Program Vision

The Children’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Program is designed to support children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. It focuses on helping children achieve greater independence and confidence in everyday activities both at home and in learning environments. With a strong foundation in cognitive tools and child-centred therapy, this program supports developmental progress across sensory integration, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and more.

Program Overview

Occupational therapy for children is about more than just physical movement it’s about enabling children to participate fully in the meaningful “occupations” of childhood: playing, learning, socializing, dressing, eating, and growing. This program blends traditional OT practices with cognitivetrainingtools, helping children overcome developmental delays, improve attention and planning, regulate emotions, and enhance motor coordination. Activities are fun, functional, and tailored to the child’s unique profile.  

Occupational Therapy Practices Used

Our program draws from a range of clinically validated approaches widely used in pediatric occupational therapy for autism, including:

1. Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT)

To help children process and respond more effectively to sensory input (visual and auditory) reducing overwhelm and improving self-regulation.

2. DIR Floortime

A relationship-based model that builds emotional connection and developmental progress through activities and play.

3. Zones of Regulation

A structured framework that teaches children to identify their emotional states and use strategies to manage feelings and behavior.

4. Social Contexts

Visual narratives that help children understand social situations and expected behaviors, reducing anxiety and promoting appropriate social responses.

5. TEACCH Method (Structured Teaching)

Uses clear visual supports to increase independence through predictable routines.

6. Task Analysis 

Breaking down skills into smaller steps to provide support for building mastery and autonomy.

Cognitive Tools Integrated into the Program

To complement these occupational therapy practices, we have developed and curated a suite of cognitive tools that strengthen attention, working memory, planning, emotional self-awareness, and flexibility. These include:

  • Visual schedules to support transitions and daily routine comprehension
  • Emotion recognition activities to help children identify, label, and discuss feelings
  • Working memory games to build mental flexibility through matching, memory recall, and sequencing challenges
  • PEC activities to empower children to express sensory needs and regulate input
  • Social scenarios that provide visual cues for navigating interactions
  • Timers and transition tools to teach waiting, pacing, and time-based task completion
  • Executive skill boosters such as games that gently encourage planning, inhibition, and turn-taking

Challenges We Address

Our program draws from a range of clinically validated approaches widely used in pediatric occupational therapy for autism, including:

1. Sensory Processing Difficulties

Some children overreact or underreact to sensory input (example: noise, touch, movement), which affects behavior, attention, and comfort in their environment.
We provide structured sensory integration activities to improve regulation and body awareness.

2. Short Attention Spans

Inattention and distractibility can disrupt participation in classroom tasks and self-care routines.

Cognitive tools are used to build selective, sustained, and divided attention.

3. Delayed Executive Functioning

Difficulty with planning, following routines, and problem-solving can hinder learning and independence.

Our activities include cognitive games and scaffolding tasks that improve organization and self-regulation.

4. Emotional Regulation Challenges

Children may experience frequent meltdowns, frustration, or anxiety, particularly in transitions or unstructured settings.

Emotional awareness and regulation are taught through identifying emotions and responding appropriately indifferent scenarios.

5. Delays in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Children may require support with eating, dressing, toileting, and hygiene.
Functional, step-by-step training builds independence and pride in daily routines.

Core Development Domains

Our program draws from a range of clinically validated approaches widely used in pediatric occupational therapy for autism, including:

1. Sensory Integration
  • Auditory and visual integration: helps children process what they see and hear simultaneously
  • Tactile processing: responding appropriately to touch and textures
  • Vestibular processing: balance and movement coordination
  • Proprioception: awareness of body position and movement
2. Cognitive Tools for Thinking and Learning

Occupational therapy integrates cognitive development to support thinking and problem-solving.

Key Tools Include:

Attention Builders – to improve focus, ignore distractions, and complete tasks.
Working Memory Exercises – to retain and act on instructions.
Visual-Spatial Reasoning – to support navigation, puzzles, and classroom tasks.
Executive Skills Training – to plan steps, shift focus, and manage time.

Outcome: Children will improve their ability to think through tasks, organize actions, and adapt to challenges.  

3. Emotional Regulation and Social Interaction

Using mindfulness exercises, children develop tools to manage their feelings and understand others.

Focus Areas:

  • Recognizing emotions
  • Using calming strategies
  • Understanding social rules and turn-taking
  • Building resilience and confidence

Outcome: Children become more self-aware, cooperative, and socially confident.  

4. Independence in Daily Life (ADLs)

Children are guided in mastering basic self-care and household tasks through clear steps and supportive routines.

Skills Covered:

  • Dressing and undressing
  • Toileting and hygiene
  • Eating and using utensils

Outcome: ​Children gain confidence and pride in taking care of themselves.

Program Format

Tailored to each child’s needs and developmental profile.

  • Individualized Plans – Activities and goals are customized for each child.
  • Multi-Sensory Activities – Incorporates cognitive, visual, auditory, and hands-on learning tasks.
  • Home and School Integration – Caregiver and teacher guidance ensures consistency and reinforcement across environments.
  • Progress Monitoring and Reports – Regular updates on milestones, skill development, and strategies for continued support.

Ideal For

  • Children experiencing sensory sensitivity or behavioral difficulties
  • Children struggling with attention, focus, or planning
  • Children needing support with school readiness, ADLs, or emotional skills
  • Parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking structured developmental support

Outcomes of the Program

After participating in the Children’s Occupational Therapy Program, children will:  

  • Improve concentration and cognitive flexibility 
  • Navigate sensory environments with greater ease 
  • Develop confidence in performing daily life activities 
  • Strengthen problem-solving and executive functioning 
  • Express emotions more effectively and interact positively with peers 
  • Build independence, resilience, and self-esteem

Conclusion

The Children’s Occupational Therapy Program empowers children to overcome developmental challenges through a joyful, skill-building process rooted in play, function, and cognitive science. By integrating emotional and cognitive skills, we nurture the whole child body and brain.

Whether preparing for school, managing sensory needs, or learning how to dress independently, children in this program will grow stronger, more focused, and ready to thrive in the world around them.  

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