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.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

• Meet Ema Bartolo — Your OT in Malta
• Complete Guide to OT in Malta
• Our Story
• Contact Us to Book an Assessment

The post How to Choose an Occupational Therapist in Malta appeared first on Occupational Therapy Malta.

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages participate in the activities that matter most to them. For children, those activities are things like playing, learning, dressing, eating, and making friends. When a child struggles with these everyday tasks, an occupational therapist steps in to help.

The word “occupation” does not mean a job. In therapy terms, an occupation is any meaningful activity that fills a person’s day. For a four-year-old, that might mean cutting with scissors, buttoning a coat, or joining in a game at the park.

What Does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do?

A pediatric occupational therapist — often called a pediatric OT — works with babies, children, and teenagers. We assess how a child is developing and identify any areas where they are finding things harder than expected for their age.

We then work with the child and family to build skills, adapt activities, and modify environments. The goal is always for the child to participate as fully and independently as possible in daily life.

Areas Pediatric OT Covers

• Fine motor skills — using hands and fingers for tasks like writing, drawing, and self-care
• Gross motor skills — body coordination, balance, and movement
• Sensory processing — how the child interprets and responds to sensory input from the world around them
• Self-care — dressing, eating, toileting, and personal hygiene
• Handwriting and school skills — pencil grip, letter formation, cutting, and visual perception
• Play and social skills — learning through play, interacting with peers, and emotional regulation
• Attention and behaviour — managing focus, transitions, and daily routines

Who Does Occupational Therapy Help?

Occupational therapy supports a very wide range of children. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access OT. If your child is struggling with everyday tasks, that is reason enough to seek an assessment.

Children who commonly benefit from OT include those with:

• Developmental delays or coordination difficulties
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Cerebral palsy or physical disabilities
• Learning difficulties
• Anxiety that affects daily functioning
• Premature birth or early medical complications

Many children who access OT do not have a diagnosis at all. They simply need extra support in a specific area — and that is perfectly valid.

What Happens During an OT Assessment?

The assessment is the starting point. It usually involves a detailed conversation with parents about the child’s history, strengths, and challenges. I will also spend time observing and interacting with your child directly.

Depending on the child’s needs, I may use standardised assessments alongside clinical observation. By the end, you will receive a clear picture of where your child is developmentally and what support is recommended.

What Happens in OT Sessions?

Sessions are designed to feel like play, especially for young children. Activities are purposeful and tailored to each child’s goals. A session might include obstacle courses, craft activities, tabletop tasks, or sensory play — all chosen with specific therapeutic aims in mind.

Parents are a vital part of the process. I provide guidance so you can continue supporting your child at home between sessions. Progress happens much faster when strategies are embedded into daily life.

How Long Does OT Take?

Every child is different. Some children achieve their goals in a few months. Others benefit from longer-term support. After the initial assessment, I will give you a realistic idea of what to expect based on your child’s individual needs.

Regular reviews ensure the therapy plan stays relevant as your child grows and develops.

Occupational Therapy Services in Malta

Access to quality pediatric occupational therapy in Malta has grown significantly in recent years. At Wonderkids, I work with children from across Malta and offer assessments, individual therapy, and parent guidance sessions.

If you are unsure whether OT is the right fit for your child, I am always happy to have a brief conversation first. Many families in Malta find that even one consultation gives them clarity and direction.

How to Get Started

You do not need a referral from your paediatrician to access private OT in Malta, though a referral can be helpful for providing background information. You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment.

Bring any previous reports, school feedback, or medical records to the first appointment. The more context I have, the more useful the assessment will be for your family.

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

Learn More About Occupational Therapy in Malta

• Occupational Therapy in Malta: The Complete Guide
• About Ema Bartolo — Your Occupational Therapist in Malta
• Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration in Malta by Ema Bartolo
• Contact Us to Book an Assessment

The post What Is Occupational Therapy? A Complete Guide for Parents in Malta appeared first on Occupational Therapy Malta.