Helping neurodivergent children build independence and confidence.
Mulder OT Services provides specialized pediatric occupational therapy for children on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent conditions in the wider Waterloo Region. We work with children and families to build practical skills that support daily life.
Registered AccessOAP
Core Clinical Services Provider
When children struggle with everyday activities, the whole family feels it.
Many families come to us because their child is having difficulty with things like emotional regulation, transitions, sensory sensitivities, motor coordination, self-care tasks, and school participation.
Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to participate more comfortably and confidently in daily life.
What We Do
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
At Mulder OT Services, therapy is always individualized to the child and family.
Emotional Regulation
Helping children recognize and manage their emotions so they can participate more comfortably in daily activities.
Sensory Processing
Supporting children who experience the world more intensely through sensory regulation strategies.
Motor Development
Improving coordination, balance, and fine motor skills needed for play, school tasks, and independence.
Daily Living Skills
Helping children build independence with toileting, sleep, dressing, eating, hygiene, and routines.
School Routines & Success
Supporting participation, attention, regulation, and task engagement in classroom environments.
Communication Support
Building strategies to support functional communication in everyday settings.
Our Approach
Relationship-Based Occupational Therapy
Focused on regulation, participation, and real-world skills.
- Sensory regulation strategies
- Motor development activities
- Retained primitive reflex integration where appropriate
- Trauma-informed care
- Caregiver coaching and family collaboration
Is This the Right Fit for Your Child?
Mulder OT Services may be a good fit if your child:
- Struggles with emotional regulation or sensory processing
- Finds everyday routines challenging
- Is neurodivergent
- Needs support developing independence with daily skills
- Has Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding available
If you're unsure whether occupational therapy is the right next step, we are happy to talk through your situation.
Family Partnership
Parents Are Essential Partners
Parents and caregivers are essential partners in therapy. We work closely with families to create real improvements in everyday family life.
- Set meaningful therapy goals
- Develop strategies that work at home and school
- Support daily routines
- Build sustainable long-term progress
Meet the Therapist
Alison Mulder
Occupational Therapist
Alison Mulder is an Occupational Therapist with more than two decades of experience supporting children and families.
As both a clinician and a parent of neurodivergent children, Alison brings a unique perspective to her work and understands the challenges families face when navigating therapy systems and services.
Getting Started
What to Expect
Families often ask what the therapy process looks like once services begin. While every child's program is individualized, most families move through the following stages:
Intake Conversation
The process begins with a short intake conversation where we learn about your child, your concerns, and your goals for therapy. This helps determine whether our services are a good fit and what the next steps should be.
Initial Assessment
An occupational therapy assessment helps us understand your child's strengths, challenges, and current level of functioning. This may include observation, structured activities, discussion with caregivers, and review of relevant background information.
Goal Setting
Following the assessment, we work with parents and caregivers to identify meaningful therapy goals that focus on everyday life. Goals often relate to areas such as regulation, participation at school, independence with routines, or social and emotional development.
Treatment Plan Development
Based on the assessment and goals, we develop an individualized therapy plan outlining the areas of focus and recommended therapy approach. This plan helps guide therapy while remaining flexible as your child develops new skills.
Regular Therapy Sessions
Children participate in ongoing therapy sessions designed to build regulation, functional skills, and confidence. Sessions may involve movement-based activities, sensory regulation work, motor skill development, and practical life skills. Caregivers are included in the process so strategies can be applied in everyday routines.
Periodic Reassessment
Progress is reviewed periodically to evaluate how therapy is supporting your child's development. Goals and strategies are adjusted as needed to ensure therapy continues to support meaningful progress over time.
Serving Families Across Waterloo Region
For Legal Professionals
Life Care Planning & Future Cost of Care Reports
Mulder OT Services also provides Certified Life Care Planning reports for legal cases involving catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and complex care needs.