Occupational Therapy

What is Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Paediatric occupational therapy helps children gain the skills they need to participate in everyday life—from getting dressed and using scissors to playing with friends or managing big emotions. At Access to Therapy, our occupational therapists support children to build independence, confidence, and resilience.

We work with children who need help with motor skills, sensory regulation, attention, emotional development, self-care, and more. Our support is always strengths-based and play-focused.

Where We See Children

We provide flexible OT services across the Ipswich region. Assessments are often completed at our welcoming clinic space at YMCA Springfield Central, designed to support high-quality, play-based evaluation.

Ongoing therapy may occur in a variety of settings:

  • At home

  • In kindy, preschool, or school settings

  • Online (telehealth)

  • In the community

  • Or at our Springfield Central clinic when appropriate

 

What We Support

Our occupational therapists help children with:

  • Fine motor skills (e.g. pencil grip, cutting, hand strength, writing)

  • Gross motor skills (e.g. balance, coordination, core strength)

  • Sensory processing differences (e.g. sensitivity to noise, movement, touch, or emotional regulation)

  • Emotional and behavioural regulation (e.g. meltdowns, difficulty calming down, transitions)

  • Self-care and independence (e.g. dressing, toileting, feeding)

  • Play and social engagement

  • Participation at kindy or school

We tailor every program to your child’s interests, goals, and developmental needs.

What to Expect

Here’s how we support your child and family:

  1. Assessment
    A child-led, play-based assessment—usually conducted at our YMCA Springfield Central clinic—to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals.

  2. Individualised Therapy Plan
    A tailored therapy plan designed to support everyday participation and development.

  3. Collaborative Support
    We work with parents, educators, and other professionals to ensure consistent strategies across home and educational environments.

  4. Flexible Service Delivery
    We provide therapy where it matters most—whether that’s home, kindy, school, or online.

Who Provides the Service?

Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide the right level of support at the right time. Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may be led directly by an occupational therapist or supported by our assistants or early childhood intervention teachers.

Why Choose Access to Therapy?

  • Experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapists who understand the early years

  • Mobile and flexible therapy options across Ipswich

  • Shorter wait times than many traditional services

  • Assessment clinic at YMCA Springfield Central

  • Genuine collaboration with educators, families, and healthcare providers

  • Evidence-based, family-centred practice that focuses on real-world outcomes

Join our waitlist

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or would like support from our occupational therapy team, we invite you to join our waitlist. Early intervention can make a big difference—and our team is ready to help. Please note we have a large volume of referrals for Occupational Therapy, we encourage you to join the wait list, but also enquire across multiple services as well to ensure your child can get support.