Practice Support

Working with children & families (Paediatrics)

Occupational therapists work in partnership with children, young people and their families, caregivers and significant others to promote health and wellbeing through occupation.

Occupational therapists support children to do the activities/tasks they need or want to do (performance), and to facilitate children’s engagement in their life roles and situations (participation) within their everyday lives and natural environments.

The occupations of children are central to paediatric occupational therapy and encompass play, self-care, education, leisure, sleep, and social participation, among others.

Occupational therapists provide services in various settings including the child’s home, in the community, in educational settings (such as childcare, schools and universities), private practices, disability support settings, the youth justice system, and in hospitals and health settings.