保護者の方へ
Plain-English guides on what children's occupational therapy is, signs to look out for at different ages, what the research says works, and simple play ideas you can try at home this week.
Occupational therapy helps children do the everyday "jobs" of childhood: playing, learning, looking after themselves and joining in with friends.
Rather than only working on a skill in isolation, OT looks at the whole picture: your child, the task they find hard, and the place they do it, whether that's the kitchen table, the classroom or the playground. Sessions look like play, but every activity has a clear goal behind it.
Children with or without a diagnosis. OT often supports children who:
年齢別のサイン
Every child develops at their own pace. One sign on its own is rarely a worry. If you notice several, or they're affecting daily life or confidence, a chat can help.
For babies and toddlers, always mention any concerns about milestones to your health visitor or GP too.
研究に基づくアプローチ
I choose approaches that are backed by research, and I'll always be honest with you about how strong the evidence is. Here's a summary in plain English, with links to the studies.
Strong evidence
Therapy that focuses on the actual everyday tasks your child wants to do, such as writing, dressing or riding a bike, with clear goals, has the strongest support. A large review of children's OT rated goal-directed training, the CO-OP approach and task-specific practice as "do it".
Novak & Honan, 2019 · Blank et al., 2019
Strong evidence
Coaching parents, family-centred care and home programmes are all rated as effective. That's why I spend time showing you simple activities that fit into your normal routine, so progress continues between sessions.
Novak & Honan, 2019
Strong evidence
Handwriting improves most when children actually practise writing with guidance, rather than through hand exercises alone. Research suggests programmes work best when they run for around 20 sessions or more, so expect steady progress, not a quick fix.
Hoy, Egan & Feder, 2011 · Novak & Honan, 2019
Good to know
A study of Year 5 children found that four common pencil grips gave the same speed and neatness, even after 10 minutes of writing. So if your child's grip is comfortable and their writing is clear, it may not need changing. I focus on comfort, control and stamina.
Schwellnus et al., 2012
Depends on the child
For autistic children aged 4 to 12, Ayres Sensory Integration delivered by specially trained therapists meets the criteria for an evidence-based practice. For children with coordination difficulties (DCD), guidelines recommend practising real tasks instead. I'll explain which approach fits your child and why.
Schoen et al., 2019 · Blank et al., 2019
Limited research
Pushing, pulling and carrying activities are widely used, and many families find they help their child feel settled. There isn't much research yet, so I suggest trying them and watching what works for your child, rather than relying on them alone.
Clinical experience
おうちでできる遊び
Five to ten minutes a day is plenty. Keep it fun, stop before your child gets tired, and praise effort, not just results.
HAND STRENGTH · AGES 3+Hide beads or coins in playdough for your child to dig out with their fingers.
Why it helps: builds the small hand muscles used for pencils and scissors.
COORDINATION · AGES 3+Crawl under, climb over, balance along. Let your child design the next route.
Why it helps: practises balance, body awareness and planning movements.
FINE MOTOR · AGES 3+Thread penne onto a shoelace to make a necklace. Count or sort colours as you go.
Why it helps: trains both hands to work together.
PRE-WRITING · AGES 4+Tape paper to a wall or use an easel, and draw big circles, lines and crosses.
Why it helps: naturally puts the wrist in a good writing position.
SELF-CARE · AGES 4+When teaching a task like putting on socks, do most of it for them and let them finish the last step. Then hand over one more step each week.
Why it helps: your child always finishes with success.
CALMING · ALL AGESCarrying shopping, pushing a laundry basket or wall push-ups before homework.
Why it helps: some children find it settling. Try it and see.
よくある質問
No. You can book private OT directly. If you are also on an NHS waiting list, private sessions can run alongside it, and I'm happy to share reports with your NHS team.
No. OT focuses on what your child finds hard day to day, with or without a diagnosis. If I think another professional could help, I'll tell you and explain why.
It depends on your child's goals. After the assessment I'll suggest a plan, often a block of 6 sessions, then review progress together before deciding next steps.
Yes. With your consent I can share reports and practical ideas with teachers and the school SENCo.
The first consultation is free. A home assessment with a written report is £350, and therapy sessions are £75 per hour, or £420 for a block of 6.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child's health or development, please speak to your GP or health visitor.