Play Skills
Play is an essential part of a child’s development and is how they learn to explore, problem-solve, socialise, and understand the world around them. Occupational Therapists support children to develop important play skills such as imaginative play, turn-taking, joint attention, sharing, using toys purposefully, and engaging in cooperative play with peers. Strengthening play skills helps children build social connections, regulate their emotions, improve language and cognitive development, and participate more confidently in home, preschool, and community settings.

 

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills involve whole-body movements that rely on the large muscles in the arms, legs, and core. These skills help children participate in everyday physical activities such as walking, running, jumping, catching, throwing, kicking, riding a bike, and sitting upright at a table. Strong gross motor skills also support self-care tasks like dressing and getting in and out of bed safely.

 

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills use the small muscles of the hands, fingers, and wrists. These skills are needed for everyday tasks such as holding a pencil, using scissors, picking up small objects, tying shoelaces, fastening clothing, and opening containers. Difficulties in this area can impact a child’s independence and confidence in daily activities.

​

Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how a child takes in, interprets, and responds to sensory information from their environment. When a child experiences challenges with sensory processing, it may affect their ability to stay calm, focused, and engaged in play, learning, and social interactions.

 

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is a child’s ability to understand, manage, and respond to their emotions in an appropriate way. When children find this difficult, it can affect their relationships, behaviour, participation at home and school, and overall wellbeing.

​

Handwriting

Handwriting is a complex skill that relies on many underlying abilities, including fine motor strength, pencil control, pre-writing skills, and visual perception. When one of these areas is not fully developed, handwriting can become tiring or challenging for a child.

​

Visual Perception

Visual perception describes how the brain interprets and makes sense of what the eyes see. These skills are essential for tasks such as reading, writing, dressing, eating, completing puzzles, and participating in classroom learning and play activities.

​

Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills help children plan, organise, focus, problem-solve, manage their emotions, and adapt to new or unexpected situations. These skills are important for completing schoolwork, following routines, becoming more independent, and meeting daily challenges.