Can a Toddler See an Occupational Therapist?

You don't need a diagnosis to access Occupational Therapy

This is probably the most important thing to know. You don't need a formal diagnosis to enquire about OT for your child. Autism assessments, developmental delay reports, referral from a paediatrician - these are not required to start. If something is negatively affecting your child's daily life or making your entire family’s life harder, that is enough of a reason to reach out.

What can Occupational Therapy help with for kids under 5?

• Feeding difficulties. Some food selectivity is completely normal in toddlers. But when mealtimes are consistently distressing, your child gags or panics at certain textures, or when they only accept a limited range of foods, that's worth investigating. Feeding difficulties in young children are often sensory in nature. They may also be motor, medical, emotional or routine-related. OT can support the sensory and mealtime participation aspects, but swallowing, choking, growth, nutrition, or medical concerns should be directed to the GP, paediatrician, Speech Pathology or Dietitian as appropriate. 

• Getting dressed and daily care routines. If your child has strong, consistent reactions to clothing, shoes, tags, or having their hair and teeth brushed (to the point where daily routines are a battle), sensory processing differences may be involved. An OT can help you understand what's happening and build routines that are more manageable for everyone.

• Fine motor development. Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements that young children need for grasping, stacking, using utensils, drawing, and eventually writing. If your child seems to be falling behind in this area compared to other children their age, early OT support builds the foundations they'll need later.

• Sensory responses that feel intense. Every child has sensory preferences. But in certain situations, there might be more than preferences. For example, when a child's response to sounds, lights, textures, or movement continues to intensify, with disruptive effects every day of the week. Or when they seem to need very high levels of input, like crashing, jumping, or constantly mouthing objects. An Occupational Therapist can help you get clarity with a sensory assessment.

• Play and exploration. Play is how young children learn. An OT looks at the way your child explores toys, engages with their environment, and interacts during play. The therapist has the skills to identify any underlying developmental factors that are affecting your child’s play. If so, these factors may be worth addressing early.

• Sleep and settling. A lot of parents are surprised to hear that sensory and regulation differences in toddlers often show up at bedtime. We’re talking about difficulty winding down, needing very specific conditions to settle, or waking frequently and being very hard to resettle. OT can help with sleeping routines, particularly when sensory regulation is a factor.

What do OT sessions look like for a toddler?

Mostly play. Every activity an Occupational Therapist involves young children in is built around play. That’s because it’s something that feels natural and enjoyable for the child. At the same time, they are building the underlying skills their nervous system needs.

Parents are a central and active part of every session. OT will give you practical strategies you can use straight away. Not just observations and take-home notes. The real work and improvements happen between appointments, at home, as part of your daily routines.

Does my child need to be diagnosed first?

No. Early intervention OT does not require a prior diagnosis. In fact, one of the most valuable things an OT assessment can do is help you understand what is going on. Sometimes, it’s before anyone else has been able to give you a clear answer.

If your child is on a diagnostic pathway and waiting for an assessment, you don't have to wait. OT support can begin today. It often helps with any future assessment process, by providing valuable, unique information on your child’s progress.

How is kids’ OT funded?

The NDIS early childhood approach supports children younger than 6 with developmental delay or developmental concerns, and children younger than 9 with disability. Where a child has an NDIS plan, OT may be funded through relevant capacity building supports. 

For families without NDIS, private OT is available directly; no GP referral is required to enquire or book.

When should I reach out?

If you've been sitting on the 'should I or shouldn't I?' question, we recommend finding out sooner rather than later. You're not overreacting. You know your child. And a conversation with an OT costs nothing and answers a lot.

At Sigma Therapies, our paediatric Occupational Therapists work with children from age 3, supporting families across Perth: in clinic at Bibra Lake, on mobile across the metro area, and via telehealth.

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Disclaimer: This post for is for information only purposes. For personalised advice, speak with a qualified health professional.