What is 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.
Who we see
- Children aged 0-18.
- Children living within HSE Dublin North West network areas of Blanchardstown, Blakestown, Finglas and Cabra (Dublin 7, Dublin 11, Dublin 15)
- Children who are experiencing difficulty with their daily living skills as a result of motor skill or sensory difficulties.
- If your child is attending or on a waiting list for the following services, it has been determined that a multi-disciplinary team-based service best suits your child’s needs and they will not be seen in Primary Care;
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Child Disability Network Team (CDNT)
What to expect
- When a referral is accepted Parents / Guardians will be invited to an information session. You will learn more about the service and develop a greater understanding of why your child may be experiencing difficulties. You must attend this information session.
- Following attendance at the information session, your child will be waitlisted for a clinic-based assessment. Further assessment may be required. This will be discussed with you and may include clinic or school-based assessments.
- Family-centred goals for therapy are identified. Intervention to achieve these goals is offered through:
- Home / School-based programmes
- Activity ideas and strategies
- Parent workshops and education sessions
Other services we provide
Parent Advice Clinic
Available to Parents/ Guardians of children whether known or unknown to the Primary Care Occupational Therapy service.
Parents / Guardians can meet with an Occupational Therapist for 30 minutes, to get ideas and strategies to support the development of a specific skill area, such as handwriting or dressing skills, organisation.
Teacher Education sessions
All staff in primary schools within Dublin North West are invited to attend Occupational Therapy teacher education sessions. These sessions are facilitated four times yearly depending on staffing. These sessions provide teachers with a greater understanding of the impact of motor and sensory difficulties in the classroom.
Teachers are provided with practical strategies and resource pack to support children with motor and sensory difficulties in school.
Locations
Corduff Primary Care Centre (for those living in Dublin 15)
Blackcourt Road
Corduff
Dublin 15
Grangegorman Primary Care Centre (for those living in Dublin 7 and Dublin 11)
Grangegorman Upper Road,
Dublin 7
Cost of service
There is no cost to see a Primary Care Occupational Therapist. Our service is free.
Making a referral
Anyone can refer to our service, with permission from parent/guardian.
All referrals should be on the Children’s Services Referral Form and sent to the Central Referral Office by email, fax or post.
You can get this form by printing from here Children's Services Referral Form (PDF, 580 KB, 10 pages), or by calling into your local health centre.
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/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.
Parent Webinar series
School staff webinar series
Transition to primary and secondary school webinars
Developmental Coordination Disorder and Autism
Tips to help with learning skills
