Occupational therapists work with you and your child to help them participate in tasks that they want to do (e.g. play) and need to do (e.g. showering and dressing) throughout the day.

• changing the way tasks are completed 
• using special equipment
• seating and positioning
• upper limb management including hand therapy and splinting
• skills acquisition including handwriting and computer access
• fatigue management
• education for schools, parents and other children's services or community groups 
• linking your child with local services to continue to support you at home

An Occupational Therapist should be seen if your child:

• cannot do tasks as well as they used to prior to treatment
• is not moving much in bed, or is spending long periods in bed
• needs additional support or help in activities such as showering, going to the toilet and dressing
• is not reaching developmental milestones as expected;
• experiences pain or changes in sensation (tingling, burning, tightness) in their hands and arms (see information  on chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in the physiotherapy section of this handbook).

Your child’s specialist doctor or another team member can refer your child to occupational therapy when assessment and management may be required.

An occupational therapist can visit you and your child on the ward, in the Oncology Treatment Centre, or organise an outpatient appointment.

If you have concerns and think your child would benefit from an occupational therapy, please speak with your child’s medical team.