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 qualified OTs aim to help 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.
Whether your child finds it tricky to sit still, struggles with writing or coordination, avoids certain textures or clothes, or just needs a little extra help keeping up with everyday routines, we’re here for them.
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.
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
Starting OT can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not quite sure what to expect. Here’s how we keep it supportive and family-friendly from the very beginning:
1. Initial Assessment
We begin by using a relaxed, play-centred assessment to explore your child’s skills, challenges, and involvement in day-to-day life. This allows us to see where support may be needed and design an approach that suits them 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.
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
Here at Chatterbox, therapy sessions are designed to be:
- Personalised to suit your child’s specific needs, interests, and way of learning
- Rooted in best-practice methods and up-to-date research
- Designed to build on strengths while targeting areas of difficulty
- Focused on supporting confidence, independence, and participation
Therapy might include obstacle courses, drawing or handwriting practice, sensory play, mindfulness, role play, or daily living tasks. Whatever helps your child learn, grow, and engage in a way that feels safe and enjoyable. Everything we do is neurodiversity-affirming, practical, and fun.
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
We use a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.
- We set family-centred goals and tailor therapy plans to 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
- We offer both face-to-face and online occupational therapy options
- We have a group of experienced therapists dedicated to caring for children and families
We offer all this, yet the greatest reason goes beyond. Want to hear it?
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 create goals in partnership with you, focusing on what’s most important for your child’s wellbeing, independence, and daily life. Then we turn big goals into smaller, realistic steps that aim to build confidence and help your child succeed.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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 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.
Because we work closely together, your child’s goals and progress won’t get lost in the handover. And sometimes, seeing a different clinician may even support flexibility and confidence, helping your child generalise skills with different people, just like they do in everyday 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?
Families can access OT funding in different ways, including through NDIS, Medicare, and private health rebates. More details on funding options here.
Is there a waiting list?
Right now, we don’t have a waiting list, so your child can get started immediately. Because timely access is so important, we’ve focused on keeping the process simple and quick for families.
Where are you located?
With our primary clinics based in easily reachable locations across Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith, you’ll find a friendly administration team on-site to help guide you and your family. Enjoy the convenience of free on-site parking at all clinics, making your visit for assessments or therapy as simple and stress-free as possible.
While our occupational therapists in Parramatta primarily help people from surrounding suburbs including Parramatta, Rosehill, Westmead, Harris Park, Rydalmere, Merrylands, Granville, Auburn, Newington, Wentworthville, Northmead, Oatlands, Lidcombe, and Guildford, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.