Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Helping children of all abilities play, learn, and grow with confidence across Perth.
At Little Bodies Therapy, we provide experienced, neuroaffirming paediatric occupational therapy that supports children of all neurotypes, abilities, and developmental stages.
A child’s most important occupations are to play, learn, connect with others, and grow their independence in everyday activities. Our occupational therapists work alongside families to build on existing skills and strengths, encouraging meaningful participation in all aspects of life - at home, school, and in the community.
We support children aged 0–16 across the Perth metro area (with many families travelling from regional WA), and we’re always happy to collaborate with your local therapy team to ensure continuity of care.
How Occupational Therapy helps
Building Everyday Skills
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Occupational therapy helps children build hand strength, coordination, and control for everyday tasks like handwriting, using cutlery, managing buttons and zippers, and handling play tools with confidence.
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We support foundational school skills such as pre-writing, pencil and scissor use, dressing tasks like shoes and socks, and participating confidently in classroom routines.
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Therapy focuses on practical life skills including dressing, cooking tasks, managing belongings, and following routines, helping children become more independent in everyday activities.
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Occupational therapy supports attention, memory, problem-solving, and flexible thinking, helping children plan, adapt, and engage more confidently in learning and daily tasks.
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We help children develop coordination, balance, and body awareness so they can move safely and confidently during play, learning, and everyday movement.
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Therapy supports hand–eye coordination, copying shapes, drawing, and understanding spatial relationships needed for school tasks and play.
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We help children develop planning, organisation, time management, and self-monitoring skills to support routines, transitions, and independence.
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Occupational therapy can support motor development and learning readiness by addressing retained reflexes and encouraging more efficient movement patterns through play-based activities.
Supporting Confidence & Connection
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We help children and families understand sensory needs and develop practical strategies so children can feel calmer, safer, and more regulated in everyday environments.
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Therapy supports children to recognise, express, and manage big feelings, while developing interoceptive awareness - learning to notice and respond to their body’s internal cues.
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Occupational threapy supports children to feel more confident and capable with personal care routines, helping reduce stress and build independence over time
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We support play skills, social understanding, and friendships, helping children connect with others and participate more confidently in shared activities.
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Therapists break down tasks or adapt activities to better match a child’s abilities, helping reduce frustration and increase participation and success.
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Occupational therapy supports positive mealtime routines and gently addresses fussy eating through goal-based strategies that respect each child’s needs and comfort.
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We use respectful, strengths-based approaches that honour communication, reduce stress, and support meaningful participation rather than focusing on behaviour alone.
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Item Families are supported with practical strategies, routines, and guidance so progress continues at home and confidence grows beyond the clinic.
Core Methods
and Approaches
Our approach is child-led: meaning it’s collaborative and rooted in respect for your child’s pace and preferences. Each session is designed to feel natural and fun, blending play and purposeful learning. Our methods include:
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Building skills through fun, meaningful activities linked to real life.
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Supporting attention, regulation, and participation through safe sensory experiences.
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Strengthening muscles and coordination to improve movement and daily functioning.
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Helping children use both hands together for functional independence.
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Encouraging use of a weaker or less-dominant limb to improve strength and coordination.
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Breaking down complex activities into achievable steps or modifying them to suit your child’s abilities.
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Making changes at home, school, or in play settings to support accessibility and comfort.
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Parents and caregivers are guided with practical strategies to carry over therapy at home and school.
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Recommending and supporting devices that foster safety, engagement, and independence.
What to Expect in Sessions
Occupational therapy sessions are built around your child’s developmental goals - whether that’s mastering a daily routine, developing new motor skills, or learning to manage sensory challenges.
Therapy takes place in our bright, welcoming Perth clinic, where children can explore movement, play, and learning in a safe environment filled with resources and equipment. Families are encouraged to join in, observe, or participate; whatever best supports your child’s engagement and comfort
Your therapist will provide practical strategies and home-based activities, helping you continue your child’s progress through everyday routines.
FAQs
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Paediatric occupational therapists help children build the skills they need to play, learn, and take part in everyday life. At Little Bodies Therapy, our OTs support children of all abilities to develop fine motor skills, independence, confidence, and emotional regulation; all through fun, meaningful activities that make therapy feel like play.
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Every child’s journey is different, and progress depends on their individual goals and needs. Some children make noticeable gains within a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing therapy over several months. We regularly review your child’s progress and adjust their goals to ensure therapy remains effective, purposeful, and engaging.
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Each session is hands-on and play-based, designed to help your child develop real-life skills through enjoyable, age-appropriate activities. Sessions may include games, fine motor tasks, sensory play, or everyday routines like dressing or handwriting. Parents are encouraged to join in and learn practical strategies to support progress at home, too.
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No, you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with our occupational therapists. Feel free to reach out directly!
If your child is an NDIS participant, we can provide therapy under their plan (self-managed or plan-managed). Private health rebates may also be available depending on your cover.
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We provide paediatric occupational therapy in Perth for children aged 0–16 years. Whether your child needs early intervention or support for specific skill building, our team tailors therapy to suit.
