• Infants, children and families

• Adolescents and young adults

• Carer/parent support, coaching and education

• Educators and the wider multidisciplinary team in case conferences and collaboration

• Self Care independence (toileting, hygiene, mealtimes, dressing, showering) 

• Life skills (budgeting, community access, cooking)

• Managing transitions and daily routines

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Handwriting and classroom participation

• Play and social skill development

• Sensory regulation and emotional development 

• Executive functioning skill development 

• Nature play

Infants may be referred to an OT for various concerns. Some common referral reasons include:

Motor Development Concerns

• Delayed milestones (e.g., not rolling, sitting, crawling, or standing at expected ages)

• Poor muscle tone (low or high tone affecting movement and posture)

• Difficulty with tummy time (discomfort, crying, or inability to lift head)

• Weak grasp or difficulty holding onto objects

• Poor coordination or asymmetry in movements

Self Care Challenges

• Struggling with transitioning to solid foods

• Gagging, choking, or refusing textures

• Difficulty using a spoon or finger feeding

• Positioning and posture during mealtimes

• Sleep routine challenges

Sensory Processing Challenges

• Overreaction to touch, textures, or certain clothing

• Difficulty tolerating loud sounds or bright lights

• Seeming unaware of pain or seeking excessive movement

• Trouble calming down when upset (difficulty with self-regulation)

Cognitive and Play Skills Delays

• Limited interest in toys or difficulty engaging in play

• Difficulties with object exploration (e.g., not reaching for or manipulating toys)

• Lack of curiosity or reduced engagement with the environment

Toddlers may be referred to an OT for various concerns. Some common referral reasons include:

Fine Motor and Hand Skills Delays

• Difficulty using hands for play (e.g., stacking blocks, holding crayons)

• Trouble using a pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up small objects

• Avoiding activities that require hand use (e.g., puzzles, turning pages in books)

• Struggles with hand strength (e.g., difficulty opening containers, holding utensils)

Gross Motor and Coordination Issues

• Difficulty walking, running, jumping, or climbing

• Frequent falling, clumsiness, or difficulty balancing

• Poor coordination with two-handed tasks (e.g., catching a ball, using both hands for play)

Sensory Processing Concerns

• Overreacting to certain textures (e.g., refusing to touch messy or sticky substances)

• Avoiding or seeking out movement (e.g., constantly spinning, crashing into things)

• Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or clothing textures

• Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine

Feeding and Mealtime Difficulties

• Strong food preferences or refusal to eat certain textures

• Mealtime participation

• Difficulty using a spoon, fork, or open cup independently

Self-Care and Daily Living Skills Delays

• Challenges dressing or undressing (e.g., putting on shoes, pulling up pants)

• Difficulty with toilet training or recognizing when they need to go

• Unable to wash hands or use utensils appropriately for their age

• Challenges with sleep routines

Social and Play Skill Concerns

• Difficulty engaging in pretend play or interacting with peers

• Prefers to play alone and struggles with turn-taking or sharing

• Limited engagement with toys or difficulty staying focused during play

Emotional Regulation and Behaviour

• Frequent meltdowns or difficulty calming down

• Struggles to follow simple instructions or routines

• Gets easily frustrated with new tasks and avoids challenges

Children may be referred to an OT for various reasons. Some common referral reasons include:

Fine Motor and Handwriting Difficulties

• Poor pencil grasp or trouble holding a pencil correctly

• Difficulty with handwriting (e.g., letter formation, spacing, speed)

• Trouble cutting with scissors or manipulating small objects

• Weak hand strength (e.g., struggles to open containers, use zippers or buttons)

• Avoidance of writing or fine motor tasks

Gross Motor and Coordination Issues

• Difficulty with balance, coordination, or motor planning

• Clumsiness, frequent tripping, or struggling with playground activities

• Trouble with jumping, skipping, or riding a bike

• Poor posture or difficulty sitting still for extended periods

Sensory Processing Concerns

• Overly sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or certain fabrics (e.g., avoids messy play, refuses certain clothing)

• Seeks excessive movement (e.g., constantly spinning, crashing into objects, climbing excessively)

• Avoids or craves deep pressure (e.g., avoids hugs or seeks tight squeezes)

• Difficulty tolerating noisy environments (e.g., covering ears, becoming overwhelmed)

