An Occupational Therapist sounds like someone who helps with your job...?
Well this is quite true… Children have very important jobs! Their roles involve playing, making friends, developing independence skills, going to school, and learning hobbies/ leisure skills. Most importantly, they need to develop a strong sense of their own identity and learning style, to lay the groundwork for all future development.
Occupational Therapy helps children and young people who might be learning skills in a different way to their peers. We work closely with parents and teachers to ensure therapy strategies are carried out in all settings, optimising the chances of success for the child.
As O.T’s are concerned with every day living skills, we work with children of all neurotypes, ages and abilities. This includes Neurotypical and Neurodivergent children identified with:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Developmental Coordination Disorder (previously known as Dyspraxia)
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Specific Learning Disabilities
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Cerebral Palsy
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Acquired Brain Injuries
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Generalised anxiety
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Down syndrome and other genetic/developmental disabilities
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Global developmental delay
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Intellectual Disabilities
At Leapfrog Therapy, we celebrate the incredible diversity in how our brains work. Every child experiences the world in their own unique way, and our role is to help them understand themselves, build on their strengths, and develop the skills they need to thrive.
We help children better understand their bodies, sensory needs and unique ways of thinking so they can feel more confident, regulated and ready to learn. Just as importantly, we work with parents, carers and teachers to build a shared understanding of the child's needs and provide practical strategies to create supportive environments at home and school. Together, we help every child have the opportunity to participate, learn and succeed.
What do O.T's help with?
Classroom Skills
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Fine motor skills (including pre-writing, handwriting, scissor skills, manipulative skills)
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Executive Functions (including planning and organising)
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Attention/ Concentration (staying on task)
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Participating in routines
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Problem solving skills
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Sensory Processing
Self Care/ Home living Skills
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Independence with routines at home including dressing, feeding, toileting and hygiene
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Practical home skills including simple meal preparation
Recreation and Community skills
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Gross motor skills including accessing the playground
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Participation in sports/ team sports
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Specific skills involving eye-hand coordination and balance
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Learning to safely and confidently access public transport and other community activities
Play and Social Navigation
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Emotional regulation
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Connecting and making meaningful friendships
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Perspective taking and problem solving tricky situations
Self regulation skills
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Learning how to power up and power down your body to meet the regulation needs of the
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Learn more about how you experience the world, including the sensory preferences and supports that help everyday life feel easier.