“The purpose of Occupational Therapy is to maximise the ‘fit’ between what an individual wants and needs to do and his/her ability to achieve this.  It encompasses three interrelated and interdependent areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure”, (NAHB).  Occupational Therapy Service in some areas are provided in liaison with the voluntary agencies that work with children and families who experience physical and sensory disabilities.

The Occupational Therapy Service assesses and treats children who have a range of difficulties such as dyspraxia, developmental co-ordination disorders, poor fine or gross motor skills, perceptual difficulties, poor concentration and poor eye movement co-ordination.  The primary goal for children is to help them develop, restore and maintain skills, behaviours and relationships necessary for independent living.  The children who avail of the service typically have difficulties with academic, behavioural and handwriting issues or problems with self-care, including dressing, bathing and eating.  The service is engaged in follow up to initial assessments by Occupational Therapists, to fit prescribed equipment for clients in their homes and to train and supervises equipment use.  The Occupational Therapy services are increasingly aware of the prevalence of children who have multiple problems, who have need of holistic therapeutic approach encompassing other disciplines.

Intervention at an early stage in childhood is imperative.  Research has shown that children who do not receive a timely service input are more likely to be unemployed and to have problems with law breaking, mental health and alcohol and drug misuse (Rasmussen et al 2001). 

The Occupational Therapy service is delivered by an Occupational Therapist who forms a key part of the multidisciplinary team for children with disabilities.  The Occupational Therapist works with other team members, (including Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, Physiotherapy) to assess the needs of the child.  They work with children from 6-18 years who have a diagnosis of a physical, sensory or intellectual disability.