Helping Children Thrive
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy
Welcome to Polkadot Sparrow Occupational Therapy, a PhD-led paediatric and adult OT clinic in Hillcrest, Durban. We are dedicated to helping children, adults, and families thrive through compassionate care grounded in the latest research.
Our pratice’s name reflects our approach: bright, playful, and free-spirited (Polkadot Sparrow) – just like the environments we create for therapy. In our family-centered practice, every
child’s story unfolds through play and every adult is supported with respect and evidence-informed strategies. You’ll find a warm, welcoming space where therapy is fun, family-centered, and empowering.
Our Services at a Glance
At Polkadot Sparrow OT, we offer a full spectrum of services for children and adults, ensuring personalized support for every need. Our key paediatric services include:
Early Intervention
for Infants:
Special support for premature or high-risk babies. We monitor your baby’s milestones from the start – using gentle assessments (like the General Movements Assessment) to catch any early signs of developmental differences. If needed, we coach parents in activities like tummy-time and infant massage to help your little one catch up and thrive.
Sensory Integration
Therapy:
A fun, sensory-rich program in our well equipped therapy gym (with swings, foam pits and more) to help children who struggle with sensations like touch, sound, or movement. We gently “train the brain” to process sensory input more calmly – so everyday experiences (from noisy classrooms to scratchy clothes) become manageable and positive.
Autism & School
Readiness Assessments:
We provide gold-standard autism evaluations (using
ADOS-2 play-based assessment) to clarify your child’s needs and guide next steps. We also offer Optima™ School Readiness testing to ensure your child is ready for Grade 1 – checking their visual/ auditory processing, motor skills, and social-emotional development through fun “games.”
In addition, our expertise extends beyond pediatrics. We offer adult and professional services such as Functional Capacity Evaluations for return-to-work planning, Workplace Accommodation assessments to adapt jobs for injuries or disabilities, and even independent Medico-Legal assessments for insurance or legal cases. (Explore these services under the “Services” menu.) No matter the service, our approach is individualized and evidence-based, tailored to each client’s situation.
Our Family-Centered Philosophy
At Polkadot Sparrow, family comes first. We believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership with you – the parents, caregivers, or clients. Our therapists take time to listen to your story and understand your goals. We don’t “just tick boxes.” An assessment should feel like being understood, not tested. That’s why we start with your story and build trust from day one. Our philosophy centers on:
Compassion
& Respect:
We approach you and your child with kindness and respect for your individual journey. All questions are welcomed, and every concern is acknowledged.
Evidence-Informed Practice:
We are a research-driven clinic founded by two doctoral-level occupational therapists, science-based interventions delivered with care.
Fun & Empowerment:
Our clinic turns therapy into play for kids, enhancing their progress enjoyment. For adults, we emphasize meaningful goals and confidence, fostering independence in daily life.
Holistic, Team-Based Care:
We see each client as part of a larger system, collaborating with parents, teachers, doctors, and employers for support. Our holistic approach considers multiple factors to aid you.
Your Child's Well-Being Matters
Contact Info
Phone
+27 64 729 2253
Address
Unit 5, Burnside Office Park, 1 Builders Way, Hillcrest, Durban 3610