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.
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.
For some children, practice and encouragement aren’t enough: They need structured, individualised support to strengthen the underlying skills. It’s not about effort alone, but about discovering how they learn best.
Parents often wonder if their child will eventually catch up, but usually these issues persist without the right support. It’s not because children aren’t trying; it’s because the necessary building blocks for success are missing. Over time, this can make daily routines harder and more discouraging. As children mature, expectations grow in classrooms, at home, and among peers. That’s why early support is key. It creates solid foundations, helping children thrive and preventing barriers later in life. And the good news is occupational therapy may make a big difference!
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
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
Once we know how your child is going, we work together to create goals that matter most to your family. This could mean learning to manage buttons, improving play, navigating transitions, or staying attentive at school. We break these down into small, achievable steps that build momentum over time.
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
- Grounded in evidence-based strategies and current research
- Designed to build on strengths while targeting areas of difficulty
- Centred on building confidence, self-reliance, and involvement
Sessions may involve obstacle courses, handwriting or drawing practice, sensory activities, mindfulness, role play, or everyday tasks. We focus on whatever supports your child to learn, grow, and take part in ways that feel safe and positive. Our approach is always neurodiversity-affirming, practical, and fun.
4. Family Support and Coaching
Your role in your child’s progress is vital, which is why we ensure you feel supported throughout. Rather than only sharing strategies, we guide you in applying them in daily life at home, in routines, or when challenges arise.
We don’t just work with children, we commit to families. Because when you feel supported, your child does too.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
In each session, we monitor your child’s progress so we can adapt goals, activities, and strategies to suit their current needs. This way, therapy remains meaningful, practical, and within reach for both your child and your family.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
We take a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approach.
- Therapy is shaped around family-centred goals and individually tailored to your child
- We make sessions fun, engaging, and grounded in real life
- We provide support for various aspects of development in a single setting
- Occupational therapy can be accessed with us either face-to-face or online
- Our team is made up of skilled therapists who truly care
We offer all this, yet the greatest reason goes beyond. Want to hear it?
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.
We also consider your child’s age, stage, and individual needs to make sure therapy is realistic, meaningful, and tailored to how they learn best.
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.
Our sessions at Chatterbox are available in 60 or 90 minute formats. Therapy is offered weekly in line with evidence, with additional weekly sessions or intensives available, perfect for holidays or targeting certain skills.
How long will my child need OT?
It depends on factors such as your child’s age, goals, needs, and response to therapy. Following the initial assessment and early sessions, your OT will give you a better understanding.
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?
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.
Week after week, your child sees the same therapist, creating consistency, trust, and a deep understanding of their learning needs.
Life can be unpredictable, but being part of a strong team ensures support. If your clinician can’t attend, you need to change a booking or add another session, we’ve got you covered. Families have the option to see another trusted therapist whenever necessary.
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 provide both in-clinic appointments and Telehealth Occupational Therapy to match your family’s needs. Online therapy often works well for busy households, children who prefer home comfort, or those in rural and remote 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 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 Kingswood primarily support people from surrounding suburbs including Kingswood, Cambridge Park, Werrington, Claremont Meadows, Jordan Springs, St Marys, Colyton, and St Clair, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.