For More Info: 905 556 0352  ·  info@newhorizons-cfa.ca  ·  1939 Kennedy Road, Suite #202, Scarborough, ON  ·   For More Info: 905 556 0352  ·  info@newhorizons-cfa.ca  ·  1939 Kennedy Road, Suite #202, Scarborough, ON  ·   For More Info: 905 556 0352  ·  info@newhorizons-cfa.ca  ·  1939 Kennedy Road, Suite #202, Scarborough, ON  ·   For More Info: 905 556 0352  ·  info@newhorizons-cfa.ca  ·  1939 Kennedy Road, Suite #202, Scarborough, ON  ·  

OUR SERVICES

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Building the sensory, motor, and daily living skills children need to thrive at home, school, and in the community.

Occupational Therapy for Autism

Our occupational therapists specialize in the sensory and motor challenges that commonly accompany autism. Children with autism often experience sensory processing differences — they may be over- or under-sensitive to touch, sound, movement, or taste, in ways that can significantly affect their ability to participate in daily life.

These sensory differences can affect participation in daily routines, learning, and social interaction. A child who is overwhelmed by the texture of clothing, the noise of a classroom, or the sensation of certain foods may find everyday activities deeply challenging — not because of defiance, but because of how their nervous system processes information.

Our OTs create personalized sensory diets, develop fine and gross motor skills, and build the adaptive behaviours children need to participate fully in home, school, and community life. Every program is individualized, family-centred, and grounded in evidence-based practice.

Occupational therapy sensory tools at New Horizons

Areas We Address

Sensory Processing

Personalized sensory diets, sensory integration activities, and environmental modifications to reduce sensory overload.

Scissors and Cutting Skills

Pencil grasp, scissors, puzzles, buttons, and writing — all the small-muscle skills school and daily life demand.

Gross motor skills

Balance, bilateral coordination, sports participation, and playground skills.

Daily Living Skills

Dressing, feeding, toileting, bedtime routines — building independence step by step.

Visual Motor Integration

Eye-hand coordination, copying shapes, tracking, and visual perception for reading and writing.

Skills We Target

Every ABA program is tailored to your child's unique profile. Below are the core skill areas our therapists work on.

Communication & Social
  • Tolerating different textures (food, clothing, touch)
  • Pencil grip and handwriting
  • Scissors and cutting skills
  • Adaptive responses to sensory input
Behaviour & Independence
  • Balance and body awareness
  • Dressing and self-care independence
  • Managing transitions and routines
  • Tolerating classroom environments
  • Feeding and oral motor skills
  • Attention and regulation in learning settings

Who Benefits from OT?

Children with Sensory Processing Differences Ages 2–14 School-Age Children Children with Feeding Challenges Fine Motor Delays Newly Diagnosed OAP Funded

Signs your child may benefit from OT: extreme sensitivity to clothing tags or textures, difficulty with pencil grasp, trouble with daily routines (dressing, feeding), poor balance or clumsiness, frequent sensory meltdowns, or avoidance of movement activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, or textures; difficulty with pencil grip or handwriting; challenges with daily routines like dressing or eating; poor balance or coordination; or frequent sensory meltdowns. Our OT can conduct a formal assessment to identify your child’s specific needs.

A sensory diet is a personalized, scheduled set of sensory activities designed to help your child’s nervous system stay regulated throughout the day. It might include movement breaks, weighted vests, deep pressure activities, or calming sensory input — tailored specifically to your child.

Yes. Our OTs work with both the child and the family to identify sensory triggers, develop a sensory diet, modify the home environment, and teach regulation strategies that reduce the frequency and intensity of meltdowns.

OT services may be eligible under OAP funding. We recommend speaking with your OAP coordinator to understand your specific funding allocation. Our team can provide documentation to support your funding application.

Help Your Child Thrive in Every Environment

Book an OT assessment today and build the sensory and motor foundations your child needs.

Book Intake → Call 905 556 0352