Occupational Therapy
What we do
Occupational Therapists (OTs) at SickKids help children participate in everyday activities that are important to them. We work closely with patients, families and the health-care team to support function, independence, and quality of life during and after hospitalization.
All Occupational Therapists at SickKids are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
When might your child see an occupational therapist?
- Feeding or swallowing
- Development or movement
- Hand or arm function
- Everyday activities such as dressing, eating or self-care
- Thinking skills such as memory or attention
- Recovery following illness, injury or surgery
Our team
Occupational therapy services at SickKids are provided by a team of professionals who work together to support your child's care. Depending on your child's needs, you and your family may work with an occupational therapist, an occupational therapy practitioner or an occupational therapy assistant.
Occupational Therapy Practitioners provide specialized care for children with complex hand and upper limb conditions. They work closely with families and the health-care team to assess needs, develop treatment plans and coordinate care.
Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists and physiotherapists. They help carry out treatment plans and provide direct support to children receiving rehabilitation services.
Neurodevelopment
OTs assess your child's movement, muscle tone, sensory processing and developmental skills to make sure your child develops the development skills needed for everyday activities.
Feeding and swallowing safety
OTs assess feeding and swallowing to ensure your child can eat and drink safely. They provide recommendations and strategies to support feeding based on your child's needs.
Thinking skills
OTs can check how illness or injury may affect thinking skills such as memory, attention and problem-solving. They provide strategies to help your child participate in everyday activities and learning.
Arm, hand and fine motor skills
OTs can also check your child's arm, hand and fine motor skills to ensure your child builds the skills needed for everyday activities such as dressing, eating, writing and playing.
Splint fabrication
OTs create custom splints to help protect joints, support healing and improve function.
Burn and scar care
OTs may assess your child's scars and provide treatment strategies to support their healing, movement and participation in everyday activities.
Mobility equipment and assistive devices
OTs may check your child's mobility and positioning needs. Based on their findings, they may recommend equipment such as wheelchairs or seating systems to help your child move safely and participate in daily activities.
Transitioning home
OTs will work with you and our child's health-care team to support a safe transition home. This may include referrals to community services and recommendations for ongoing rehabilitation support.
Outpatient Occupational Therapy
Outpatient Occupational Therapy at SickKids is focused on children and youth who have experienced a new or significant change in function related to illness, injury or treatment. Occupational therapy (OT) supports medical and surgical care by helping children improve function, safety and participation in daily activities.
OT assessment and treatment in Rehabilitation Department
The Rehabilitation department provides limited outpatient services for children with feeding and swallowing concerns, changes in thinking skills, and upper extremity concerns.
These services are intended for children experiencing a new or acute change in function who are not receiving appropriate support in the community.
OT consultations in clinics
OTs may provide consultation through specialized clinics. These consultations may include assessment, recommendations, treatment planning and referrals to community services.
Speak with your child's health-care team if you would like to learn whether an occupational therapy consultation may be appropriate.
Student placements
Are you looking for student placements?
Learn about how you can join the Rehabilitation Department and become an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with SickKids.
Contact us
Email: occupational.therapy@sickkids.ca
Phone: 416-813-2153 (press “0” to speak to the Patient Information Coordinator)
Fax: 416-813-8557
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)