Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children build the skills they need for everyday life, from getting dressed and writing at school to playing, learning and becoming more independent.
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Occupational therapy session
Occupational therapy session
What occupational therapy is
The word occupation here means whatever a child needs or wants to do during their day. For a young child that might be climbing, holding a spoon or joining a group. For an older child it might be handwriting, packing a school bag or managing their own morning routine.
When one of those everyday activities is consistently difficult, it can affect confidence, independence and how a child takes part at home and at school. An occupational therapist works out why the activity is hard, then works with you and your child on the parts that will make the biggest practical difference.
The reason behind a difficulty is not always obvious. Handwriting, for example, can be affected by hand strength, posture, attention, planning or how a child processes what they see. An occupational therapist looks at the different skills involved to understand what may be making the activity more difficult.
How we help
What occupational therapy can help with.
Difficulties usually show up in daily life rather than in a test. These are some of the things families and teachers often notice.
At home
- Everyday routines take much longer than expected
- Your child seems restless, or finds it hard to settle
- Strong reactions to noise, clothing, textures or busy places
- Managing changes and transitions is difficult
At school
- Handwriting is slow, effortful or hard to read
- Staying focused or organised in class is difficult
- Copying from the board, cutting or drawing is a struggle
- Their teacher has raised concerns about classroom skills
Play and taking part
- Running, climbing or ball games look harder than for other children
- They avoid playground equipment or physical activities
- Joining in with group play is difficult
- They lose confidence and stop trying new things
Looking after themselves
- Dressing, buttons, zips or shoelaces are still hard
- Using cutlery or managing a lunchbox is difficult
- They rely on adult help more than you would expect
- Bathing, teeth brushing or hair washing cause distress
Children develop skills at different ages and in different ways. If something is making everyday activities harder for your child, an occupational therapist can help you understand what may be contributing and whether support would be useful.
Who we work with
We work with children from toddlerhood, through the primary years and into the teenage years. If you are not sure whether your child is the right age for support, please ask us.
What to expect
What therapy may look like.
Occupational therapy is practical. Most of it looks like play or like the activity your child is finding difficult, broken into steps they can manage.
Individual sessions
Sessions are one to one with a therapist, usually 45 minutes. How often your child is seen is recommended individually, based on what we are working on rather than on a set package.
Practical goals
We agree goals with you that matter in real life, such as getting dressed independently, writing more comfortably or coping better with a busy classroom.
Practical changes
Sometimes small changes to an activity, environment or routine can make everyday tasks easier. Your therapist may suggest practical adjustments or equipment alongside working directly on your child's skills.
You are part of it
We show you what we are working on and suggest simple things to build into your normal day, so progress carries over between appointments.
Reviewed as you go
Goals are revisited as your child develops. That can mean changing what we work on, meeting less often, or agreeing that therapy is no longer needed.
Where therapy happens
At our clinic
Our clinic on Sheikh Zayed Road, set up for occupational therapy with children and young people.
Find usIn partner schools and nurseries
Where we work in partnership with a setting, therapy can take place during the school or nursery day.
Schools & nurseries Schools & nurseries
Working alongside your child's school.
A lot of occupational therapy goals belong to the school day, such as handwriting, sitting to work and managing a busy classroom. We partner with schools and nurseries across Dubai, and with your agreement we can work with the staff who support your child every day.
Getting started
Ways to get started.
Where you start depends on what you already know and what you need. If you are not sure which option suits you, request a callback and we will help you decide.
Request a callback
Tell us what you have noticed at home or at school, and we will call you back to talk it through.
Request a callbackFree Advice Session
A 20-minute online conversation with an occupational therapist about your child. The therapist does not meet or assess your child during the session.
Book a Free Advice SessionAssessment
For families who need or have been recommended a fuller picture of how your child manages daily activities.
About assessmentsSometimes a few practical changes at home or in the classroom are all that is needed. After an assessment we may recommend therapy, monitoring and advice, or let you know that therapy is not currently needed.
Parent resources
Reading that may help.
Written by our therapists, free to read, no enquiry needed.
Next step
Wondering whether occupational therapy could help?
Tell us what you have been noticing and we can help you decide whether occupational therapy may be an appropriate next step.