Paediatric Group Therapy

Group of children playing on the ground during OT.

Manchester OT provides group therapy sessions for children with a range of difficulties. Groups are designed to address each child’s particular needs. The aim of group therapy is to encourage children to improve function through team games and working together.

Our groups are regularly reviewed, graded and adjusted and tend to run between 1 and 2 hours in length. We ensure the groups are made up of children of similar ages and abilities and are kept at a manageable level in terms of size to ensure high quality treatment can be delivered.

Who is suitable for the groups?

Manchester OT offers a range of groups which target different areas of child development and the functional limitations associated. Our occupational therapists will be able to assess your child to ensure they are suitable for a particular group.

Young child using twister style game to stretch with therapist.

Groups we currently offer:

  • Fine motor group, 6 week course

    • Suitable for those with symptoms of, or a diagnosis of dyspraxia, developmental coordination disorder and mild cerebral palsy

    • Also suitable for children who have difficulty doing up zips/buttons, producing legible handwriting or tying their shoe laces

  • Handwriting improvement group, 6 week course

    • Suitable for children aged 5-9 with fine motor coordination problems or a diagnosis of developmental coordination/dyspraxia

    • Or if you or your child's teacher feels that your child is not writing at the level they should be - having difficulty aligning and spacing their letters.

  • Concentration and memory group

    • Suitable for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Dyspraxia or Stroke (Child)

    • Suitable for children who have difficulty concentrating on one task

  • Group of children go through a ManchesterOT therapy session with a trained therapist.
  • Movement and co-ordination group

    • Suitable for dyspraxia, developmental delay, developmental coordination disorder, mild cerebral palsy

    • Or if you are concerned that your child is struggling to keep up in P.E lessons or outside in the playground

  • Movement and co-ordination group, 6 week course running on Saturdays throughout the year

    • Suitable for dyspraxia, developmental delay, developmental coordination disorder, mild cerebral palsy

    • Helps to develop core stability and muscle strength, particularly strength in the shoulder girdle, which can help with fine motor difficulties

Our groups run on Saturdays throughout the year.

Benefits of group therapy:

There are many benefits to group therapy sessions. Many children find group therapy fun and stimulating, and are often motivated by those around them. Being part of a group of children with similar abilities is also likely to increase self-esteem.

Therapist stretches young patients leg with exercise mat.

Some of the benefits of group therapy include:

  • Increased self-esteem
  • Motivational
  • Fun and stimulating
  • Build social skills
  • Tailored functional improvements for each group

Summary

Group therapy is aimed at improving function in a fun and stimulating way, and can either be used alongside or instead of one to one therapy. If you think your child has any of the difficulties highlighted, or you would like further information regarding this or any of our groups, please email office@manchesterot.co.uk or call us on 0161 883 0088 to speak to one of our therapists.

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