01 MAY 2025
When we think about childhood development, we often picture milestones like crawling, playing, writing, or getting dressed. But for some young people, these everyday tasks aren’t so simple.
That’s where a occupational therapist (OT) comes in. These specialists help our young people build the skills they need to participate in daily life as independently and confidently as possible.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Despite the name, "occupational" therapy for young people isn’t about jobs, it’s about the job of being a child. Our OTs support young people who have difficulties with movement, coordination, attention, behaviour, sensory processing, or self-care. Their goal is to help our young people do the things they need and want to do every day.
Key Areas of Support
An OT might work with a child on:
- Fine motor skills – such as holding a pencil, using scissors, buttoning clothes, or using cutlery
- Gross motor skills – like balance, coordination, or strength needed for playground activities or sports
- Sensory processing – helping children who are overly sensitive or under-responsive to sounds, textures, lights, or movement
- Self-care skills – including dressing, toileting, feeding, and hygiene routines
- Attention and regulation – supporting focus, emotional control, and calming strategies for children who struggle in busy or demanding environments
Collaboration is Key
Our OTs work closely with families, teachers, and other professionals, like speech and language therapists, to support the child across all environments. They often provide strategies and adaptations that can be used at school and at home to make tasks more accessible.
Building Confidence and Independence
At its core, occupational therapy is about empowering young people to participate fully in life. Whether it's helping a child grip a pencil with ease, manage transitions without meltdowns, or simply enjoy getting dressed without frustration, these “small” wins can make a world of difference.
Our OTs at Witherslack Group don’t just help children develop skills, they help them believe in themselves as capable, confident individuals ready to take on the world, one step at a time.
If you're interested in joining our care team, explore what life is like below.