It’s Not About Fixing: How Occupational Therapists Help Teens Understand Their Brain
When people first hear about Occupational Therapy (OT) for teens and young adults, they often imagine something clinical or medical — maybe a room filled with strange equipment, or lots of formal assessments. But the truth is, OT sessions — especially for neurodivergent young people — are often much more relaxed, creative, and collaborative than you might expect.
So, what actually happens in an OT session? What do young people work on, and how does it help?
Whether you’re a young person considering OT for the first time or a parent wanting to understand what to expect, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a session with an OT might look like.
First Things First: It’s Not a Test
One of the most important things to know is this: OT isn’t about being judged or tested. It’s about support.
The first session or two will usually focus on getting to know each other. The OT will take time to build a connection with the you and, learn what your interests are, what you enjoy, and what you find difficult day to day. This could be things like:
“I keep forgetting things.”
“I get overwhelmed when there’s too much noise.”
“I want to be more independent, but I don’t know where to start.”
“I feel exhausted after school.”
“I just want things to feel easier.”
There’s no pressure to have all the answers. The OT is there to explore things with you, at your pace.
Tailored to You: No Two Sessions Are the Same
Once the OT has a good understanding of what’s going on, the sessions begin to focus on areas that you would like to focus on in your world, either at school at home or at work.
Some examples of what might happen in a session include:
1. Building a Calm Morning Routine
If mornings are chaotic or stressful, the OT might help break down what’s happening step by step. Together, you might:
- Create a visual checklist or timeline
- Explore what sensory input helps you feel awake and settled
- Practice how to get ready without running out of time or energy
This kind of support can be life-changing for families — not because it’s “fixing” anything, but because it’s reducing daily stress in ways that feel achievable.
2. Learning to Manage Big Emotions
Emotional regulation is a common focus in OT sessions. That could involve:
- Noticing how your body feels before emotions escalate
- Trying out calming strategies (like movement, pressure, breathwork, or grounding techniques)
- Practicing how to communicate when you need space or support
This is all done with kindness and curiosity, never shame. The goal is to understand how your nervous system responds to the world, and how to care for it.
3. Understanding Your Sensory World
Everyone experiences the world through their senses — but for neurodivergent people, these senses can be heightened or dulled in ways that affect daily life. In OT, you might:
- Explore different textures, sounds, or lights and notice how they affect you
- Build a “sensory toolkit” — a collection of items or actions that help regulate your system
- Find out why certain environments feel calming or triggering
Sometimes this happens through play or creative exploration. Other times, it’s more structured — like setting up strategies for the classroom or your workplace.
4. Supporting Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is how our brain helps us plan, organise, start tasks, shift attention, and manage time. If this is tricky (and it often is), your OT might help with:
- Using timers or visual planners
- Learning how to prioritise tasks without getting overwhelmed
- Practising how to start a difficult task — even when motivation is low
These tools are introduced gently, always with the person’s own style of thinking in mind.
5. Social and Life Skills
OT can also support with things like:
- Preparing for job interviews
- Learning how to navigate group conversations
- Setting personal boundaries
- Practising self-advocacy
- Managing transitions (like starting high school, leaving home, or beginning uni)
All of this happens in a safe space where there’s no expectation to perform or “get it right.”
Navigating the Online World: Digital Life and Mental Wellbeing
For many young people, life doesn’t just happen in the real world — it also happens online. Whether it's chatting with friends, watching videos, gaming, or scrolling social media, being online is part of everyday life.
But the online world can also be a source of stress, comparison, or confusion — especially for neurodivergent teens who may already feel different or overwhelmed.
Occupational Therapy can help young people build healthy digital habits and develop the skills to feel more in control of their online lives. That might include:
- Setting screen-time routines that work with your energy and attention levels
- Exploring boundaries around social media — for example, recognising when something online is draining instead of fun
- Practising digital communication skills, like how to manage online friendships, navigate misunderstandings, or take space when needed
- Building awareness of how different apps or platforms affect your mood and sense of self
- Learning strategies to manage online conflict, avoid doom-scrolling, or spot misinformation
This isn’t about saying “don’t use screens” — it’s about helping young people understand their relationship with the digital world and make choices that support their wellbeing. In OT, you can explore this in a non-judgemental way, with tools and strategies that match your values and personality.
Family Involvement
While OT sessions are focused on the young person, parents or caregivers are often part of the process, especially in the early stages. The OT might offer guidance around how to support regulation at home, how to manage transitions more smoothly, or how to build consistent routines.
Importantly, families are never blamed. The OT works alongside everyone with compassion and understanding, creating plans that are realistic and sustainable in real life.
As young people grow in confidence and independence, the level of family involvement usually adjusts based on their preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts
Occupational Therapy isn’t about turning young people into someone else. It’s about helping them understand themselves, build confidence, and find ways to live that feel manageable and meaningful — not in spite of their neurodivergence, but with it at the centre.
For parents, it’s a gentle reminder that your teen doesn’t need to be “fixed.” They need support that makes room for who they are.
And for teens? OT is your space to explore, to ask questions, and to figure out how to show up in the world without hiding or burning out.
Every young person deserves support that honours who they are. If you or your teen are curious about OT, get in touch — we’re here to help you find what works for you.
For sure, there’s a lot more to think about and talk about, so let’s share and create a Voix Guide together, and find out what’s important for YOU.
