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Paediatric therapy services we offer

Our paediatric team includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Speech Language Therapists who specialise in working with children. We also work alongside psychologists, social workers and dietitians where needed, giving your child access to a multidisciplinary team.

Our core children's therapy services include:

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Paediatric occupational therapy

Paediatric physiotherapy

Paediatric physiotherapy

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Paediatric speech and language therapy

 Looking for other rehabilitation support for your child?
Explore our full range and get in touch to see how we can help. 

Paediatric occupational
therapy

Our Occupational Therapists work with tamariki and rangatahi to help them engage in the everyday activities that are important to
them - playing, learning, getting dressed and connecting with others.

We support children's independence with getting ready for school, concentrating in class, improving handwriting, social participation, and completing day-to-day tasks. Our therapists take a strengths and interest-based approach, working with your child, their whānau and their environment to build confidence and capability.

We work with children with a range of conditions and diagnoses, or no known diagnosis.

Factors may include:

  • Not meeting developmental milestones

  • Difficulty managing schoolwork or keeping up with peers

  • Sensory challenges affecting everyday tasks (e.g. sensitivity to light, noise, or touch)

  • Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated

  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks including buttons, shoelaces, or handwriting

  • Difficulty with emotional regulation (e.g. big outbursts when completing challenging tasks)

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What to expect:

Assessment and sessions are tailored to your child's goals and family priorities. The assessment process may include meeting with whānau to establish strengths, goals and developmental history; clinical observations with your child; and contact with their school where relevant. Sessions may use play or interest-based activities, a parent coaching approach, or a structured intervention programme - whatever best suits your child.

Available in most regions — Contact us to find out if we can help in your region.

What to expect:

Assessment and sessions are tailored to your child's goals and family priorities. The assessment process may include meeting with whānau to establish strengths, goals and developmental history; clinical observations with your child; and contact with their school where relevant. Sessions may use play or interest-based activities, a parent coaching approach, or a structured intervention programme - whatever best suits your child.

Available in most regions — Contact us to find out if we can help in your region.

Paediatric Physiotherapy 

 Paediatric Physiotherapy 

Paediatric physiotherapy is a specialist discipline focused on assessing and treating movement, developmental, and physical challenges in children from birth through to adolescence. Our physiotherapists have additional training in child development and childhood conditions - understanding how to engage children while delivering effective, evidence-based care.

We help children build strength, coordination, and confidence in their bodies so they can participate fully in play, school and daily life.

Services we can help children with:

  • Balance, posture, coordination and gross motor skills affecting their ability to play, learn, and join in daily activities
  • Joint, muscle, or nervous system conditions causing weakness, pain, or movement difficulties
  • Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, brain injury, or stroke that affect motor function
  • Orthopaedic conditions including scoliosis and fractures
  • Developmental delays and disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down syndrome

Effective pain management addresses these drivers together.

Available in most regions — Contact us to find out if we can help in your region.

 Speech and language therapy for children 

Communication is at the heart of connection, learning, and confidence. Our speech language therapists support tamariki who experience difficulties with how they speak, understand language or navigate social communication.

We provide comprehensive assessments, personalised diagnoses, and evidence-based therapy delivered wherever your child feels comfortable - in our clinic, at home, at school or in early childhood settings. Our therapists also work closely with whānau, teachers, and learning assistants to build a consistent support network around your child.

Our team are members of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapy Association (NZSTA), and we also work with ACC - particularly for children recovering from traumatic brain injuries or concussions.

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 Services we can help children with :

  • Speech sound disorders and unclear speech
  • Language delay (late talkers and children with language delays)
  • Stuttering
  • Dyslexia and structured literacy support
  • Voice disorders
  • Conversation and social communication skills
  • Global developmental delay
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Neurodiversity
  • Alternative communication needs (e.g. sign language, assistive devices)
  • Developmental conditions including Down syndrome, Autism,
    Selective Mutism and Cerebral Palsy

 Available in Auckland, Christchurch, Otago and Central Otago,
Nelson and Bay of Plenty.
 

 How we work with your child 

We know that no two children - and no two families - are the same. That's why our therapists take time to understand your child's individual goals, strengths and challenges before creating a personalised therapy plan.

Therapy can take place in our clinic, your home, your child's school, or their early childhood centre - whatever setting works best. We work collaboratively with your whānau and any other teams involved in your child's care, including teachers, GPs, paediatricians and other health professionals.

We accept referrals from

Parents & carers
GPs & paediatricians
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Health
ACC
Other agencies & health providers


Not sure where to start?

Frequently asked
questions

What age do you see children from?
We work with children from birth through to adolescence. Our paediatric team has specialist training in child development across all age groups, from newborns and toddlers through to school-aged children and young teenagers.

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy may be helpful if your child is struggling with everyday tasks like getting dressed, writing, eating, or playing with others. Signs can include difficulties with fine motor skills, sensory sensitivities, attention, emotional regulation, or keeping up at school. A GP, paediatrician, or teacher can refer your child - or you can contact us directly for a private assessment.

Does ACC cover children's therapy?
Yes. For ACC-covered injuries, you can request support from your ACC case manager and choose Habit Health as your provider. Our team accepts ACC-funded referrals for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech language therapy.

Can you see my child at their school or home?
Yes. Our therapists can provide sessions in our clinic, at your home, at your child's school or at their early childhood centre - whichever setting is most practical and effective for your child.

What is the difference between paediatric occupational therapy and physiotherapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on the everyday tasks and activities your child needs to do - from self-care and handwriting, to play and social participation. Physiotherapy focuses on movement, physical development, and musculoskeletal or neurological conditions that affect how your child moves. Many children benefit from both and our multidisciplinary team can coordinate care across services.

Support your child

If you'd like to find out how Habit Health can support your child, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact our team today