What is Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy?
In Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy we work with children, young people and their families to guide and support the child in overcoming challenges they experience when carrying out everyday activities that they need, want, or are expected to do. Occupational Therapy aims to support children to be as independent as possible in their day to day lives.
Is Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy suitable for my child?
If your child is having difficulty completing everyday activities at home or in school then they may benefit from Occupational Therapy. Difficulties may fall into one of the following categories, some examples include:
- Self-care activities - dressing, washing, toileting, feeding, grooming (brushing hair, brushing teeth)
- Movement and coordination – balance skills, ball skills, hand-eye coordination
- School work activities – colouring, handwriting, organisational skills
- Leisure activities – play, sports, social interaction
A National Programme and reconfiguration of Paediatric Services using a new service model called ‘Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People’ has commenced across the country. Children who experience complex functional difficulties and require support within a team will be referred to their local Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT). Children with non-complex functional needs will be seen by Primary Care Services. For more information about this please refer to the PDS Programme.
Who may be referred to South Tipperary Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy? (Children must meet all of the following criteria)
- Aged 0-18 years or up until completion of second level education
- Reside in the South Tipperary/North Waterford catchment area
- Experience non-complex functional difficulties that stop them taking part in their daily activities - these can be fine or gross motor skills difficulties or problems with their self-care or daily living skills.
- Not currently attending the following services: CDNT (Children’s Disability Network Team) or CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Service) and not on a waiting list for CDNT.
Who can refer to South Tipperary Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy?
- GP’s
- Teachers
- Healthcare professionals – Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Paediatricians etc
- Parental referrals for initial assessment are not accepted by primary care occupational therapy services
- Parents can only refer their child if he/she has previously been seen by an Occupational Therapist within the Department
Tips and strategies
The following handouts have been designed by Cork & Kerry Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapists to provide you with tips and strategies to help develop your child's skills as they grow. Further advice specific to your child's strengths and needs can be provided upon meeting with your Occupational Therapist.
Contact information
Network 4
Email: OT.CentralTipperary@hse.ie
Phone: 062 27 905
Address: Network 4 Occupational Therapy,
Cnoc na Ri,
St. Patricks Campus,
Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
E25DX72
Network 5
Email: OT.CHN5@hse.ie
Phone: 052 618 3405
Address: Network 5 Occupational Therapy Department,
South Tipperary Therapy Services Centre,
Western Road,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
E91 K2X0
