What to Expect at Your Child's First Occupational Therapy Session
By Ema Bartolo ·
Booking your child’s first Occupational Therapy session can feel like a big step. You might be unsure what will happen, worried about how your child will react, or even questioning whether you are doing the right thing. These feelings are completely normal — and I want to reassure you that the first session is designed to be comfortable for both you and your child.
Before the Session
When you contact WonderKids, we will have a brief conversation about your concerns and your child’s history. This helps us prepare for the session and ensures we make the best use of your time together. You may be asked to fill in a short questionnaire about your child’s development, daily routines, and the specific challenges you have noticed.
It helps to bring along any reports from school, other professionals, or your paediatrician. Dress your child in comfortable clothing they can move freely in — many of our activities involve physical movement and play.
What Happens During the First Session
The first session is primarily an assessment — a chance for us to get to know your child and understand their unique strengths and challenges. Depending on your child’s age and needs, the session typically lasts 45–60 minutes and may include:
- A parent interview where we discuss your concerns, your child’s developmental history, and what daily life looks like for your family
- Observation of play to see how your child moves, interacts, and processes sensory information in a natural way
- Standardised assessments using age-appropriate tools to evaluate motor skills, sensory processing, visual perception, or self-care skills
- Informal activities like drawing, building with blocks, climbing, or balancing — all designed to look like play while giving us valuable clinical information
Your child does not need to “perform” or get things right. We are observing how they approach tasks, not testing them in a pass-or-fail sense.
Will My Child Be Comfortable?
Our clinic is designed to feel welcoming, not clinical. We have a sensory-rich therapy room with swings, climbing equipment, and engaging materials. Most children settle quickly because the environment feels like a playroom rather than a medical setting.
If your child is anxious or takes time to warm up, that is perfectly fine. We follow your child’s lead and adjust our approach accordingly. You are welcome to stay in the room throughout the session.
What Happens After the Assessment
After the initial session, we will discuss our observations with you. We will explain what we have found, answer your questions, and outline our recommendations. This might include:
- A series of therapy sessions targeting specific goals
- A home programme with activities you can do between sessions
- Strategies for school that we can share with your child’s teacher
- Referral to other professionals if needed
You will never be left wondering what is happening or why. We believe in transparent, collaborative communication with families.
Tips to Prepare Your Child
- Keep it simple and positive. Tell your child they are going somewhere fun to play and do some activities.
- Avoid words like “test” or “doctor.” These can create unnecessary anxiety.
- Bring a comfort item if your child has one — a favourite toy or blanket is always welcome.
- Do not worry about behaviour. We are experienced with children of all temperaments. There is nothing your child can do that we have not seen before.
Taking this first step shows how much you care about your child’s wellbeing. If you have been thinking about an assessment, do not hesitate to reach out. Call WonderKids at +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt — we look forward to meeting your family.