Finding the right occupational therapist for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent navigating the therapy system. A good therapeutic relationship, the right expertise and a setting that suits your child all contribute to better outcomes.

In Malta, the paediatric OT landscape has grown significantly in recent years. There are more options than ever — which is good news, but it can also make the choice feel overwhelming.

Qualifications to Look For

In Malta, occupational therapists must be registered with the Council for Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM). Registration requires a recognised degree in occupational therapy — typically a Bachelor’s or Master’s level qualification from an accredited university.

Always ask whether the therapist is registered. Do not hesitate to ask to see their registration number. A registered OT is bound by professional standards and a code of ethics.

Specialist Training and Experience

Beyond basic registration, look for therapists who have specialist training relevant to your child’s needs. For sensory processing difficulties, look for training in Sensory Integration (SI) — ideally CLASI or USC certificated training. For children with autism, look for experience with neurodivergent populations and relevant training such as DIR/Floortime or SCERTS.

Ask how many children with your child’s specific profile the therapist has worked with. Experience matters.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Before committing to an assessment, it is reasonable to have a brief conversation with the therapist — by phone or email. Here are useful questions to ask:

• What is your experience with children who have [your child’s diagnosis or difficulty]?
• What assessment tools do you use?
• How do you involve parents in the therapy process?
• How often would you recommend sessions, and for how long?
• Do you communicate with the child’s school?
• What does a typical session look like for a child of my child’s age?
• How will we measure progress?

A good therapist will welcome these questions. If you feel dismissed or rushed, that tells you something.

Public vs Private OT in Malta

In Malta, paediatric OT is available through both the public health system (via Mater Dei Hospital and community services) and private practice.

Public Services

Public OT services are accessed through a referral from your paediatrician or GP. Waiting times can be significant, particularly for assessment. The range of intervention approaches may be more limited in public settings due to resource constraints.

Private Practice

Private OT in Malta offers faster access, more flexible appointment times and typically a broader range of therapeutic approaches. Sessions are paid for out of pocket, though some health insurance policies cover OT — it is worth checking with your insurer.

Many families in Malta choose to access initial assessment and therapy privately and then carry strategies across to school and home. This can be a very effective model.

What to Expect from the Assessment Process

An initial OT assessment for a child typically involves:

• A detailed parent interview — your observations are essential information
• Standardised assessments — formal tests appropriate to the child’s age and presenting difficulties
• Observation of the child during structured and unstructured activities
• A written report summarising findings and recommendations
• A feedback session to discuss the results and next steps

A thorough assessment takes time — typically 60–90 minutes for the child, plus time for the parent interview and report writing. Be cautious of very brief assessments that promise immediate answers.

The Importance of Parent Involvement

The best paediatric OT is a partnership between therapist, child and family. Strategies need to be embedded in daily life — not just practised in a therapy room once a week — to make a real difference. Look for a therapist who actively involves you in the process, explains their reasoning and provides practical home programmes.

As an OT in Malta, I see parent involvement as one of the strongest predictors of a child’s progress in therapy.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No clear assessment before starting treatment
• Guaranteed or very rapid “cures”
• Poor communication with families
• No written reports or goal-setting
• Reluctance to share information with schools or other professionals

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, contact us at +356 99872936 or visit wonderkids.mt to book an assessment.

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