening skills one step at a time for long-term outcomes.
Who will my child see for therapy?
Every therapist on our team is qualified, experienced, and registered with Occupational Therapy Australia. They care deeply about helping children succeed through supportive, evidence-based therapy.
Your child will see the same therapist each week, someone who builds a strong, trusting relationship with your child and gets to know how they learn best.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, which is why having a supportive team matters. If your clinician is unavailable, you need to reschedule, or you’d like an additional session, we’re here to help. Families can see another trusted therapist when required.
We work in close partnership, so your child’s goals and progress remain consistent across the team. Occasionally, seeing a different therapist may encourage flexibility and confidence, giving your child the chance to generalise skills with new people, just like in real life.
Do you offer online OT?
Yes! We offer both in-clinic appointments and Telehealth Occupational Therapy services to suit your family’s needs. Online therapy is a great option for busy families, kids who feel most comfortable at home, or families living in remote or rural areas.
What funding options are available?
Funding for OT can come from a range of sources, such as NDIS, Medicare, or private health insurance rebates. Find out more about your funding options here.
Is there a waiting list?
Good news, we currently have no waiting list, which means your child can get started without delay. We know that timely access makes a big difference, and we’ve made it a priority to keep access to therapy as smooth and timely as possible.
Where are you located?
Our clinics are located in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith with a welcoming admin team ready to assist you and your family through each step. Free parking is available at all locations, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for assessments or therapy sessions.
While our occupational therapists in Bella Vista primarily support people from surrounding suburbs including Bella Vista, Norwest, Kellyville, Stanhope Gardens, Glenwood, Rouse Hill, Baulkham Hills, Seven Hills, Castle Hill, and Kings Langley, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.