Ever Wondered What Happens in a Therapy Session for Children with Special Needs? Let Me Walk You Through It…

You know, one of the most common questions I get from parents is, “What actually happens during my child’s therapy session?”

It’s completely natural to wonder — after all, you’re trusting someone to support your little one, and as a parent, you want to be sure they feel safe, understood, and cared for.

So, let me tell you — therapy, especially for children with special needs, isn’t some stiff, formal process. It’s often playful, gentle, and completely child-led.

Let me paint you a little picture of how a typical session unfolds…

First Things First — Settling In

Imagine your child walking into the room — maybe it’s their first time, maybe they’ve been coming for a while. Either way, the beginning is all about comfort.

We might sit on the floor, bring out some toys, or simply chat (if your child is verbal). Sometimes, we play with building blocks, sometimes it’s bubbles or sensory toys — it all depends on what makes your child feel safe.

There’s no pressure. No “performing.” Just a warm space to be themselves.

Understanding Through Play

Here’s the thing — play is a child’s language. Especially for children with developmental delays, autism, or communication challenges, play is how they express themselves.

During the session, I observe:

●      How your child plays

●      How they interact (or prefer space)

●      Their communication style — verbal, non-verbal, gestures, expressions

Every tiny detail tells me something about how your child experiences the world.

Gentle Guidance, Step by Step

Once your child feels comfortable, we weave in activities designed just for them — maybe it’s practicing requesting with words or gestures, maybe it’s working on social skills, or helping them manage big feelings or teaching them how to play by being their play partner or sometimes working on certain behaviours and redirecting them to a more acceptable way.

But it’s never forced — the session flows around your child’s mood, energy, and needs that day. Some days, they’re curious and eager, other days, they just need quiet time — and that’s perfectly okay.

You’re Part of the Journey Too

A big part of my role is working with you, the parent. After the session, we chat:

●      What went well

●      Small ways you can support your child at home

●      Celebrating little milestones (because they matter so much!)

No fancy jargon — just honest conversations about your child’s growth.

And That’s a Wrap — With a Smile

We always end gently — a favourite activity, a soothing routine, or even just a simple “good job” to boost confidence. The goal? Your child leaves feeling safe, seen, and supported.

Therapist engages with a young girl and her parent during a child therapy session, fostering open communication in a supportive environment.

Final Thought…

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — especially for children with special needs. It’s a space built entirely around your child — their pace, their strengths, their unique spark.

And over time? You’ll start to see those little breakthroughs — eye contact held a bit longer, a new word spoken, a moment of calm in place of a meltdown. Every session plants seeds for growth — and together, we nurture them.

Feel free to connect and let’s build more safe spaces for our kids.