What is Occupational Therapy?
Through occupational therapy, children may strengthen the abilities they need for daily life, such as getting dressed, handling cutlery, focusing at school, socialising with peers, and taking part in play.
At Chatterbox, our paediatric occupational therapists help children at every stage of their growth. This means toddlers exploring movement and play, preschoolers getting ready for kindy, and school-aged children building skills in handwriting, focus, emotional regulation, and friendships.
Our experienced occupational therapists support 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?
Just like adults, children have occupations of their own. Their main ‘work’ is to learn, grow, play, and engage with their surroundings, yet sometimes that work doesn’t come easily.
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 natural to think your child might outgrow these difficulties, yet in most cases, they don’t disappear on their own. The issue isn’t a lack of effort, but rather missing the core skills needed to succeed in everyday tasks. Left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to frustration and greater struggles over time. As children get older, demands increase academically, socially, and at home. That’s why getting help early may make such a difference. Strong foundations built now give your child the best chance at success and reduce future obstacles. The best part? Occupational therapy may be able to help.
How Occupational Therapy Works at Chatterbox
Taking the first step into OT may feel daunting, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Here’s how we ensure it feels supportive and comfortable for your whole family from day one:
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.
When setting goals, we take into account your child’s age, developmental stage, and everyday needs so that the plan is realistic, meaningful, and tailored to how your child learns best.
3. Engaging, Evidence-Based Therapy
Our therapy sessions at Chatterbox are:
- Tailored to your child’s unique needs, preferences, and learning style
- Grounded in evidence-based strategies and current research
- Designed to build on strengths while targeting 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 are key to your child’s development, so we make it a priority to support you along the journey. Beyond giving strategies, we coach you on putting them into practice in daily life, whether at home, in routines, or during tricky times.
Our focus isn’t only on children: We support the whole family. When you feel supported, your child benefits as well.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
Your child’s progress is reviewed every session, helping us adjust goals, activities, and strategies as needed. This keeps therapy appropriate and realistic for your child and your family.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming and focused on building strengths.
- Therapy is shaped around family-centred goals and individually tailored to your child
- Our sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and connected to everyday life
- Our team helps children grow across different areas of development under one roof
- We provide occupational therapy through face-to-face sessions as well as virtual options
- We have a group of experienced therapists dedicated to caring for children and families
These things matter, but would you like to know the biggest reason of all?
Parents choose Chatterbox because they want assurance their child is cared for by therapists who go beyond sessions and genuinely care.
What’s the Next Step?
Frequently Asked Questions
How are therapy goals set?
Together with you, we establish goals that prioritise your child’s wellbeing, independence, and life skills. We then divide big goals into smaller, practical steps, helping your child grow in confidence and celebrate progress along the way.
We take into account your child’s age, growth stage, and personal needs to design therapy that is realistic, valuable, and customised to how they learn best.
How often will my child attend therapy?
Based on the latest research and your child’s needs, your therapist will recommend a suitable schedule. For most children, regular and consistent sessions achieve the greatest results.
At Chatterbox, sessions run for either 60 or 90 minutes. We provide weekly therapy in keeping with the research, with the flexibility to add extra sessions or intensives – ideal for school holidays or focusing on a specific skill.
How long will my child need OT?
How long this takes depends on several things – your child’s age, their needs, their goals, and how they engage with therapy. Your OT will outline this more clearly after the assessment and first sessions.
We don’t promise a “quick fix,” but we do focus on progress – helping children build skills steadily for enduring success.
Who will my child see for therapy?
All our therapists are qualified, experienced, and registered with Occupational Therapy Australia. They’re passionate about helping children thrive through evidence-based, family-friendly care.
Each week, your child works with the same therapist, who takes the time to build trust and understand their individual learning style.
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.
Since our team collaborates closely, your child’s goals and progress are always carried through. At times, working with another clinician may build flexibility and confidence, helping your child practise skills with different people, as they would in daily life.
Do you offer online OT?
Absolutely! Families can choose between in-clinic appointments and Telehealth Occupational Therapy. Online sessions are ideal for busy families, kids who feel secure at home, or families located in rural or remote regions.
What funding options are available?
You may be able to fund OT via NDIS, Medicare, or private health rebates. Click to explore 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 main clinics are strategically located in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith, each with an approachable admin team available to assist you and your family every step of the way. Free parking is offered at every location, making your experience for assessments or therapy smooth and convenient.
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.