OT for children with ADHD in Ottawa

Occupational therapy (OT) looks at the everyday things your child needs and wants to do. Our registered occupational therapists come to you. We see children and youth at home, at school or online across Ottawa.

What OT can work on

We set goals with you and your child, based on your child's real day. Areas we often look at include:

• Daily routines. Morning and bedtime routines, getting dressed, packing a bag and getting out the door.

• Organization and planning. Simple systems for starting tasks, following steps and keeping track of belongings.

• Regulation. Strategies that help your child notice how their body feels and find a "just right" level for the task.

• Sensory needs. Some children seek movement or touch. Others are bothered by noise or busy spaces. We look for ways to meet these needs during the day. See our sensory processing page.

• Motor skills. Handwriting, cutting, coordination and ball skills. Some children with ADHD also have motor coordination challenges. See our DCD page.

• School participation. Seating, movement breaks, desk set-up, written work and transitions. With your consent, we can share ideas with your child's school team.

• Homework and attention to tasks. Setting up the space and the steps so tasks feel more manageable.

We build on your child's strengths and interests. Our goal is to support participation in daily life.

Signs you may want to discuss with an OT

You may want to talk to an OT if your child:

• Has trouble getting through morning or bedtime routines

• Struggles to start or finish tasks, even ones they want to do

• Often loses or forgets belongings

• Finds it very hard to sit for meals, class or homework

• Has messy or tiring handwriting

• Seems clumsy, or bumps into things often

• Has strong reactions to noise, crowds or certain textures

• Finds transitions between activities hard

These are examples only. If daily life feels hard for your child or family, it is worth a conversation.

A diagnosis is not required

You do not need an ADHD diagnosis to see an OT. You also do not need a doctor's referral. We focus on your child's daily needs, with or without a diagnosis.

Occupational therapists do not diagnose ADHD. A diagnosis is made by other health professionals, such as a physician or psychologist. OTs also do not prescribe or give advice on medication. If you have questions about a diagnosis or medication, please speak with your family doctor or paediatrician.

How our process works

1. Free 15-minute call. We talk about your concerns and answer your questions.

2. Initial assessment. A registered OT meets your child at home, at school or online. We learn about your child's strengths, needs and goals.

3. A planned block of 10 sessions. Sessions are planned around your child's goals. We do not offer single sessions. Planned blocks let us track progress over time.

4. A written debrief after every session. You get a summary of what we worked on and ideas to try at home.

5. Bingo Books. As part of care, we create custom OT activity guides for your child. They make practice between sessions simple and fun.

6. Review and next steps. At the end of each block, we review progress with you and plan what comes next.

Written OT reports for insurance or school are available.

Paying for OT

Many families use workplace health benefits. Fees paid to a registered OT in Ontario may also be claimed as a medical expense on your taxes. See our funding page for details. See our funding page.

Frequently asked questions

Can OT help at school?

OT can look at how your child takes part at school, such as seating, written work and routines. With your consent and the school's agreement, we can see your child at school and share ideas with teachers.

Is OT a replacement for other ADHD care?

No. OT is one part of support. It can work alongside care from your child's doctor, school and other professionals.

How long does OT take?

Every child is different. We start with a block of 10 sessions. At the end, we review progress together and talk about whether more sessions would help.

What is a Bingo Book?

A Bingo Book is a custom activity guide we make for your child. It is part of your child's care and helps carry the work into everyday life. See our Bingo Books page.

Talk to us

Wondering if OT could help your child? We are happy to talk it through.

Book a free 15-minute call

Related: sensory processing · autism · DCD · funding