Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists support babies, children, and young people from birth to 19 years. They help them take part and manage in their everyday tasks and activities to support development, health and wellbeing. 

They work in partnership with children and young people, their families, carers and supporting professionals. The main focus of occupational therapy is to empower and support children and young people to live their lives as independently as possible within the context of their family unit and community.

Children and young people may have difficulties with what are commonly referred to as 'life skills'. These can arise due to things like environmental barriers, developmental delay, disability, or illness. Children's occupational therapists explore strengths and work towards reducing the barriers which can impact upon their quality of life. Children's occupational therapists want children and young people to be able to take part and achieve in the activities that they want and need to do. These activities are known as 'occupations' and these can include:

• Self-Care - sleep, washing, brushing teeth, eating and drinking, going to the toilet, getting dressed.
• Play - learning and practicing new play skills and exploring different ways to play in different settings. This may include toys, play equipment, the natural environment, and other people.
• Leisure - joining in with hobbies and activities with family or friends at home and in the wider community.
• Education - there are many skills involved, which may include getting there, getting around, paying attention, joining in with sensory differences, organising self and equipment, positions for learning in class, taking part in PE and being able to take part in activities which need writing, cutting, art and science equipment, IT and more

Gateshead Children's Occupational Therapy Service helps children and young people aged 0 to18 years who are registered with a Gateshead GP participate and manage in their everyday tasks and activities to support development, health and wellbeing by providing specialist interventions.

For more information, visit the Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust website (opens new window).