The teenage years are often described as a time of transformation. Adolescents navigate a shifting landscape of physical development, emotional intensity, growing social complexity, and increasing academic and life responsibilities. For many young people, this period is exciting and empowering. For others, it can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainty.

Occupational Therapy (OT) offers a practical, evidence-based framework for helping teenagers build the skills they need to thrive. It’s about more than managing challenges – it’s about helping young people discover their strengths, increase their independence, and engage meaningfully in the world around them.

At Bloom Healthcare, our Occupational Therapists support teens across a wide range of abilities, diagnoses and life situations. Whether a young person is navigating neurodivergence, including those on the autism spectrum, mental health challenges, injury recovery, or simply struggling with day-to-day function, OT can make a real and lasting difference.

Learn more about our services: Bloom Healthcare Occupational Therapy

Why the Teenage Years Matter in OT

Adolescence is a unique developmental stage. It’s a time when identity is being formed, independence is sought, and roles are changing across home, school and social settings. For some teenagers, particularly those with disability or support needs, these shifts can highlight functional gaps or increase stress.

Occupational Therapy meets teens where they are. It provides support that is respectful, age-appropriate and focused on the real-life occupations and everyday activities they want and need to do. These include:

• Developing and maintaining friendships
• Managing personal care and hygiene
• Participating in school and extracurricular activities
• Learning to drive or use public transport
• Preparing for part-time work or volunteering
• Building resilience and managing emotions
• Planning for post-school transition

The goal of OT is not to fix the teenager. It’s to help enable people, including teens, to build the skills and confidence they need to participate in meaningful activities and live the life they want, with the supports they choose.

Common Reasons Teens Access Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is not only for children or people recovering from injury; it also plays a vital role in supporting a child’s development, including through early intervention services that promote participation in daily activities and independence. It can be transformative for teenagers across a range of challenges, such as:

• Neurodivergent teens (including Autism, ADHD, learning differences)
• Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression or school refusal
• Developmental delays in motor skills, coordination or executive functioning, where early intervention is a key part of OT for a child with disabilities or delays
• Social and emotional regulation difficulties
• Teenagers with physical disabilities, chronic illness or fatigue conditions
• Support with independence skills, such as cooking, planning, self-care and community access

In each case, OT begins with a thorough assessment of the teen’s strengths, interests and goals – not just their diagnosis.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Teenage Development

1. Executive Functioning and Organisation

Many teens struggle with planning, time management and follow-through. This is particularly true for teens with ADHD, autism or learning disabilities. OT can assist with:

• Creating systems for organising schoolwork and personal routines
• Developing time awareness and scheduling tools
• Teaching task breakdown and prioritisation
• Using visual supports, technology and checklists
• Setting functional goals for executive functioning and organisation to help teens improve participation and independence in daily activities
• Modifying tasks, such as adapting assignments or routines, to support organisation and planning skills and promote success across different environments

2. Emotional Regulation and Mental Health

Adolescents often face intense emotions, peer pressure and internal stress. Occupational Therapists support emotional wellbeing and aim to improve emotional wellbeing through targeted interventions by:

• Teaching self-awareness and emotional literacy
• Developing calming strategies for anxiety or overwhelm
• Teaching strategies to manage stress in daily situations
• Helping create sensory-friendly environments at home and school
• Supporting routines that promote rest, activity and connection

OT also plays a key role in preventing and addressing mental health problems in teens, often using small groups for emotional regulation or mental health support.

OT also works in collaboration with Psychologists and Counsellors where needed.

3. Daily Living and Life Skills

As teens move towards adulthood, they take on more responsibility. OT supports skill-building for:

• Personal hygiene and self-care
• Meal preparation and basic nutrition
• Money management and shopping
• Public transport training and community access
• Instrumental activities, such as managing money, shopping, or using public transport, are essential for independent living.
• Exploring interests, leisure and identity

Leisure activities are also important, as they promote wellbeing, support social inclusion, and help teens develop a sense of identity through participation in enjoyable and meaningful occupations.

These are not just tasks – they are gateways to confidence, agency and social inclusion.

4. Social Participation and Identity

Occupational Therapy helps teenagers understand how they connect with others, how to express themselves, and how to navigate social situations. Social interactions are essential for teens’ mental health, wellbeing, and participation in meaningful activities. This may include:

• Role-playing and social scripting
• Exploring communication styles
• Developing self-advocacy and assertiveness
• Supporting participation in group activities or clubs, including promoting inclusion for teens with disabilities, so they can engage alongside other children

The OT’s role is to create a safe space for teens to be themselves, while also expanding their capacity to connect and belong.

5. Sensory Processing Support

Sensory processing support is a vital component of Occupational Therapy, especially for teenagers who experience sensory sensitivities or sensory processing disorders. Many young people find certain sounds, textures, lights, or environments overwhelming, which can impact their comfort, focus, and participation in everyday life. Occupational therapists work closely with teens to identify specific sensory challenges and develop personalised strategies to manage them.

