Occupational & Play-based Therapy (OPT) combines the power of purposeful activity and play to help children develop fine and gross motor skills, build daily living independence, process sensory and emotional challenges, and reach their full developmental potential — in a safe, joyful, and child-friendly environment.
OPT Therapy — Occupational & Play-based Therapy — is a specialised therapeutic approach that integrates the principles of occupational therapy with play-based methods. It recognises that play is the natural occupation of children, and uses structured and child-led activities to address developmental, sensory, motor, and emotional goals.
In an OPT session, children engage in purposeful activities — crafts, movement games, sensory play, fine motor tasks, and more — guided by a trained therapist. The environment is designed to be engaging, non-threatening, and motivating, so children participate eagerly while working towards meaningful therapeutic targets.
OPT Therapy is evidence-based and suitable for children with a wide range of needs including autism, developmental delays, sensory processing difficulties, coordination challenges, and emotional or behavioural difficulties. It is a holistic approach — addressing the whole child, not just isolated skills.
Pencil grip, handwriting, cutting, buttoning — children develop hand strength and coordination through carefully graded activities and play-based tasks.
Balance, coordination, body awareness, and movement planning are targeted through active, engaging physical play and structured movement activities.
Children learn to regulate and respond appropriately to sensory input — touch, sound, movement, and more — through structured sensory play experiences.
Self-care tasks like dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene are broken into manageable steps and practiced in a supportive, play-integrated environment.
Pre-writing skills, attention, sitting tolerance, and classroom participation are developed to ensure children are ready and confident for school.
Through purposeful play and sensory-based activities, children develop self-regulation strategies, improving their ability to manage emotions and behaviour.
Every child receives a personalised plan through a clear, structured process:
A detailed meeting with parents to understand the child's history, current concerns, and family context — before the child begins sessions.
The therapist meets with the child in the therapy room to build initial rapport and conduct a comprehensive assessment of motor, sensory, and functional skills.
Weekly 45–50 minute individual OPT sessions in a fully equipped, purpose-designed therapy room with sensory and play-based materials.
Regular meetings with parents to share progress, provide home activity strategies, and review goals — ensuring therapy extends beyond the clinic.
OPT Therapy has a clear, planned ending process — helping children and families consolidate progress and transition confidently to the next stage.
Children gain greater control over their bodies and hands — enabling them to participate more fully in school, play, and daily activities.
Children learn to manage sensory input more effectively, reducing meltdowns, avoidance behaviours, and sensory-driven anxiety.
As children become more capable and confident, their ability to join in with peers, classroom activities, and group play improves meaningfully.
Achieving functional goals in a supportive environment builds genuine self-confidence and a positive sense of ability in children.
Book a free consultation today. Our OPT therapist will meet with you, explain the approach, and help you decide whether OPT Therapy is the right support for your child.
