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?
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
Getting started with OT can feel like a big leap, but we make it easier. From the very beginning, we focus on keeping the experience positive, supportive, and family-friendly:
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.
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
At Chatterbox, our therapy sessions are:
- Customised for your child’s unique requirements, likes, and learning style
- 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
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 work alongside children and their families, because supporting you means supporting your child.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
We track your child’s progress in every session, which allows us to adjust goals, activities, and strategies to match their needs at the moment. This ensures therapy stays relevant and achievable for both your child and your family.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
We take a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approach.
- We set family-centred goals and tailor therapy plans to your child
- Sessions are kept fun, engaging, and closely linked to daily life
- Multiple areas of your child’s development are supported with us, all in one place
- We offer both face-to-face and online occupational therapy options
- A team of caring, knowledgeable therapists with real experience supports your child
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?
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.
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?
Your therapist will suggest a schedule guided by up-to-date research and your child’s individual needs. In most cases, steady and consistent therapy brings the best outcomes.
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?
This depends on many factors including your child’s age, needs, goals, and how they respond to therapy. Your OT will give you a clearer picture after the initial assessment and first few sessions.
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?
Each of our therapists is registered with Occupational Therapy Australia, bringing qualifications, experience, and a passion for supporting children through evidence-based, family-focused therapy.
Your child meets with the same therapist every week, allowing a consistent, trusting relationship to form and helping the therapist learn how your child learns best.
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.
Because of our strong teamwork, your child’s goals and progress are never lost in transition. In fact, meeting with another clinician at times may boost flexibility and confidence, helping your child use their skills with different people, just as they do every day.
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 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 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.