Does My Child Need Occupational Therapy? 3 Common Signs to Look Out For

What is Occupational Therapy?

Everyone learns and grows in their own unique way, but sometimes, a little extra support to navigate life with confidence is needed. That’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) comes in! OT assists individuals in developing essential life skills and supports their ability to engage in daily activities independently and successfully. For children, though not limited to them, OT enhances their ability to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges with greater ease.

Every child develops at their own pace, however, persistent challenges in certain areas may be an indicator for additional support which is where OT can make a significant impact. For children, it helps them build confidence, cope with challenges, and develop the foundational skills needed for learning, play, and everyday tasks. OT at It’s More Than Therapy isn’t about ‘fixing’ your child, it’s about supporting them in living their life to the fullest.

Common Signs Your Child May Benefit from OT

1. Difficulties with Emotional Regulation 

All children experience big emotions, but if your child frequently:

• Has meltdowns over minor frustrations
• Struggles to calm down after becoming upset
• Has difficulty understanding and expressing emotions

They may need extra support in developing self-regulation skills. Some children also feel overwhelmed in noisy, busy, or unfamiliar environments, making daily activities more challenging.

At It’s More Than Therapy, our neuroaffirming OT approach respects each child’s unique regulation needs. We focus on co-regulation first, providing a calm presence before expecting independent self-regulation. Our therapists help children understand emotions, develop sensory strategies, and build confidence in expressing their needs.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation:

• Understanding & Validating Emotions: Our therapists use emotional coaching to help children recognise and name their feelings without judgement. We support co-regulation first which means providing a calm presence helping children navigate emotions before expecting them to regulate independently. 
• Sensory-Informed Strategies: Identifying every child’s unique sensory preferences and creating a personalised toolkit (e.g., movement breaks, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones). Rather than asking children to ‘push through’ their discomfort, we respect their sensory needs. 
• Strength-Based & Interest-Based Approaches: Incorporating special interests and play-based learning to make emotional regulation engaging. Play-based activities help children practice emotional skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
• Self-Advocacy & Autonomy: Empowering children to recognise and communicate their needs (e.g., “I need a quiet space” or “I need more time”).
• Collaboration with Caregivers & Educators: Working closely with partners, teachers and support teams to create consistent, supportive environments. 
• Reducing Shame & Encouraging Self-Compassion: Many neurodivergent children may experience shame around emotional regulation challenges. We show children big feelings aren’t ‘bad’ and we find safe & supportive ways to express them. 
• Mindfulness & Body Awareness (When Appropriate): Mindfulness techniques, like breathing exercises and guided movement, are offered as optional tools, not requirements, ensuring strategies work with the child’s nervous system rather than against it.

OT is about supporting, not “fixing” children. By validating emotions and creating individualised strategies, we empower children rather than force compliance. We help kids build confidence, feel understood, feel safe, and be in control of their responses.

2. Fine Motor Delays – Supporting Hand Strength & Coordination

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers to complete everyday tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or using utensils. These skills are essential for a child’s independence, confidence, and ability to participate in school, play, and daily activities. If your child struggles with holding a pencil, using scissors, tying shoelaces, or completing tasks that require precise hand movements, they may benefit from OT.

At It’s More Than Therapy, we support fine motor development through fun, play-based activities that build strength, control, and confidence in hand movements.

• Strengthening hand muscles through engaging activities eg. playdough exercises, tearing & scrunching paper, and hand flicking games 
• Improving coordination with pincer grip exercises, Lego building, puzzles, and mazes to refine finger control and precision.
• Developing grip strength and dexterity by incorporating drawing, colouring, and maze tracing, as well as tools like tweezers, tongs, and adaptive grips.
• Introducing adaptive strategies such as pencil grips, modified scissors, or hand positioning techniques to make daily tasks easier.

By targeting hand strength and coordination through play, OT helps children gain independence and confidence in daily tasks, setting them up for success at home, school, and beyond.

3. Sensory Sensitivities – Understanding & Supporting Sensory Needs

Sensory sensitivities occur when a child is over or under-responsive to sensory input, making everyday experiences overwhelming or difficult to navigate. Some children may avoid certain textures, sounds, or bright lights, while others constantly seek movement, deep pressure, or tactile input. Sensory challenges can affect focus, emotional regulation, and participation in daily activities.

Occupational Therapy helps children develop strategies to manage sensory sensitivities by:

• Identifying sensory preferences and sensitivities to create an individualised support plan.
• Introducing sensory-friendly strategies for daily routines, such as using noise-canceling headphones, weighted items, or calming music.
• Providing a sensory diet, a structured set of activities tailored to the child’s needs, including fidget tools, trampoline play, water/sand activities, and tactile toys.

Sensory tools help with self-regulation, focus, and emotional calming, ensuring children feel more comfortable and engaged in their environment. Learn more about sensory processing challenges and strategies from Sensory Integration Education. Our trained OT services at It’s More Than Therapy can guide families in choosing sensory activities that support a child’s unique needs while avoiding those that may cause distress.

When to Seek an Occupational Therapy Assessment

If your child is showing persistent challenges in multiple areas, an Occupational Therapy assessment can help you identify their needs and start the process of improving your child’s life while putting your mind at ease. Always trust your instincts as early support can make a significant difference. Book an OT assessment with us at It’s More Than Therapy to explore how we can support your child’s development. 

Occupational Therapy is all about empowering an individual, it isn’t designed to ‘change’ it’s about supporting individuals in achieving independence. For children especially, early intervention is essential in building confidence and independence. Reach out today for guidance or to book your first session with us!