Occupational Therapy for Children

Occupational Therapy for Children focuses on the development of skills for life. The goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable the child to perform functional tasks and activities at home, in school and the community.

Developing and mastering skills in everyday self-care, school and leisure activities such as dressing, eating, handwriting and riding a bike can enhance a child’s self-confidence and independence.

Occupational Therapists work with parents and teachers.

Who we see

Pre-primary, primary school and secondary school aged children.
Children that are between the ages of 0 to 18 years and 11 months / who are still enrolled in Secondary School.
Children who are experiencing difficulty with their daily living skills as a result of motor skill or sensory difficulties.
Children living in HSE North Dublin area: Artane, Ayrfield, Balbriggan, Baldoyle, Balgriffin, Ballyboughal, Balrothery, Beaumont, Belmayne, Clarehall, Clongriffin, Clonshaugh, Coolock, Darndale, Donabate, Donaghmede, Edenmore, Garristown, Harmonstown, Howth, Kilbarrack, Killester, Kilmore, Kinsealy, Lusk, Malahide, Naul, Oldtown, Portmarnock, Portrane, Priorswood, Raheny, Rush, Santry, Skerries, St. Margaret’s, Sutton, Stamullen (Dublin North part), Swords and The Ward.

Please note we do not provide an OT service in primary care to children with complex needs who are attending or on a waiting list for an Interdisciplinary Team Service more suitable to their needs such as:

Children’s Disability Network Team Child
Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Making a referral

Anyone can refer to our service, with permission from parent or guardian.

Fill out the Children’s Services Referral Form and send it to your local Primary Care Centre by email, fax or post.

Download the Children’s Services Referral Form below or get one from your local health centre.

Children's Services Referral Form (PDF, 580 KB, 10 pages)

Referral forms must be filled out in full with all relevant information included. Please note that incomplete referrals will not be accepted and will be returned to the referral source.

Parents or guardians need to sign the referral form.

We recommend including any previous assessment reports, school reports or other relevant supplementary information to support the referral.

What to expect

Our service is free.

When a referral is accepted parents or guardians will be invited to an online information session. You will learn more about the service and develop a greater understanding of why your child may be experiencing difficulties.

Your child will be waitlisted for an assessment in a clinic. They may need further assessments. This will be discussed with you and may include clinic or school-based assessments.

We identify family-centred goals for therapy.

Intervention to achieve these goals is offered through:

home or school-based programmes
activity ideas and strategies
parent workshops and education sessions
individual therapy sessions where appropriate and resources allow