Occupational therapy
At MPFP children are supported through fun and engaging therapy that feels like play while building important life skills. Every child is unique, so sessions are tailored to their strengths, challenges, and goals, with families included every step of the way.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Support for handwriting, drawing, cutting, using utensils, and developing independence with self-care tasks such as dressing and feeding.
Fine motor skills are the small movements we use in our hands and fingers every day. They are important for tasks like holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, buttoning clothes, using cutlery, and tying shoelaces. When fine motor skills are tricky, children may find handwriting, art, or self-care tasks more challenging. Occupational therapy helps children strengthen these skills through playful, engaging activities that build hand strength, coordination, and confidence.
Gross motor skills involve the larger muscles in the body that help with movement, balance, and coordination. These skills are needed for running, jumping, climbing, riding a bike, playing sports, and even sitting upright in a chair at school. When gross motor skills are still developing, children may appear clumsy, tire easily, or avoid physical play. Occupational therapy uses fun, movement-based activities to support strength, balance, and coordination, giving children the foundation they need for everyday activities and active play.
Self care
Self-care skills are the everyday tasks children need to look after themselves as they grow. This includes things like dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, toileting, and managing routines. For some children, these skills can feel tricky due to challenges with motor skills, coordination, attention, or sensory processing.
Occupational therapy helps children develop independence in self-care through fun, step-by-step practice and by building the underlying skills they need. We also work closely with families to create practical strategies and routines that make self-care easier and more successful at home and school.
Play
Play is how children learn, explore, and connect with the world around them. Through play, children develop important skills like problem-solving, imagination, social interaction, communication, and motor coordination. For some children, play may be challenging — they might struggle to join in with others, use toys in different ways, or stay engaged in activities.
Occupational therapy supports children to build play skills by using fun, engaging activities that match their interests and developmental stage. Play-based therapy not only helps children learn new skills, but also builds confidence, creativity, and friendships.
Sensory processing
Occupational therapy provides support for children experiencing challenges with sensory processing, helping them understand and respond to the world around them. Sensory processing is how the brain interprets information from the senses—sight, sound, touch, movement, taste, and smell. Difficulties in this area can affect a child’s behaviour, learning, and participation in everyday activities.
Occupational therapists work with children through playful, engaging, and individualized strategies to:
- Respond comfortably to sensory input in daily life
- Improve focus, attention, and self-regulation
- Build tolerance to challenging sensations, such as textures, sounds, or movements
- Support confidence and participation in school, play, and home activities
- Promote overall emotional and physical wellbeing
Interventions are tailored to each child’s unique sensory profile, strengths, and needs. The aim is to help children feel more comfortable, confident, and capable as they explore and engage with their environment.
Emotional regulation
Occupational therapy provides support to help children develop emotional regulation skills, an essential part of their growth and wellbeing. Emotional regulation involves noticing, understanding, and responding to feelings in safe and effective ways. Some children may become easily frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed, which can impact their confidence, friendships, and participation in daily activities.
Occupational therapists use play-based activities, sensory experiences, and practical strategies to support children in:
- Recognizing and understanding their emotions
- Developing coping strategies for stress, anger, or anxiety
- Building self-control and problem-solving skills
- Increasing confidence and resilience in everyday situations
Interventions are tailored to each child’s individual needs, strengths, and interests. The aim is to empower children with the skills to manage their emotions, engage fully in school and play, and thrive socially and emotionally.
Social Skills
Occupational therapy helps children develop the social skills they need to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and engage confidently with peers and adults. Strong social skills support a child’s confidence, independence, and participation in school, play, and community activities.
Occupational therapists work with children using fun, engaging, and practical strategies to:
- Understand and interpret social cues, such as body language and tone of voice
- Take turns, share, and cooperate with others
- Express thoughts and feelings appropriately
- Develop problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
- Build confidence in group settings and social situations
Therapy is tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, and individual needs, providing tools and strategies they can use in everyday life. The goal is to empower children to form meaningful connections, navigate social situations with confidence, and enjoy positive interactions with others.
Assessments
Sensory Assessments
MPFP offers sensory processing assessments to help understand how a child experiences and responds to sensory information. These assessments identify strengths and challenges in areas such as touch, movement, sound, sight, taste, and body awareness, which can affect learning, behaviour, and participation in daily activities.
Occupational therapists use standardized, evidence-based tools to:
- Evaluate how a child processes sensory information in different environments
- Identify sensory sensitivities or difficulties that may impact daily life
- Provide a detailed understanding of a child’s sensory profile
- Guide tailored therapy strategies to support regulation, focus, and engagement
The results of the assessment help families and educators understand a child’s unique sensory needs and inform personalised interventions that support confidence, independence, and participation at home, school, and in the community.
Handwriting Assessments
MPFP offers handwriting assessments to help understand a child’s writing skills, identify challenges, and support the development of legible and efficient handwriting. Handwriting difficulties can affect a child’s confidence, school performance, and participation in daily activities.
Occupational therapists use evidence-based assessment tools to:
- Evaluate fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, and pencil control
- Assess letter formation, spacing, sizing, and writing speed
- Identify any difficulties that may impact writing across different tasks and settings
- Provide practical recommendations and strategies to improve handwriting skills
The results of the assessment guide personalised therapy plans that support a child’s confidence, independence, and success in school and everyday life.
Visual Motor Assessments
MPFP provides visual-motor assessments to help understand how a child coordinates their vision with their hand movements. Strong visual-motor skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, drawing, cutting, catching a ball, and completing school activities.
Occupational therapists use evidence-based tools to:
- Assess hand-eye coordination, visual perception, and fine motor control
- Identify difficulties that may affect learning, play, and daily activities
- Understand a child’s strengths and areas needing support
- Provide personalised strategies and recommendations to improve visual-motor skills
The results of the assessment help guide therapy that supports a child’s confidence, independence, and participation at home, school, and in the community.