Occupational Performance Coaching

When your child faces developmental challenges, everyday routines can become overwhelming—for them and for you. Whether it’s getting ready for school, joining in play, or managing emotions, these moments can feel like constant hurdles. But what if you could be coached to help your child overcome these challenges in a way that’s empowering, practical, and deeply personal?

That’s the heart of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) at Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN)—a collaborative, evidence-based approach that puts parents at the center of their child’s progress.

What Is Occupational Performance Coaching?

Occupational Performance Coaching is a therapeutic model designed to support parents and caregivers in helping their children achieve meaningful goals in daily life. Rather than working directly with the child alone, OPC focuses on coaching the parent to become a confident, capable facilitator of change.

It’s built on three key pillars:

1. Emotional support – validating your experiences and building your confidence.
2. Information exchange – sharing knowledge and strategies tailored to your child.
3. Structured problem-solving – helping you set goals, plan actions, and reflect on progress.

At SLCN, OPC is delivered by experienced occupational therapists who understand the complexities of parenting a child with developmental needs. They work with you to identify what matters most and guide you step-by-step toward achieving it.

Why OPC Works

OPC is grounded in research and has been shown to improve outcomes in areas such as:

• Daily living skills (e.g., dressing, toileting, mealtime routines)
• Social participation (e.g., joining play, attending events)
• Emotional regulation (e.g., managing transitions, coping with frustration)
• School readiness and academic engagement

But beyond the child’s progress, OPC also supports parental wellbeing. It helps reduce stress, increase confidence, and foster a stronger parent-child relationship.

Who Is It For?

OPC is ideal for families who:

• Have children with developmental delays, autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties.
• Want to be actively involved in their child’s therapy.
• Are looking for practical strategies to support daily routines.
• Prefer a collaborative, coaching-based approach over traditional therapy models.

Whether your child is a toddler learning to communicate or a school-aged child struggling with independence, OPC can be tailored to your family’s unique needs.

How OPC Works at SLCN

SLCN’s therapists use a structured yet flexible process to guide families through Occupational Performance Coaching. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation and Goal Setting

The journey begins with a warm, supportive conversation. You’ll talk about your child’s strengths, challenges, and what you’d like to see change. Together, you’ll identify specific, meaningful goals—such as:

• Helping your child get dressed independently.
• Reducing morning routine stress.
• Supporting your child to join play at the park.
• Improving homework habits.

These goals are chosen by you, making them personally relevant and motivating.

2. Coaching Sessions

OPC sessions are typically held weekly or fortnightly, either in person (at home, school, or clinic) or online. During each session, your therapist will:

• Listen and provide emotional support.
• Share insights and strategies based on your child’s development.
• Help you plan small, achievable steps toward your goal.
• Reflect on what’s working and what could be adjusted.

You’ll leave each session with a clear plan and renewed confidence.

3. Real-Life Practice

Between sessions, you’ll try out the strategies in your daily routines. This might include:

• Using visual schedules or checklists.
• Creating calming spaces or sensory tools.
• Practicing new skills during play or mealtime.
• Adjusting your communication style to support your child’s needs.

Your therapist will help you troubleshoot challenges and celebrate successes along the way.

4. Progress Monitoring and Adjustment

As you work toward your goals, your therapist will help you track progress and make adjustments. You’ll reflect on:

• What’s working well?
• What’s still tricky?
• What can we try next?

This ongoing reflection builds self-awareness and resilience, helping you become a confident problem-solver in your child’s journey.

What Makes OPC Different?

Unlike traditional therapy models that focus solely on the child, OPC recognizes that parents are the most influential people in a child’s life. By coaching you, therapists can create lasting change that extends beyond the therapy room.

Key benefits include:

• Empowerment: You gain tools and confidence to support your child.
• Flexibility: Strategies are tailored to your routines, values, and lifestyle.
• Efficiency: You learn to make small changes with big impact.
• Sustainability: Skills and strategies become part of everyday life.

At SLCN, OPC is often integrated with other therapies—such as speech pathology, psychology, or physiotherapy—to create a holistic support plan.

Real-Life Impact

Families who’ve participated in OPC at SLCN often share powerful stories of transformation. One parent said:

"Before coaching, mornings were chaos. Now we have a routine that works, and my child feels proud getting ready on their own. I feel like I’ve got my confidence back."

Another shared:

"I used to feel lost trying to help my son with social skills. Through coaching, I learned how to support him during playdates and now he’s making friends. It’s been life-changing."

How to Access OPC at SLCN

SLCN offers Occupational Performance Coaching in a variety of formats:

• In-home sessions across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
• School-based support in collaboration with educators.
• Clinic appointments in Derrimut.
• Online coaching available Australia-wide.

The process begins with a free consultation, where you can discuss your goals and explore whether OPC is the right fit for your family.

Why Choose SLCN?

At Supporting Learning for Children with Needs, the philosophy is simple: empower families, support children, and create meaningful change. The team is passionate about helping parents become confident advocates and facilitators of their child’s development.

Led by Brent Connolly, a paediatric speech pathologist with deep expertise in child development, SLCN brings together professionals from occupational therapy, psychology, education, and speech pathology to deliver integrated, family-centered care.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re curious about how Occupational Performance Coaching could support your family, visit www.slcn.com.au to learn more or book a free consultation.

Empower yourself to help your child thrive—with coaching, compassion, and expert support from SLCN.