Emotional Regulation, Sensory & Social Participation.

Supporting children to regulate, connect and participate in everyday life.

When children experience challenges with emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention, or social skills, it can impact their ability to participate across different environments such as home, school, and community settings. This may affect routines, learning, friendships, and everyday interactions.

Occupational therapy supports children by identifying what is contributing to these challenges and working alongside families to build practical strategies that support regulation, engagement, and participation in daily life. This may include emotional regulation strategies, sensory supports, and parent and educator coaching to help embed skills across everyday environments.

What We Support.

  • Some children find it difficult to manage big emotions such as frustration, anxiety, or overwhelm.

    Occupational therapy helps children recognise emotions, build coping strategies, and develop regulation skills over time.

    We support children with:

    • Understanding and identifying emotions

    • Managing big feelings and frustration

    • Building coping and calming strategies

    • Developing flexibility with change and transitions

  • Some children experience differences in how they process sensory information such as noise, touch, or movement.

    This can impact participation in daily environments.

    We support children with:

    • Sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviours

    • Difficulty coping in busy or noisy environments

    • Sensory-related emotional or behavioural responses

    • Building regulation strategies for daily environments

  • Some children find it difficult to start tasks, stay engaged, or follow instructions.

    These challenges are often linked to regulation and sensory needs.

    We support children with:

    • Starting and completing tasks

    • Following instructions

    • Sustaining attention in activities

    • Managing distractions in daily environments

  • Social participation can be complex for children, particularly when communication, sensory, or regulation differences are present.

    We take a neuroaffirming approach, focusing on understanding each child’s communication style and supporting meaningful connection.

    We support children with:

    • Understanding different communication styles and social expectations

    • Developing confidence in initiating and engaging in play

    • Turn-taking, shared play, and cooperative interactions

    • Interpreting social cues in a supportive, strengths-based way

Who We Support.

We support children across day care/kindergarten and school age who may be experiencing challenges with emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention, or social participation. Every child is different, and therapy is tailored to their strengths, needs, and goals.

We’re here to help.

If you’re unsure where to start, getting support from an occupational therapist can be a helpful first step.