What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy aims to help children build the skills they need to do the everyday things that matter, from getting dressed and using cutlery to concentrating in class, making friends, and joining in at playtime.
Our paediatric occupational therapists at Chatterbox guide children through each stage of development. This means supporting toddlers as they discover movement and play, preschoolers as they transition to kindy, and school-aged children as they strengthen handwriting, concentration, emotional control, and social skills.
We have skilled OTs who assist children with:
- 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.
From sitting still and handling writing or coordination, to coping with textures and clothing, or keeping up with everyday routines, our team is here to support your child.
Why Might My Child Need Occupational Therapy?
Did you know that children have occupations, just like adults? A child’s ‘work’ is to grow, learn, play, and interact with the world around them, but sometimes, that work is harder than it 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 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
Beginning occupational therapy can seem overwhelming, particularly if you’re unsure about what lies ahead. This is how we make the process welcoming and family-centred right from the start:
1. Initial Assessment
We begin with a warm, play-based assessment to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and how they participate in daily life. This helps us figure out where support may be needed and what kind of approach may suit your child best.
2. Setting Individual Goals
Once we understand how your child is tracking, we set goals together. We’ll work with you to figure out what matters most, from handling transitions to managing buttons, building play skills, and staying focused in the classroom. Then we break bigger goals into smaller, achievable steps to build momentum along the way.
In setting goals, we consider your child’s age, level of development, and daily needs to ensure the plan is practical, purposeful, and suited to their learning style.
3. Engaging, Evidence-Based Therapy
Here at Chatterbox, therapy sessions are designed to be:
- Adapted to your child’s individual needs, preferences, and approach to learning
- Based on proven, evidence-informed strategies and the latest research
- Designed to build on strengths while targeting areas of difficulty
- Aimed at strengthening confidence, independence, and engagement
Depending on your child’s needs, therapy could include obstacle courses, drawing or handwriting practice, sensory play, mindfulness, role play, or practising life skills. The focus is on helping them learn, grow, and participate in a way that feels safe and fun. Every activity is neurodiversity-affirming, supportive, and engaging.
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.
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.
- We set family-centred goals and tailor therapy plans to your child
- Our sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and connected to everyday life
- Multiple areas of your child’s development are supported with us, all in one place
- Our occupational therapy services are available both in person and online
- We’re a team of experienced therapists who genuinely care
All of this is included in what we provide, but do you know the most important reason?
The reason families trust Chatterbox is simple: they know their child is in safe hands with therapists who don’t just offer therapy, but truly care.
What’s the Next Step?
Frequently Asked Questions
How are therapy goals set?
By working with you, we set goals that reflect what really matters for your child’s wellbeing, independence, and everyday activities. Larger goals are broken down into achievable steps, supporting confidence and ongoing success.
Your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique needs are always taken into account so therapy is practical, purposeful, and suited to their learning style.
How often will my child attend therapy?
Your clinician will recommend a schedule based on current research and what’s most effective for your child’s needs. For most goals, regular and consistent therapy leads to stronger results.
At Chatterbox, we offer 60 or 90 minute sessions. We offer weekly therapy sessions in line with the research, with options for additional weekly sessions and intensives (a great option during school holidays or to target 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.
There may not be a “quick fix,” but the focus is on progress – developing skills gradually to support lasting success.
Who will my child see for therapy?
Our therapists are all experienced, fully qualified, and members of Occupational Therapy Australia. Their passion is helping children grow and thrive with practical, family-centred care backed by research.
Each week, your child works with the same therapist, who takes the time to build trust and understand their individual learning style.
Life, of course, doesn’t always run to plan, and that’s where being part of a connected team may make a difference. If your clinician is away, you need to move an appointment, or you’d like to add an extra session, we’ve got your back. We offer families the option to see another trusted team member when needed.
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 Occupational Therapy both in-clinic appointments and online through Telehealth Occupational Therapy. Online therapy is especially helpful for busy parents, children who are most at ease at home, or families living further away in rural or remote areas.
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?
The good news is there’s no waitlist at the moment, meaning your child can start without unnecessary delays. We know early access matters, so we prioritise making therapy available as smoothly and promptly as we can.
Where are you located?
Our primary clinics in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith are designed for ease of access, with friendly administration staff on hand to support you and your family. All locations offer free parking, providing you with a stress-free transition into assessments or therapy sessions.
While our occupational therapists in Oran Park primarily support people from surrounding suburbs including Oran Park, Gledswood Hills, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Mount Annan, Currans Hill, Campbelltown, and Leppington, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.