THRIVE

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

where

growth

begins

with

care…

My name is Niloofar Ahanchin, a registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). I hold a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Kinesiology from York University and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Ontario.

My passion lies in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and sensory or motor challenges. I believe every child is capable of growth when given the right tools, environment, and support. My goal is to create a welcoming, playful, and empowering space where children feel confident, motivated, and understood.

I use evidence-based, play-centered therapy tailored to each child’s interests and strengths, helping them build the skills they need for everyday activities such as self-care and emotional regulation to school participation and social interaction. Therapy with me is never one-size-fits-all; it's about meeting your child where they are and growing together from there.

Above all, I believe therapy should be collaborative, compassionate, and fun. Whether I’m working with a child or an adult, I focus on what matters most to them and their families, using creative strategies that make progress feel natural and achievable.

About Me

Collage of four images: top left shows children stacking colorful wooden blocks, top right shows a woman and girl smiling while drawing, bottom left shows an elderly woman smiling and holding exercise equipment, bottom right shows hands holding soil with a small green plant.

My Services

Pediatric Occupational Fine Motor Therapy

Handwriting (letter formation, pencil grip, spacing, endurance)
Cutting with scissors (accuracy, bilateral coordination)
Colouring and drawing (within lines, pressure control, creativity)
Buttoning, zipping, and tying shoelaces
Opening containers or snack packages
Using utensils for eating
Building with small toys (e.g. LEGO, blocks, puzzles)
Typing or using a touchscreen with accuracy
Crafts and art activities that promote finger dexterity and coordination
Strengthening hand and finger muscles for improved control

Sensory Processing Support

Sensory diet development
Creating customized daily routines and activities (e.g. jumping, deep pressure, fidget tools) to support regulation at home and school.
Self-regulation strategies
Teaching children how to recognize their body signals and use tools (like breathing techniques or sensory breaks) to calm or alert themselves.
Modifying the environment
Recommending changes to the child’s surroundings (lighting, noise, textures) to reduce sensory overload and promote focus.
Support for sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviours
Helping children who crave or avoid certain sensations (e.g. movement, touch, sound) find safe, functional ways to meet their needs.
Toileting and hygiene tolerance
Addressing sensory-related aversions to toileting, toothbrushing, haircuts, bathing, etc.
Food and feeding challenges
Supporting children with sensory-based feeding difficulties (e.g. picky eating, aversion to textures or smells).
Vestibular and proprioceptive activities
Using movement-based and heavy work activities to help children feel grounded, organized, and in control of their bodies.