Emotional Regulation and Behavioural Challenges

• Frequent meltdowns or difficulty calming down when upset

• Struggles with transitions, routine changes, or unexpected situations

• Difficulty following instructions or maintaining focus

• Becomes frustrated easily and avoids challenging tasks

• Difficulty expressing emotions appropriately

Social and Play Skills Concerns

• Struggles to playing with peers

• Difficulty understanding social cues and interactions

Self-Care and Daily Living Skills Delays

• Struggles with dressing (e.g., buttons, zippers, tying shoes)

• Difficulty with toileting independence

• Trouble using utensils, opening food packaging, or drinking from an open cup

• Avoidance of hygiene tasks (e.g., brushing teeth, hair washing, bathing)

Executive Functioning and Attention Difficulties

• Transitioning during routines

• Difficulty staying on task or following multi-step directions

• Trouble organising materials (e.g., backpack, schoolwork)

• Easily distracted or has trouble completing tasks independently

• Poor problem-solving or difficulty adapting to new challenges

Feeding and Mealtime Concerns

• Limited food preferences or extreme food aversions

• Gagging or choking frequently while eating

• Refusing to eat certain textures or types of food

• Participating in mealtime

Adolescents may be referred to an OT for various reasons. Some common referral reasons include:

Fine Motor and Handwriting Difficulties

• Illegible handwriting that affects schoolwork and confidence

• Poor grip on a pencil, fatigue when writing, or slow writing speed

• Difficulty using tools such as scissors, rulers, or typing on a keyboard

• Poor hand strength affecting daily tasks (e.g., opening containers, buttoning clothes)

Gross Motor and Coordination Issues

• Difficulty with balance and coordination (e.g., struggles with sports, riding a bike)

• Clumsiness or frequent tripping/falling

• Poor posture affecting school performance (e.g., difficulty sitting upright for long periods)

• Challenges with activities requiring hand-eye coordination (e.g., catching or throwing a ball)

Sensory Processing Challenges

• Overly sensitive to textures, sounds, lights, or smells (e.g., avoids certain clothing, struggles in noisy classrooms)

• Seeks excessive movement (e.g., fidgeting, rocking, difficulty sitting still)

• Avoids or craves deep pressure (e.g., dislikes hugs, or constantly seeks tight clothing or weighted blankets)

• Overwhelmed in busy environments (e.g., malls, concerts, crowded classrooms)

Managing Emotions

• Difficulty managing emotions, frequent outbursts, or meltdowns

• Struggles with coping strategies for stress, anxiety, or frustration

• Low self-esteem due to difficulties with school tasks or social interactions

• Challenges adapting to changes in routine or transitioning between tasks

• Mental health impacting daily function and school performance

• Difficulty coping with stress and pressure from academic or social demands

Executive Functioning and Attention Difficulties

• Struggles with organisation and time management (e.g., forgetting homework, missing deadlines)

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions

• Challenges planning and prioritising tasks (e.g., breaking down large assignments)

• Easily distracted or has trouble focusing in school

• Poor problem-solving or difficulty adapting to new situations

Social Skills and Peer Interaction Difficulties

• Struggles with social interactions, making or maintaining friendships

• Difficulty understanding social cues and non-verbal communication

• Avoidance of group activities or social situations due to anxiety or lack of confidence

• Struggles with self-identity, confidence, and self-advocacy

Self-Care and Daily Living Skill Challenges

• Difficulty with personal hygiene (e.g., brushing teeth, showering, managing body odour)

• Struggles with dressing (e.g., tying shoes, choosing appropriate clothing for the weather)

• Struggles with sleep routine

• Challenges with money management, budgeting, or using public transportation

• Difficulty preparing meals and using kitchen tools safely

Academic Challenges

• Difficulty completing written assignments or taking notes efficiently

• Struggles to stay focused in class and follow instructions

• Poor organisation of school materials (e.g., messy backpack, lost assignments)

• Difficulty using technology for schoolwork (e.g., typing, using assistive devices)

Vocational Readiness and Independent Living Skills

• Struggles with job applications, resumes, or interview skills

• Difficulty understanding workplace expectations and time management

• Challenges with independent decision-making and problem-solving

• Needs support in transitioning to post-school life, such as paid employment