Occupational Therapy for Children and Adults with Disabilities in Glen Waverley: What to Expect
Occupational therapy (OT) is about helping people do the things that matter to them in everyday life. For children, that might be playing, getting dressed or joining in at school. For adults, it might be cooking a meal, managing a routine or taking part in the community. At CPEC Therapy in Glen Waverley, our occupational therapists support children and adults with disabilities to build skills, confidence and independence.
If you're wondering whether OT could help you or someone you care for, this guide explains what OT involves, who it supports and what to expect when you get started.
What is occupational therapy?
The word "occupation" in OT means the everyday activities that fill our days, like eating, dressing, playing, learning, working and spending time with others.
An occupational therapist looks at what gets in the way of those activities and works with the person, their family and their carers to find practical solutions. That might mean teaching new skills, changing the environment, introducing equipment or breaking a task into smaller steps.
How OT supports children
Play is how children learn, so much of paediatric OT looks like play. Our therapists use games, toys and everyday routines to build the skills children need to take part in home, school and community life.
OT for children can support:
Play and learning: building hand skills, attention, turn-taking and problem solving through play. Our posts on board game fun and doll and home corner play share ideas you can try at home.
Self-care: dressing, eating, toileting and other daily routines.
Positioning and participation: helping children sit comfortably and stay stable so they can join in activities. Read more in positioning for play.
Sensory needs: understanding how a child responds to sound, touch and movement, and finding strategies that help them feel calm and ready to learn.
School readiness: handwriting, classroom routines and getting around the school day.
How OT supports adults
Adults with disabilities can also benefit from OT to build and maintain independence at home and in the community.
OT for adults can support:
Daily living skills: meal preparation, personal care, household tasks and managing routines.
Independence at home: recommending equipment, strategies and changes to make everyday tasks safer and easier.
Community participation: planning and practising skills for outings, social activities, study or work.
Goal setting: working towards the goals that matter most to you, one step at a time.
You can find out more about adult services in our guide to NDIS therapy for adults.
OT and your NDIS plan
CPEC is a registered NDIS provider, and many of our clients use their NDIS funding for therapy. OT is often funded under Capacity Building supports, but every plan is different. It's a good idea to check your plan or speak with your plan manager, support coordinator or NDIS planner to see how therapy can be included.
If you're not sure where to start, our team is happy to talk through your options. You can email info@cpec.org.au or call 03 9560 0700.
What to expect at your first appointment
Starting something new can feel daunting, so here's what usually happens:
A conversation about your goals. We'll ask about daily life, what's going well and what you and/or your child like to be able to do.
An assessment. Your OT will observe and, where helpful, try some activities to understand strengths and the areas you'd like support with.
A plan. Together we'll agree on goals and a way forward, including strategies to use at home, at school or in the community.
Ongoing support. Therapy is a partnership, and your OT will keep working with your family and support workers as goals change.
Some people also benefit from group therapy programs, which offer a chance to practise skills and connect with others in a supportive setting.
Getting started with OT at CPEC
Whether you're looking for support for your child or for yourself, our team in Glen Waverley is here to help. Learn more about our occupational therapy services, or contact us or call (03) 9560 0700 to talk about how we can support you.
