Occupational Therapy for Kids in Nepean

Therapy happens in the places where your child lives, learns and plays. There is no clinic waiting room and no extra drive across town.

Neighbourhoods we visit in Nepean

Nepean covers a wide stretch of Ottawa between the Greenbelt and the Rideau River. We see families in neighbourhoods such as:

• Centrepointe, Craig Henry and Tanglewood

• Bells Corners, Lynwood Village and Qualicum

• Bayshore, Crystal Beach and Lakeview Park

• Carlington, Parkwood Hills and Fisher Heights

• Merivale Gardens, Arlington Woods and Leslie Park

Families in Barrhaven, south of the Greenbelt, can read our page on occupational therapy in Barrhaven. If you are not sure whether we come to your street, ask during your free call.

Where sessions take place

At home

Home is often the best place to work on daily routines. We can practise getting dressed, brushing teeth, mealtimes and setting up a homework spot. Using your child's own space helps the skills carry over once the session ends.

At school

Nepean children attend schools in all four Ottawa boards: OCDSB, OCSB, CEPEO and CECCE. With the school's agreement and your written consent, we can see your child during the school day. School visits work well for printing, scissor skills, sitting at a desk and handling busy times like recess and lunch. With your permission, we can also share practical ideas with your child's teacher.

At daycare or preschool

For younger children, a session at daycare can target play, sharing, transitions and early fine motor skills. We only visit a centre when it agrees to have us.

Online

Some goals suit virtual sessions, such as handwriting practice, planning and organization, or coaching for parents. Online visits can also keep therapy going on a week when an in-person visit is hard to fit in.

Common reasons Nepean families call us

Each child is different. Parents often contact us about:

• Printing and handwriting that is slow, hard to read or tiring.

• Fine motor skills like buttons, zippers, cutting and using utensils.

• Sensory differences such as strong reactions to noise, clothing or food textures.

• Attention and organization at home and in the classroom.

• Getting ready for school, including the skills a child needs for kindergarten or grade 1.

You do not need a doctor's referral or a diagnosis to start OT with us.

How we work with your family

1. Free 15-minute call. You share what you are seeing, and we explain our approach.

2. Initial assessment. We look at your child's strengths and needs, and set goals with you.

3. A 10-session block. Sessions are planned as a block rather than booked one at a time, so your child gets steady practice.

4. A written debrief after each visit. You get a short summary of what we did and what to try next.

5. Bingo Books. Your child gets custom activity guides, set up like a bingo card, to practise between visits.

6. Progress review. At the end of the block, we review goals together and plan next steps.

Good to know

• Visit planning. We group visits by part of the city. Letting us know your preferred days early helps us find a time that works.

• Practice in everyday places. Bingo Book activities can fit into a trip to a local park, the library or the grocery store.

• Payment. We accept e-transfer only. You receive a receipt for each payment. Many extended health plans cover OT, so check your plan.

• French. Some of our therapists offer sessions in French. Just ask.

Read more on our paediatric occupational therapy page, see all our service areas, or browse our FAQ.