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    Occupational Therapy

    Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Truganina & Melbourne's West

    Play-based occupational therapy that helps kids build confidence, independence and everyday life skills at home, school and in the community — from our Truganina clinic, local visits in Melbourne's west, and telehealth across Australia.

    Occupational therapist helping child with stacking blocks in colorful therapy room

    Occupational therapy that fits real family life

    Neuro-Affirming OT

    Respects each child's unique way of thinking, moving and learning.

    Dedicated Paediatric Clinic

    In Truganina supporting kids across Melbourne's western suburbs.

    Specialised Therapists

    Fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care and social participation.

    Flexible Support

    Clinic, home, kinder/school in western suburbs, plus telehealth Australia-wide.

    Practical & Evidence-Based

    Woven into everyday routines so progress shows up in real life.

    Everyday skills OT can support

    Occupational Therapy at Hop & Learn focuses on the skills children need to join in, keep up and feel good about themselves.

    Fine Motor & School Skills

    • Pencil grip, handwriting and drawing
    • Using scissors, buttons, zips and cutlery
    • Building strength and control in small hand muscles

    Self-Care & Independence

    • Dressing, undressing and managing fastenings
    • Eating and mealtimes (utensils, sitting, routines)
    • Toileting routines and hygiene
    • Morning and bedtime routines

    Sensory Processing & Regulation

    • Kids who are "always on the go" or find it hard to sit still
    • Over- or under-responsiveness to sounds, touch, movement or textures
    • Meltdowns, big feelings and difficulty calming after busy days

    Play, Social & Community

    • Taking turns and sharing
    • Joining group games and kinder/school activities
    • Building confidence in new places and with new people

    If you're not sure whether your child's challenges fall under OT, you can still start with us — we'll help you work it out together.

    Kids who may benefit from occupational therapy

    We support children from early years through primary school and some teens, including those who:

    • Are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent and need help with routines, sensory differences, or social participation.
    • Have developmental delays affecting coordination, fine motor skills, self-care or play.
    • Have difficulty keeping up with school tasks — handwriting, cutting, organising belongings or following multi-step instructions.
    • Find busy, noisy environments overwhelming or shut down in new or crowded places.
    • Have diagnoses such as ADHD, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy or learning differences — or are still going through assessment.

    You don't need a formal diagnosis to start OT. If something feels harder than it should be, that's enough reason to reach out.

    Neuro-affirming, play-based and practical

    At Hop & Learn, our OTs:

    Start with your child's strengths and interests — we build on what they love, not just what's hard.

    Use play, movement and hands-on activities to make sessions fun and meaningful.

    Partner closely with parents, carers, and where appropriate, teachers and support coordinators.

    Keep goals functional (e.g. "getting ready for school" vs "improve fine motor skills") so progress is easy to see.

    Provide clear, manageable ideas to use between sessions rather than overwhelming families with huge lists.

    In the clinic, out in the community, or online

    We'll work with you to choose the setting that suits your child best and fits your family's schedule.

    Clinic Sessions

    Our purpose-built clinic at Unit 19/43 Bonview Cct, Truganina, is set up for movement, play and hands-on activities.

    Home & Community

    OT at home, kinder, school or in the community around Truganina and nearby suburbs (subject to availability).

    Telehealth OT

    Sessions via secure video, especially helpful for regional families, busy parents or kids more comfortable at home.

    We'll talk through all options during your intake so you can make an informed choice.

    What happens when you start OT with Hop & Learn?

    1

    Get in Touch

    Complete our online referral form and tell us what you've noticed — what's going well and what feels harder. Share any reports or assessment results you already have.

    2

    Initial OT Assessment

    Your child's OT will meet you (in the clinic, community or via telehealth) to understand your child's strengths, sensory profile, motor skills, self-care and participation.

    3

    Agree on Goals & Plan

    Together, we set a small number of clear, meaningful goals and agree on how often sessions will be, where they'll happen, and how we'll work with your child's team.

    4

    Therapy Sessions

    Sessions are playful, structured and based on your child's needs. We'll model strategies, coach you as the parent/carer, and give practical ideas for everyday routines.

    5

    Review & Adjust

    We check in regularly to see what's improving, what's still tricky and whether goals need to change. Therapy might be ongoing, in short blocks, or with planned breaks.

    Families' experiences with OT at Hop & Learn

    "Their child is more confident with daily tasks like dressing, eating and school routines."

    Parent feedback

    "Meltdowns and big emotions happen less often or are easier to navigate."

    Parent feedback

    "Teachers and educators notice improvements in participation and independence."

    Parent feedback

    You'll find more detailed feedback in our Google reviews.

    Occupational Therapy FAQs

    Reviews
    5.0

    Based on 6 reviews from Google

    S

    Sarah M.

    2 months ago

    "The whole team has been amazing with our son. He's so much more confident now and actually enjoys going to therapy! The therapists are patient, creative and genuinely care about every child."

    Google Review
    D

    David L.

    3 months ago

    "Finally found a clinic that really understands our daughter. The communication between OT and Speech is seamless. We've seen incredible progress in just a few months."

    Google Review
    P

    Priya R.

    1 month ago

    "We've seen such great progress with handwriting and regulation. The strategies work at home and school. Highly recommend Hop & Learn to any family in the west!"

    Google Review
    From the Blog

    Practical ideas for calmer routines, clearer communication, and confident next steps

    Explore quick reads from founder Rutu Patel on sensory needs, speech and language, school readiness, and the everyday therapy wins that matter most at home.

    Newsletter

    Helpful updates for busy parents and carers

    Get a gentle round-up of new articles, practical therapy ideas, and family-friendly resources from Hop & Learn delivered straight to your inbox.

    No spam, just thoughtful updates, occasional resources, and therapy insights you can actually use.

    Wondering if OT is right for your child?

    If daily tasks, school skills or big feelings are making life harder for your child (and family), we're here to help. A conversation and a first session can give you clarity, a plan, and practical support.

    Therapist and child with letter cards
    Fun therapy activity
    Child smiling on climbing frame during therapy
    Child navigating obstacle course
    Child on therapy ball reaching
    Child playing ring toss game
    Engaging therapy session
    Therapist and child celebrating with high-five
    Child climbing wooden ramp
    Child jumping on trampoline
    Child threading beads for fine motor skills
    Child sorting colorful objects
    Therapist and child with letter cards
    Fun therapy activity
    Child smiling on climbing frame during therapy
    Child navigating obstacle course
    Child on therapy ball reaching
    Child playing ring toss game
    Engaging therapy session
    Therapist and child celebrating with high-five
    Child climbing wooden ramp
    Child jumping on trampoline
    Child threading beads for fine motor skills
    Child sorting colorful objects