Have you notice your child withdrawing in social situations?
Do they become quiet? Or, do they do the opposite and talk louder or over others?
Perhaps they get frustrated when they feel like they aren’t being heard in a group setting?
These are all signs that your child might be struggling with social skills and participation; and emotional regulation is at the core of these challenges.
At OTHC, one of the areas we frequently support children in is social participation—and it’s not just limited to children with a formal diagnosis. We see children of all ages and neurotypes who may find it challenging to connect with peers, read social cues, or regulate their emotions during everyday interactions. And it’s more common than you would think, but occupational therapy is an effective way to work on these!
At OTHC, we incorporate targeted social skills and emotional regulation support directly within our therapy sessions. This may look like individual therapy, dyad (paired) sessions, or other structured, play-based opportunities that allow children to practise these skills in a safe and supported environment.
What Is ‘Social Thinking’—and Why Does It Matter?
Social Thinking refers to how we make sense of our own and others’ thoughts, emotions, and intentions, and use that understanding to guide how we interact. It includes noticing body language, understanding social expectations, and adjusting behaviour based on context.
While many children learn these skills intuitively, others benefit from explicit teaching, modelling, and opportunities to practise.
These skills help children:
- Build meaningful friendships
- Work effectively with others
- Navigate conflict
- Experience a sense of belonging at home, school, and in the community
Why Might My Child Find Social Situations Difficult?
Social communication doesn’t come naturally to every child—and that’s okay.
Some children may find it hard to interpret social cues or respond in expected ways. Others may find it challenging to identify and regulate their own emotions or understand how their feelings influence others.
Our goal is not to “fix” these differences, but to support children in building awareness, confidence, and connection—helping them develop tools that feel authentic and empowering.
What’s the Link Between Social Skills and Emotional Regulation?
Social skills and emotional regulation are closely connected.
When a child finds it difficult to recognise or express their emotions, it can impact how they respond in social situations. Similarly, challenges in social understanding can lead to frustration, overwhelm, or withdrawal.
That’s why our sessions often target both areas together—supporting children to:
- Recognise and name their emotions
- Develop strategies to regulate their responses
- Understand others’ perspectives
- Navigate social interactions with greater confidence
What does support look like through OT?
One of the ways we support social development in-session is through dyad therapy, where two children are paired together with the guidance of an occupational therapist.
These sessions are carefully planned, matching children based on their goals and readiness. Dyad therapy allows children to:
- Practise turn-taking and shared play
- Develop flexible thinking
- Learn to navigate differences in ideas and preferences
- Build confidence interacting with peers
- Receive real-time support and coaching from their therapist
Working with another child introduces natural, real-life social opportunities—while still maintaining the structure and support of a therapy environment.
We also host small groups every school holidays, including Social Sensory. A group for child aged 4 – 11 years dedicated to helping develop social thinking and peer interaction while participating in fun play-based activities.
Could Your Child Benefit from Social Support?
Every child is different—but you might consider additional support if your child:
- May need extra support to make or maintain friendships
- Appears uncomfortable or withdrawn in social situations
- Processes body language or tone of voice differently
- Shows behaviours that don’t align with typical social expectations (e.g. interrupting, walking away, or focusing intensely on a topic)
- Requires support to understand others’ perspectives
- Prefers independent play or finds group interaction challenging
- Becomes overwhelmed in social environments
- Needs support recognising social cues, such as turn-taking in conversation
If one or more of these feels familiar, your child may benefit from targeted, affirming support.
How We Can Help
At OTHC, we support social development through individualised, strengths-based therapy, incorporating approaches like dyad sessions and play-based learning opportunities within regular sessions.
Our focus is on helping children build self-awareness, confidence, and meaningful connection—in ways that feel safe, supportive, and aligned with who they are.
To learn more about how we can support your child, reach out to our team on (02) 9913 3823 or at hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au. We’d love to connect with you.
