Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on enhancing individuals' ability to participate in meaningful daily activities that they need and want to do across the school, home and community environments. For children and adolescents, occupations may include self-care tasks (e.g. brushing teeth, getting dressed, toileting), handwriting, riding a bike, making friends and play.

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To support engagement and participation in their chosen occupations, occupational therapists may also develop skills fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing and regulation. OT's also explore how the task or environment can be modified to support participation.

Research consistently emphasises the critical importance of early intervention for children, especially in the context of Occupational Therapy. During the early years of life, the brain undergoes rapid growth and development. OT interventions during early childhood capitalise on this period of neuroplasticity. By addressing challenges and promoting skill acquisition during this critical window, OT can significantly impact a child's long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Signs your child might benefit OT:

• Self care tasks e.g toileting, dressing and bathing

• Handwriting

• Social participation e.g. making friends

• Play skills e.g. pretend play

• Fine motor skills e.g. holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, opening packets

• Gross motor skills e.g. jumping, climbing and playing sports

• Body awareness and postural control

• Initiating and completing tasks e.g. sustained attention and following instructions

• Sensory processing

• Social emotional/regulation skills e.g. managing their emotions, interacting with others

• Planning and organising tasks e.g. completing puzzles

Our occupational therapists are trained to assess and address these areas to help children develop the skills they need to thrive. Whether your child has a specific diagnosis or is simply finding some areas difficult, occupational therapy can provide them with the support and tools they need to succeed.

Giggles & Grow specialise in providing tailored support for children aged 2-17, including those with diagnosis of:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Global developmental delay

• ADHD

• ADD

• Sensory Processing Disorder

• Anxiety

• Specific Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia

Giggle & Grow is committed to understand and celebrate the unique strengths and challenges of each child. We approach therapy with a neurodiverse affirming lens and a task-based mindset.

Telehealth occupational therapy is a service provided by Giggle & Grow that allows individuals to receive occupational therapy services remotely, using technology such as; Google Meets.

Benefits include:

Convenience and accessibility: Telehealth eliminates the need for travel, allowing therapy sessions to take place in the comfort of the child's home. This convenience is especially valuable for families with busy schedules or limited transportation options.

Flexibility: Telehealth offers greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, making it easier to fit therapy sessions into the family's routine. This flexibility can be particularly helpful for families juggling multiple commitments or facing unpredictable circumstances.

Continuity of Care: Telehealth allows for consistent therapy delivery, even in situations where in-person sessions may not be feasible due to illness, travel, or other disruptions. This continuity of care helps maintain progress and momentum in achieving therapy goals.

Improved outcomes: Research has shown that telehealth interventions lead to significant improvements in areas such as; handwriting.

You don’t need a referral to access Occupational Therapy.

To make an enquiry, simply contact Giggle & Grow via email.