Occupational therapy for young children with developmental delay

Building the everyday foundations

For young children with global developmental delay, occupational therapy targets the practical building blocks of childhood — using their hands, playing, and managing everyday routines. Early, consistent intervention woven into daily life is what moves these skills, which is why OT works on real activities in your real home rather than clinic drills.

The focus areas:

• Fine-motor and play — the hands-on, exploratory skills learning is built on
• Daily living — dressing, mealtimes, and sleep routines
• Sensory regulation — staying settled and available to engage and learn
• Participation — being able to join in everyday family and play activities

Parents make it happen

Development accelerates through repetition in everyday moments, so OT for young children leans heavily on parent-coaching. We help you turn ordinary routines — getting dressed, playing, eating — into opportunities to build skills, all week long.

Part of a coordinated plan

GDD spans more than one area, so OT usually runs alongside speech (communication) and sometimes psychology (social and emotional development). Hey Sprout's single intake coordinates them into one plan, not separate forms and separate waits.

NDIS funding

Under the early childhood approach, children under six don't need a diagnosis to access early supports. If eligible, OT is funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. For families without NDIS funding, sessions are private-pay at the NDIS rate.