Through approaches like sensory integration, Occupational Therapy practitioners help teens learn how to regulate their sensory experiences, reducing feelings of anxiety or overload. This might involve creating sensory-friendly spaces at home or school, introducing calming routines, or teaching practical coping techniques for challenging situations. Occupational Therapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and social workers, to ensure comprehensive support that addresses all aspects of a young person’s life.

By addressing sensory processing needs, Occupational Therapy empowers teens to participate more fully in their daily activities, build confidence, and improve their overall quality of life.

Tailoring Support to the Individual

No two teens are the same. At Bloom Healthcare, we recognise that effective therapy must be individualised and teen-led. Our approach includes:

• Building a trusting relationship with the young person
• Involving parents and carers in ways that respect the teen’s independence
• Collaborating with schools, support workers and other professionals
• Choosing goals that are meaningful and developmentally appropriate
• Focusing on real-world applications, not just therapy tasks, which may include recommending new equipment to support teens’ goals

Our therapy process follows a structured sequence: assessment, intervention, and outcome measurement, ensuring consistency and promoting positive health outcomes.

We often deliver therapy in the teen’s preferred environment – whether at home, in the community, or via telehealth.

High School Occupational Therapy Models

High school Occupational Therapy models are designed to help students succeed in both their academic and personal lives. Occupational Therapists work with students to identify their strengths and challenges, then create tailored plans that support their unique needs. These models can include direct services, such as one-on-one or small group therapy sessions, as well as consultative services where Occupational Therapists collaborate with teachers and school staff to adapt tasks and environments.

A key focus of high school Occupational Therapy is building essential skills like time management, self-regulation, and social skills. By developing these abilities, students are better equipped to manage their schoolwork, participate in social events, and prepare for life beyond school. Occupational Therapy services also address mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, and provide support for students with developmental delays or physical disabilities.

Ultimately, Occupational Therapists work to ensure that every student can participate fully in school and community life, develop independence, and gain the skills they need to thrive.

Transitioning to Adulthood

The transition to adulthood is a significant milestone, and for many young people, especially those with physical or mental health challenges, it can bring new responsibilities and uncertainties. Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in supporting young adults during this time, helping them develop the daily living skills and confidence needed for independent living.

Occupational Therapy practitioners work alongside young adults to build practical skills such as self-care tasks, meal preparation, and managing a household. They also focus on emotional regulation and coping strategies, which are essential for maintaining mental health and wellbeing as life changes. By fostering supportive environments and encouraging self-advocacy, Occupational Therapists enable young people to navigate the challenges of adulthood, access community resources, and achieve their personal goals.

With the proper support, young adults can develop the skills and resilience needed to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in NDIS for Teens

For NDIS participants aged 12 to 18, Occupational Therapy can be funded under:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
• Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life, if applicable

OT reports also support NDIS plan reviews by identifying functional progress and future goals.

At Bloom Healthcare, we assist with:

• Functional capacity assessments
• Goal-focused therapy and skill-building
• Recommendations for assistive technology, sensory supports, ergonomic assessments, or home modifications
• Preparing teens for transition to adult services or post-school life

Our team is experienced in delivering trauma-informed, developmentally respectful services that help teenagers build real-world outcomes.

Supporting Parents and Carers

Parenting a teenager can be tough. When your teen also has additional needs, the challenges may feel even more complex. At Bloom, we aim to support families as part of the therapeutic process. We provide:

• Clear communication about therapy goals and progress
• Practical strategies to support routines at home
• Collaborative problem-solving for tricky behaviours or transitions
• Guidance on NDIS processes, school supports and advocacy

Our goal is not to replace parental intuition, but to strengthen and empower it.

Finding an Occupational Therapist

Finding the right Occupational Therapist is an important step in accessing effective Occupational Therapy services. Occupational Therapy Australia offers a convenient “Find an OT” service, making it easy to search for qualified Occupational therapists in your area. Referrals can also be made through healthcare professionals such as doctors and social workers, who can help connect you with therapists experienced in supporting young people.

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and community health services, so there are many options for accessing therapy. When choosing an Occupational Therapist, consider their experience, areas of specialty, and approach to practice to ensure the best fit for your needs. Occupational Therapists often collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive support and help you achieve your goals.

By taking the time to find the right Occupational Therapist, you can access the support and expertise needed to enhance your quality of life and reach your full potential.

Occupational Therapy for teens is about helping young people build the skills and confidence to take ownership of their lives. It’s about supporting function, but also identity, resilience and connection.

At Bloom Healthcare, our Occupational Therapists walk alongside teenagers and their families with warmth, clinical expertise and deep respect for each person’s journey. We believe that every young person deserves the chance to grow into their best self – and that therapy can be part of that pathway.

Explore our services: Bloom Healthcare Occupational Therapy