Your child’s occupational therapy sessions can vary greatly depending on their specific goals, whether focused on fine motor skills, social interactions, gross motor development, or emotional regulation. While one-on-one therapy sessions can be highly effective in supporting these goals, dyad occupational therapy—where two children work together—provides unique opportunities to enhance progress and develop key skills in a dynamic and naturalistic environment
What Are Dyad OT Sessions?
Dyad OT sessions involve two children working together under the guidance of an occupational therapist. These sessions are carefully planned to pair children with complementary needs, strengths, or social goals. For example, one child might benefit from practicing turn-taking, while the other may need support with managing sensory input during shared play.
The structure of dyad sessions focuses on shared activities, cooperative tasks, and opportunities for social problem-solving. Therapists also model and provide opportunity to develop social interaction strategies, creating a safe and supportive space for children to build social confidence and competence.
Key Benefits of Dyad OT Sessions
- Enhancing Social Skills in Real Time
Social interaction can be challenging for children with delays in communication, emotional regulation, or social understanding. Dyad sessions offer a real-world context to practice:
- Turn-taking and sharing during games or activities.
- Nonverbal communication, such as interpreting gestures or facial expressions.
- Conflict resolution through guided problem-solving.
These sessions allow children to learn social rules and adapt their behaviour in a structured yet flexible environment.
- Building Emotional Regulation Through Peer Interaction
In dyad sessions, children encounter real-life scenarios like waiting, losing a game, or negotiating a turn—experiences that naturally bring up emotions. Therapists help children identify and navigate these feelings, using tools such as visual supports, role-playing, and co-regulation strategies.
- Encouraging Flexible Thinking
Playing with another child often requires adaptability. For instance, a planned activity might not go as expected, or one child might suggest an alternative idea. Learning to adapt in dyad sessions fosters cognitive flexibility, a skill essential for peer relationships, problem-solving, and transitions in everyday life.
- Peer Motivation and Modelling
Children often respond differently to peers than adults. Seeing a peer attempt a challenging task, demonstrate perseverance, or succeed in a new skill can motivate children to try something outside their comfort zone. This natural peer modelling is especially impactful in dyad settings, where children can inspire and support each other.
- Practicing Collaboration and Teamwork
Dyad sessions emphasise cooperative activities that require teamwork, such as building something together, completing a scavenger hunt, or engaging in imaginative play. These tasks develop shared attention, planning, and joint problem-solving, laying the groundwork for positive peer relationships.
- Boosting Confidence in Social Settings
Success in dyad sessions often translates to improved confidence in larger group settings. A child who learns to interact positively with one peer in a safe environment may feel more prepared to join.
Dyad occupational therapy sessions offer a dynamic and engaging way to develop and build OT skills in children. By incorporating peer interaction, these sessions provide children with authentic opportunities to practice social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a supported setting. The benefits often extend beyond the therapy room, fostering resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections in everyday life.
For parents and caregivers exploring the idea of dyad sessions, it’s helpful to discuss this option with your occupational therapist. They can provide guidance on whether dyad sessions would be a good fit for your child’s needs and how they can support achieving the best possible outcomes.
