Problem Solving
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
What do we mean by problem solving?
Problem solving is the ability to identify a challenge, think through possible options, choose a course of action, and adapt if things don't go to plan. It sounds straightforward, but for many children, this process is genuinely difficult, and difficulties with problem solving can affect everything from completing schoolwork to navigating friendships to managing the unexpected moments of daily life.
Problem solving draws on a range of skills including flexible thinking, emotional regulation, planning, and the ability to tolerate frustration when things don't work out immediately. When any of these areas are challenging, problem solving can feel overwhelming, leading to avoidance, big emotional responses, or a tendency to give up quickly.
What does difficulty with problem solving look like?
- Becoming very upset or shutting down when a task doesn't go as expected
- Difficulty coming up with more than one solution to a problem
- Rigidity — needing things to be done in a specific way, and struggling when they can't be
- Frequently seeking adult help rather than attempting to work something out independently
- Difficulty recovering from mistakes or setbacks
- Trouble applying solutions from one situation to a new, similar one
- Significant frustration with open-ended tasks at school
How can occupational therapy help?
- Building flexible thinking skills through play-based and real-world activities
- Developing emotional regulation strategies to help children stay calm when things go wrong
- Practising step-by-step problem-solving frameworks in a supportive, low-stakes environment
- Building tolerance for frustration and uncertainty
- Working with families to create home environments that encourage independent problem solving
- Collaborating with teachers to support flexible thinking in the classroom
Myths and facts about OT and problem solving
Myth
"They just need to toughen up."
FACT
Difficulty with problem solving is often rooted in neurological differences in flexible thinking and emotional regulation, not a lack of resilience or character. Building these skills requires patience, the right strategies, and a supportive environment, not pressure.
Myth
"If we just solve problems for them, they'll learn by watching."
FACT
Children learn problem-solving skills through supported practice, not observation alone. Well-meaning adults who consistently step in can inadvertently reduce a child's opportunities to build independence. An OT can help families find the right balance.
Myth
"Some children are just naturally bad at problem solving — it's just the way they're wired."
FACT
Problem solving is a set of learnable skills, not a fixed trait. While some children do find flexible thinking and managing uncertainty genuinely harder than others, these are areas that respond well to targeted support. With the right strategies and practice, most children can develop a much stronger capacity to work through challenges independently.
Frequently asked questions
Is problem solving linked to autism or ADHD?
Difficulty with flexible thinking and problem solving is common in Autistic children and ADHDers — though it can occur in any child. Understanding your child's neurodevelopmental profile helps us tailor support in a way that works with their brain, not against it.
At what age should children be solving problems independently?
Yes. OT's can provide reports and recommendations supporting applications for exam accommodations such as extra time, use of a laptop, or rest breaks. We're happy to discuss this if it's relevant for your child.
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