FAQ

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that supports people of all ages and abilities to do everyday activities (“occupations”) that matter most to them. These activities can include looking after yourself, learning, working, playing, connecting with others, and participating in your community.

Neuroaffirming OT recognises that neurodivergence (including but not limited to - Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or sensory differences) is a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Instead of focusing on “fixing” people, OTs work alongside you to celebrate strengths, respect differences, and reduce barriers that get in the way of participation.

This might look like:

• Supporting children to access play, learning, and develop daily living skills in ways that fit their unique sensory and learning needs.

• Helping adults to navigate work, study, relationships, or self-care in ways that honour their needs and preferences.

• Recommending adjustments to environments and systems so they are more inclusive, rather than expecting individuals to change or mask who they are.

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In short: OT helps people to do the things they need and want to do, in the ways that work best for them.

Emma OT can support your child to -

Understand their senses

• Notice body sensation/signals and understand what they mean

• Feel calm when things are too noisy, bright, or busy

• Find ways to feel “just right” with things they see, hear, or touch

• Use strategies to feel calm or focused depending on the situation

• Use tools like fidget toys or blankets that help them feel better

• Make places quieter or less busy so they feel comfortable

Develop their fine motor skills

• Write neatly and clearly

• Use both hands together

• Build strength and skill in their hands and fingers

• Cut with scissors or use forks and pencils more easily

• Type on a keyboard or use a tablet

• Do up buttons, zippers, and brush their hair more easily

Develop their gross motor skills

• Improve posture, balance and coordination

• Learn new movements step by step

• Get stronger and more confident moving around

• Walk or run smoothly

• Stay safe when playing sports or games

Get Organised

• Keep track of things like school supplies or clothes

• Keep their bedroom tidy so they can find what they need

• Start and finish tasks on time

• Break big jobs into smaller steps so they don’t feel overwhelming

• Remember important things to do

• Solve problems or change plans when needed

• Check how they’re doing and stay on track

Find Their People

• Build friendships that feel safe and meaningful

• Notice and understand different ways people express themselves

• Join group activities that match their interests and where they feel accepted

Take Care of Themselves

• Take care of daily needs like getting dressed, washing, and brushing teeth

• Cook or prepare simple snacks

• Use money and shop for things they need

• Follow a healthy sleep routine

• Stay safe at home and in the community

• Build and maintain healthy digital habits

Learn and Focus at School

• Find what helps them focus (especially for the boring stuff!)

• Set up their desk or recommend adjustments to the classroom to make learning easier

• Break schoolwork into smaller, manageable parts

• Use digital assistive technology to support learning

• Take breaks when their brain needs it

Manage Big Feelings and Stress

• Communicate their emotions to others

• Use strategies to feel more comfortable in their body

• Build confidence to try new things

• Get ready for changes in their day or routine

Emma OT can help you to -

Find your people

• Build relationships that feel safe, authentic, and meaningful

• Use strategies to feel comfortable and confident in social settings

• Find groups and communities that align with your interests and values

Take care of yourself

• Develop routines for daily living that work best for you (e.g., getting out of the house, cooking, hygiene)

• Learn practical skills like cooking, meal prep, cleaning

• Build and maintain healthy sleep routines

• Limit doom scrolling and reconnect with/explore hobbies

• Stay safe at home, online, and in the community

• Understand your needs and how to meet or advocate for these

Get (and stay) organised

• Make it out the door on time without screaming because you can't find your keys

• Remember to take your medications as prescribed

• Discover strategies that help you focus on boring tasks or reduce task avoidance

• Adapt your workspace or environment for comfort and productivity

• Learn how to break big tasks into manageable steps (and actually complete them!)

• Use technology to support learning, study, or work tasks

Manage Stress

• Understand your sensory experience and how to support this at home and out in the world

• Notice, understand, express and soothe your emotions in ways that feel authentic

• Discover and use strategies to feel regulated and more comfortable in your body

• Build confidence to try new or challenging situations

• Prepare for and adapt to changes in routines or plans