Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy Session

What do Paediatric occupational therapists do?

At Leaps and Bounds OT our Paediatric Occupational Therapists (OTs) help your child participate in everyday things that matter most at home, at school, and in the community, despite any physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional or developmental challenges.That might mean learning to get dressed, playing with friends, using a pencil, managing emotions, or staying focused in class.

Our role is to support your child’s development, confidence, and independence through fun, engaging, evidence-based activities. While also providing practical strategies that fit your family’s routines.

How we help

Every child is unique, so we start by getting to know your child, their strengths, areas of development, and the things that are most important to your family. From there, we set meaningful goals together and work toward them step by step.

Some of the areas we often support include:

  • Fine motor skills – handwriting, cutting, using buttons or utensils
  • Gross motor skills – balance, coordination, strength, and body awareness
  • Self-care skills – dressing, feeding, toileting, grooming, and sleep routines
  • Sensory processing and regulation – helping children manage how they respond to sights, sounds, touch, and movement
  • Emotional regulation and behaviour – managing frustration, following routines, and coping with change
  • Social and play skills – taking turns, sharing, playing imaginatively, and joining in with others
  • Attention and thinking skills – focus, planning, and organisation

What sessions look like

Therapy is play-based, fun, and meaningful. We use movement and hands-on activities that build real-life skills while keeping your child engaged and motivated.

We also work closely with parents, teachers, caregivers, allied health, and medical teams, sharing strategies and recommendations to support your child’s growth, learning, and development in everyday life.

Is occupational therapy covered by NDIS?

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS):

The NDIS was established to allow children and teenagers with developmental or participation difficulties access services such as occupational therapy. Children with any developmental difficulty or formal diagnosis are able to apply for NDIS funded support. To find out if your child is eligible to receive occupational therapy with Leaps & Bounds OT under the NDIS, please contact 1800 800 110 or visit www.ndis.gov.au.

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy? (Taken From our website)

Have a look at the checklist’s below relevant to your child’s age. If your child has difficultly with more than one or two of these skills, it is likely they would benefit from an Occupational Therapy assessment. If you do have any further questions please contact us on 02 87508061 or at admin@leapsandboundsot.com.au to discuss your child’s needs with one of our experienced therapists.

What progress can I expect to see?

Every child is unique, so the pace and nature of progress in occupational therapy can vary based on your child’s needs. However, with consistent therapy and participation in tailored at home programs, many families notice positive changes in specific areas over time.

Early Sessions: Building Trust and Understanding

In the beginning, our focus is on establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with your child. This helps them feel comfortable and engaged, setting the foundation for meaningful connections and progress. During this time, we also gather information to understand their strengths and areas of development.

Importance of Regular Sessions

Regular occupational therapy sessions are most effective in supporting your child’s developmental progress. Consistent, ongoing sessions help reinforce skills, promote generalisation of learning to everyday activities, and allow therapists to monitor and adjust therapy according to the child’s needs.

The Role of Home Practice

Therapy doesn’t end when the session is over. The strategies and activities introduced during sessions are most effective when practiced consistently at home. Families play a crucial role in reinforcing these skills, and therapists provide guidance to ensure that home practice is supportive and manageable.

Regular Check-Ins and Adjustments

We regularly review your child’s progress and adjust goals as needed to ensure therapy remains relevant and effective. This collaborative approach helps us celebrate successes and address any ongoing challenges.