Self-Care & Independence
Dressing, eating, toileting and sleep routines are complex skills. OT breaks them down and builds independence step by step.
Areas we work on
- Dressing and undressing, including fasteners and shoes
- Toileting routines and toilet training
- Mealtimes — using cutlery, a broader range of foods, sitting for a meal
- Grooming — teeth, hair, hand washing, bathing
- Sleep routines and the wind-down before bed
- For older children and adults — cooking, money, transport and other life skills
How we help
An occupational therapist looks at three things: the task, the environment, and the person’s skills. Then we work on whichever gives the quickest win — breaking the task into teachable steps, adapting it (a different tool, a visual sequence), changing the setup, and building the underlying skills like strength, coordination or regulation. Families are coached so the routine works every day, not just in a session.
When to reach out
If a daily routine is a persistent battle, is well behind what is typical for the age, or is limiting what your child or family can do, an assessment will show where to start.
Common Questions
Still not sure? Call the clinic on 0493 719 759 and we'll talk it through.
My child “can” do it but won’t — is that OT?
Often, yes. When a skill is hard, effortful or overwhelming, refusal is a common response. OT looks at why it is hard and makes it more manageable, which usually shifts the behaviour.
Can you help with toilet training specifically?
Yes — including for children where sensory, motor or regulation factors are making standard approaches difficult.