Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Helping Children Build Skills for Life

I'm Emma Cahill, a Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist with over 17 years' experience. I offer two core services: Paediatric Occupational Therapy for everyday skills, sensory processing and development, and Housing Adaptation Assessments to help families create safe, accessible homes.

Understanding OT

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy helps children develop the skills they need for everyday life — the things most of us take for granted.

If your child is finding certain activities difficult — whether that's getting dressed in the morning, writing at school, or managing their emotions — Occupational Therapy can help them build the confidence and ability to do these things more independently.

I work with your child in a fun, supportive way, focusing on the activities that matter most to your family.

Skills I can help develop

Getting dressed
Brushing teeth
Holding a pencil
Handwriting
Using scissors
Using cutlery
Tying shoelaces
Riding a bike
Emotional regulation
Sensory processing
Organisation
Playing with others
Is this familiar?

Can I Help Your Child?

Parents often recognise the day-to-day challenges before knowing there's support available. If any of these sound familiar, Occupational Therapy could help.

Getting dressed is a struggle

I teach dressing skills step-by-step using fun, motivating strategies.

Buttons and zips are difficult

I build the finger strength and coordination needed for fastenings.

Handwriting is messy

I work on pencil grip, letter formation, and writing stamina.

Holding a pencil is uncomfortable

I develop hand strength and find the right grip for your child.

Using cutlery is hard

I practice mealtime skills in a supportive, fun way.

They trip or fall often

I strengthen balance, coordination and body awareness.

Riding a bike is difficult

I build the motor planning and balance skills needed for cycling.

Noise or textures overwhelm them

I help children manage sensory sensitivities at their own pace.

Emotional regulation is difficult

I teach calming strategies and emotional awareness skills.

School mornings are stressful

I create routines that reduce stress and build independence.

Daily routines are challenging

I break tasks into manageable steps and build confidence.

Confidence is low

I celebrate small wins and build self-belief through achievable goals.

Organisation is tricky

I develop planning and sequencing skills for school and home.

They avoid certain activities

I gently introduce activities at your child's pace to reduce avoidance.

They struggle playing with others

I build social skills through play-based, fun activities.

What I offer

Paediatric OT Services

I provide specialist assessment and therapy supporting children with everyday skills, sensory processing, neurodevelopmental conditions and independence.

OT Assessments

Comprehensive assessments to understand your child's strengths and needs.

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Individual Therapy

One-to-one therapy sessions tailored to your child's specific goals.

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Sensory Processing

Support for children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory input.

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Fine Motor Skills

Developing hand strength, coordination, and dexterity for writing and daily tasks.

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Gross Motor Skills

Building balance, coordination, and body awareness for confident movement.

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Daily Living Skills

Learning to dress, eat, and manage daily routines independently.

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Emotional Regulation

Strategies to manage emotions and feel calm and in control.

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School Readiness

Preparing your child for the classroom with confidence.

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Parent Coaching

Practical guidance for supporting your child's development at home.

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School Visits

Collaborating with teachers to support your child in the classroom.

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Home Programmes

Personalised activities to continue progress between sessions.

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Housing Adaptations

Specialist OT housing assessments for safe, accessible homes.

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The Journey

How Therapy Works

From your first call to ongoing support, here's what to expect on your child's therapy journey.

Step 01

Get in Touch

Reach out to me by phone, email, or through my contact form. I'll have a friendly chat about your child and what support you're looking for.

Step 02

Initial Consultation

I'll meet with you to discuss your child's needs, answer your questions, and explain how Occupational Therapy can help.

Step 03

Assessment

I carry out a thorough assessment to understand your child's strengths, challenges, and what matters most to your family.

Step 04

Personalised Therapy Plan

I create a tailored plan with practical, achievable goals that fit into your child's everyday life at home and school.

Step 05

Ongoing Support

Through regular sessions, home activities, and collaboration with you and your child's school, I support lasting progress.

Why choose me

Why Families Choose Skills for Life OT

I believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Here's why families trust me with their child's development.

Family-Centred Care

Your family is at the heart of everything I do. I listen, collaborate, and tailor my approach to what works for you.

Evidence-Based Therapy

I use proven, research-backed approaches to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

Individualised Support

Every child is different. I create personalised therapy plans that match your child's unique strengths and goals.

Practical Everyday Goals

I focus on the activities that matter most — at home, at school, and in everyday life.

Home & School Collaboration

I work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure consistent support.

Compassionate Approach

I create a safe, supportive environment where your child can grow at their own pace.

Testimonials

What Families Say

Hearing from families who have walked this path before you.

"From the very first session, I could see the difference. My daughter now gets dressed independently every morning and her confidence has grown beyond what I imagined. The therapy felt like play to her, but the results speak for themselves."

Sarah M.

Parent of a 6-year-old

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to help you understand how I can support your child.

Ready to Start?

Let's Help Your Child Thrive

You don't need a diagnosis or a referral. If you're wondering whether Occupational Therapy could help your child, or if you'd like to discuss a housing adaptation assessment, I'd love to hear from you. Even if you're unsure, a conversation is a great place to start.