Occupational therapy resources for children and young people
This page brings together information, activities and organisations that may help children and young people develop everyday skills and take part in daily activities. These resources can be used by parents, carers, schools and professionals.
Equipment and specialist products
These organisations provide equipment, adaptive clothing and specialist products to support children and young people with additional needs.
Fledglings - specialist products and equipment for disabled children and their families.
Marks & Spencer Easy Dressing - clothing designed to support children who need help with dressing independently.
Challenging Behaviour Foundation (PDF, 580KB) - advice about specialist equipment and safety adaptations.
Financial support and grants
You may be able to get financial help towards equipment, activities or additional support.
Early Help support for families
Activities to develop movement and coordination
These resources can help children develop movement, balance, coordination and motor skills through play and physical activity.
Fine motor and handwriting skills
These programmes and resources can support children with handwriting, pencil control and fine motor skills.
Dough Disco and Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle
Touch typing
Touch typing can be a useful alternative to handwriting for some children and young people.
BBC Bitesize touch typing practice
Autism and neurodiversity support
These organisations provide advice, information and support for autistic children, young people and their families.
National Autistic Society (NAS)
Bee Unique - family support for autistic children and young people in Cumbria.
Owl Blue - information and support for people with hidden disabilities.
Support for parents and carers
Healthy Parent Carers - resources and support for parent carers.
Early Help support for families
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) - Supporting your child with Emotionally Based School Avoidance. This video offers practical advice and strategies for parents supporting children who are experiencing emotionally based school avoidance and anxiety around attending school.
Understanding anxiety - a parent-friendly guide from Cerebra providing information about anxiety in children and young people, including practical ways to recognise and manage anxiety-related challenges.
Sleep support from Cerebra - advice and guidance to help parents understand and address common sleep difficulties experienced by children with additional needs.
Toileting support - advice about bladders, bowels and toileting for children with additional needs - ERIC
Neu Way Support from Spring North - Neu Way Support provides advice, guidance and peer support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families. The service aims to help families better understand neurodiversity, access appropriate support and build confidence in navigating education and everyday life.
Ei SMART - guidance and resources for parents of pre-term babies.