Occupational Therapy for Kids in Orléans

A bilingual community

Orléans has a large francophone population. It has long been one of Ontario's main Franco-Ontarian centres. Many families here speak French at home, English at home, or both.

Some families prefer therapy in the language their child uses most. If you would like your child to work with a French-speaking OT, tell us when you first reach out. We will let you know who is available.

Not bilingual? That is fine too. Sessions are also offered in English.

Neighbourhoods we serve

We visit families across Orléans, east of the Greenbelt and along the Ottawa River. This includes:

• Convent Glen and Orléans Wood

• Queenswood Heights and Queenswood Village

• Fallingbrook and Chapel Hill

• Avalon and Notting Gate

• Chatelaine Village, Châteauneuf and Bilberry Creek

• Cardinal Creek and Notre-Dame-des-Champs

We also serve nearby Gloucester. If you are farther east, ask about coverage during your free call.

Working with your child's school

Orléans has schools from all four Ottawa school boards. That includes many French-language schools.

• CEPEO (Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario), French public

• CECCE (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est), French Catholic

• OCDSB (Ottawa-Carleton District School Board), English public

• OCSB (Ottawa Catholic School Board), English Catholic

Some children attend a French-language school but get support in English, or the other way around. We can work with this. With your consent, we can share strategies with your child's teacher, in the language that works for the classroom where possible.

School visits need the school's agreement and your written consent. Each school sets its own rules for outside providers.

Other places we see children

• At home. Good for dressing, mealtimes, bedtime and homework routines.

• At daycare or preschool. Useful for play, transitions and getting ready for kindergarten, where the centre agrees.

• Online. A good fit for some goals, like printing practice, organization and parent coaching.

What we help with

Families in Orléans reach out about many of the same things as families across Ottawa. These include:

• printing, handwriting and fine motor skills

• sensory processing and self-regulation

• self-care, such as dressing and feeding

• organization, attention and routines

• balance, coordination and confidence in movement

A diagnosis is not needed. You can contact us directly, without a referral.

How care is structured

We begin with a free 15-minute call, then an initial OT assessment. Therapy is planned in blocks of 10 sessions, never single sessions. This gives your child time to practise and build skills, and gives you a clear plan.

You receive a written debrief after every session. Your child also gets a Bingo Book, a custom OT activity guide inspired by bingo, to use between visits. At the end of each block, we review progress with you and decide on next steps.

Practical notes for Orléans families

• Language preference. Tell us early if you want a French-speaking OT, so we can plan around availability.

• Everyday practice. Bingo Book activities can fit into your week. That might be a trip to Petrie Island, a walk in your neighbourhood or an errand at Place d'Orléans.

• Insurance. Many extended health plans include OT. Check your coverage and whether your plan asks for a doctor's note.

• Payment. We accept e-transfer only. You receive a receipt for each payment.

• Reports. We can provide written OT reports for school or insurance, with your consent.

Learn more on our paediatric occupational therapy page, on our service areas page or in our FAQ.

Book a free 15-minute call

Curious whether OT could help your child? Email support@ottawaot.com or use our contact form to book a free 15-minute call. French is available with some therapists. There is no obligation.