PAEDIATRIC OT
Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Ottawa
Ottawa OT is a mobile paediatric occupational therapy practice. Our registered occupational therapists see children and youth at home, at school or online across Ottawa.
We help kids build the skills they use every day. That includes printing, getting dressed, managing big feelings and keeping up with the school day.
If you are searching for pediatric occupational therapy in Ottawa, this page is a good place to start. It explains what OT is, who it can help, and how care works with us.
What is paediatric occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps people take part in the activities that matter to them. For adults, that might be work or cooking. For children, the main "occupations" are playing, learning, making friends and looking after themselves.
A paediatric occupational therapist looks closely at why a task is hard for a child. The reason might be hand strength, posture or body awareness. It might be attention, planning or how the child responds to sound, touch and movement.
Once we understand the reason, we plan how to help. We may build a skill, adapt the task, or change the setting. Often it is a mix of all three.
OT for kids is usually play-based. A session may look like a game, a craft, an obstacle course or a puzzle. Each activity has a purpose linked to your child's goals.
Who paediatric OT helps
We work with children and youth. Parents, teachers and doctors often suggest OT when a child:
finds printing or handwriting slow, messy or tiring
has trouble with scissors, buttons, zippers or utensils
seems clumsy, tires quickly, or avoids sports and the playground
is very bothered by noise, clothing tags, textures or busy places
seeks out a lot of movement, crashing or touching
has big feelings that are hard to settle
struggles to get organized, start tasks or follow routines
is getting ready for kindergarten or a new school
finds mealtimes stressful or eats a very small range of foods
You do not need to be sure your child needs OT before you reach out. A short conversation can help you decide on next steps.
Skills we work on
Every child is different. Here are the main areas we support. Each one links to a page with more detail.
Handwriting
Handwriting draws on many skills at once. These include posture, pencil grip, letter formation, spacing and visual-motor control. We find out which parts are getting in the way. Then we use short, focused practice that feels like play. We also suggest classroom strategies where they can help. Learn more about handwriting support.
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are the small movements of the hands and fingers. Children use them to cut with scissors, do up buttons, build with blocks, colour and hold a pencil. We work on strength, control and coordination through hands-on activities. Learn more about fine motor skills.
Sensory processing and self-regulation
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and responds to information from the senses. Some children feel sensations very strongly. Others need more input to notice them. These differences can affect behaviour, attention, sleep and mood. We help children and families understand sensory needs and build strategies for calm, focused days. Learn more about sensory processing.
Self-care and feeding
Self-care covers daily routines such as dressing, brushing teeth, washing hands and toileting. Feeding includes using utensils and trying new foods. We break these tasks into small steps. We also look at the tools and routines that can make them easier at home. Learn more about self-care and feeding.
Executive function and attention
Executive function skills help children plan, organize, start tasks and stay on track. They also help with switching between activities and remembering steps. We use visual supports, routines and practice to build these skills for home and school. Learn more about executive function and attention.
School readiness
Starting school asks a lot of a young child. They need to sit for circle time, follow routines, open lunch containers and manage the washroom. Early printing and scissor skills matter too. We help children build these skills before and during the move to school. Learn more about school readiness.
Motor coordination
Motor coordination covers balance, ball skills, jumping, climbing and riding a bike. It also includes motor planning, which is the ability to figure out and carry out a new movement. We use active play to build coordination and confidence in movement. Learn more about motor coordination.
Conditions we support
Many children we see have a diagnosis. Many do not. OT focuses on what your child needs and wants to do, not on a label.
We often support children who have:
learning differences or developmental delays
No diagnosis is needed to start OT. You also do not need a doctor's referral. Occupational therapists do not diagnose autism or ADHD. If our assessment raises questions, we can share our findings with you to bring to your doctor or another health professional.
How care works
We keep the process clear, so you know what to expect at each step.
1. Free 15-minute call
We start with a short phone call. You tell us about your child and what you are noticing. We explain how we work and answer your questions. There is no obligation to book.
2. Initial OT assessment
The assessment helps us understand your child's strengths and challenges. It may include standardized tests, observation, play-based tasks and questions for you. With your consent, we may also ask for input from your child's teacher. Afterward, we review what we found and set goals with you.
3. A planned 10-session block
We offer therapy in planned blocks of 10 sessions. We do not book single sessions.
Skills grow with regular, steady practice. A block lets us plan each session as a step toward your child's goals. It also gives your family a clear plan and a set schedule from the start.
4. A written debrief after every session
After each session, you receive a written debrief. It explains what we worked on, what we noticed and what to try before the next visit. You always know where things stand, even if you were not in the room.
5. Bingo Books
Bingo Books are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Each one is made for your child's goals. Your child picks activities from the card and works across it between sessions. It is a simple, playful way to keep practice going at home, and it is part of our care.
6. Review
At the end of the block, we review progress toward the goals with you. Together, we decide on next steps. That may be another block, a break with a home plan, or wrapping up.
Where we see children
Ottawa OT is a mobile practice. Our therapists come to you, or meet you online.
At home. Many skills, like dressing and mealtimes, are easiest to practise where they happen.
At school. We can work with your child in their school setting, with the school's agreement and your consent.
Online. Virtual OT can work well for some goals, such as handwriting practice, routines and parent coaching.
We see families across Ottawa, including:
See all our service areas. Not sure if we cover your area? Ask us during your free call.
Paying for OT
OHIP does not cover private occupational therapy. Many families use extended health benefits through work or a private plan. Coverage for OT varies from plan to plan, so check your policy. Ask how much it covers per year and whether it needs a doctor's note.
Here is how payment works with us:
E-transfer only. We accept payment by e-transfer.
Receipts. You receive a receipt for each payment to submit to your insurer.
Reports for insurance. If your insurer asks for more detail, we can provide a written OT report.
OT costs may qualify as a medical expense on your tax return. Check CRA guidance for current rules.
Some families also use funding programs. Learn more on our funding page.
Our team
Ottawa OT is owned by Erin Victor. Every occupational therapist on our team is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). You can check any Ontario OT's registration on the COTO public register.
Our therapists follow COTO standards of practice. We also follow Ontario's privacy law for health information (PHIPA). We only share information about your child with your consent.
French is available with some of our therapists. Let us know when you reach out if you would like a French-speaking OT.
Meet the people behind Ottawa OT on our team page.
Book a free 15-minute call
Have questions about your child's development? We are happy to talk them through with you.
The call is free and there is no obligation. We will listen to your concerns, explain how OT works and help you decide on next steps.
To book, email support@ottawaot.com or use our contact form.
Related reading
Browse all our Parent Guides.
NEXT STEP
Book a free 15-minute call
Call 613-797-9644 or email support@ottawaot.com to book a free 15-minute call. There is no obligation.