Checkout Steps & Strides Occupational Therapy Watch Video

At Steps & Strides Occupational Therapy, we believe that every child has the potential to thrive—and our job is to help unlock it. We specialise in supporting children who may be experiencing challenges with everyday activities, sensory processing, emotional regulation, or social connection. Through play-based, evidence-informed therapy, we work with children and their families to build skills, confidence and greater participation in daily life.

Our service is grounded in neuro-affirming principles, which means we honour and support each child’s unique ways of thinking, feeling and learning. We do not aim to “fix” children, but rather to support them to feel safe, seen, and successful in the world around them.

📍 London-based | Neuro-affirming | Family-focused | www.stridestherapy.co.uk

What is Occupational Therapy (OT) for Children?

Paediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday life—whether it’s getting dressed, coping with new environments, playing with peers, or focusing in school. When a child experiences sensory, emotional, or developmental differences, these tasks can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Our qualified occupational therapists use approaches like Ayres Sensory Integration® and the DIR/Floortime® model to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and respond with care and creativity. Sessions are guided by your child’s interests and strengths, using play and movement to support their goals.

Who We Work With

We support children and young people (typically aged 0–18) who may be:

  • Neurodivergent (including autism, ADHD, sensory differences)

  • Experiencing developmental delays

  • Having difficulty with attention, motor skills, or coordination

  • Finding it hard to manage emotions or transitions

  • Struggling with daily routines like dressing, eating, or sleep

Whether your child has a diagnosis or you simply feel something’s not quite right, we’re here to listen and help.

Our Approach: What Makes Us Different

At Steps & Strides, we take a family-centred, relationship-based approach to therapy. That means:

🔹 You are part of the process – We work closely with parents and caregivers to set shared goals, provide feedback, and offer practical strategies for home and school.

🔹 Therapy is fun and meaningful – Children learn best through play, connection, and joy. Our sessions are child-led, nurturing, and focused on real-life outcomes.

🔹 We affirm who your child is – We support neurodivergent children in ways that honour their natural ways of being, rather than trying to make them conform to rigid expectations.

🔹 We collaborate – With your permission, we liaise with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals so your child receives consistent, holistic support.

Why Parents Choose Steps & Strides

Parents come to us not just for professional expertise, but for compassion, clarity, and partnership. Here’s what they value most:

✔️ Specialist Knowledge – Our team is trained in gold-standard approaches like Ayres Sensory Integration® and DIR/Floortime®, tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

✔️ Clear Communication – We explain everything in plain language and provide practical tools you can use at home, so you feel empowered—not overwhelmed.

✔️ Holistic Support – We look beyond labels and symptoms to see the whole child. Our goal is not just skill-building, but emotional wellbeing, connection, and confidence.

✔️ Safe, Inclusive Environment – We are proudly anti-oppressive, culturally aware, and LGBTQ+ inclusive. Every family deserves respectful, affirming care.

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

We know it can be difficult to ask for help—but you are not alone. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or looking for ongoing support, Steps & Strides is here to walk alongside you.

📩 Get in touch today via www.stridestherapy.co.uk to book a consultation or learn more about how we can support your child.

Q What conditions can Occupational Therapy help with?

Occupational Therapy can help with a wide range of conditions including but not limited to:
Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)
Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADHD and attention regulation difficulties.
Emotional and self-regulation challenges.
Postural control, gross motor and fine motor difficulties including handwriting difficulties.
Developmental delays and other development-related needs.

Q How do I know if my child or young person needs Occupational Therapy?

You might consider Occupational Therapy if your child or young person is finding everyday activities more difficult than expected for their age. This can include tasks like getting dressed, using cutlery, writing, focusing in class, or managing their emotions.
Signs that support may be needed include:
Difficulties with coordination, balance, or fine motor skills
Sensory sensitivities or intense sensory-seeking behaviours
Emotional regulation challenges or difficulty staying calm/focused
Delays in self-care or independence skills compared to peers
We’re happy to offer a conversation if you’re unsure—sometimes even a brief chat can help clarify what’s needed.

Q What does an Occupational Therapy assessment involve?

An OT assessment is tailored to each child or young person’s unique needs and context. It may include:
A detailed parent/caregiver consultation and developmental history
Direct observation in a familiar environment (home, school, or any relevant setting)
Standardised assessments and/or sensory or functional checklists/questionnaires.
Collaboration with school staff, caregivers, or other professionals involved.
Following the assessment, we provide feedback and recommendations, which can form the basis of a therapy plan or support strategies, dependent on the assessment findings.

Q Where do therapy sessions take place?

At Steps & Strides Occupational Therapy, we bring therapy to you.
We offer sessions in environments where your child or young person feels most secure and where support is most effective—this includes:

Your home
Their school, college or nursery
A residential placement or care home
We believe therapy is most meaningful when it’s embedded in everyday routines and environments. This also allows us to collaborate closely with caregivers, teachers, and other key adults to ensure consistent and practical support.

Rate us and Write a Review

Your review is recommended to be at least 140 characters long

Show all timings
  • Monday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • ££££