Child-led, play-based
Play is the real work of childhood — and the most effective way into any skill.
About Mariam
Mariam al Itawi
Pediatric occupational therapist in Beirut — sensory integration, fine motor skills, daily living and school readiness.
My story
Everyday activities are the real work of childhood
My work is with children whose everyday activities take extra effort: holding a pencil, tolerating a noisy classroom, getting dressed, sitting still long enough to finish a meal. These are not small things. They decide whether a morning starts calmly, whether school feels possible, whether a child believes they are capable.
Before any plan, there is understanding. I look at how a child’s sensory system, motor skills, attention and environment fit together, and I listen closely to the people who know them best. Progress is built from there — in small, steady, celebrated steps, with the family involved the whole way.
I work in Arabic and English, in the clinic, in schools, and alongside the speech therapists, psychologists and physicians already supporting your child.
How I work
Four things that shape every session
Families as partners
Parents leave each session knowing exactly what to carry into the week.
Goals you can see
Not abstract milestones — the specific things your child cannot do yet, and will.
Honest about fit
If occupational therapy is not what your child needs, I will say so and point you onward.
Who I work with
Children from toddlers through the school years
You do not need a diagnosis to come. Many families arrive simply because something in daily life is not working, and that is reason enough.
Sensory processing differences
Developmental delay
Autism spectrum
ADHD and attention difficulties
Handwriting and fine motor difficulty
Coordination difficulties (dyspraxia)
Feeding and mealtime difficulty
Attachment and regulation difficulties
Qualifications
Training & credentials
This section is ready for your degree, university, licence number and the trainings you have completed — Theraplay certification, sensory integration courses, and any professional memberships.
Bachelor / Master in Occupational Therapy — [university, year]
Licensed occupational therapist — [licence number]
Theraplay training — [level, year]
Sensory integration training — [course, year]
My approach
What working together looks like
Every family follows the same four steps — the content inside them is built around your child.
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1
Free consultation
A relaxed conversation about your concerns and what a typical day looks like. No commitment.
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2
Assessment
Structured observation and standardised tools to map sensory, motor, attention and daily function.
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3
A plan you understand
Clear goals in plain language, agreed with you — plus the home strategies that make them stick.
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4
Sessions & review
Regular play-based sessions, progress tracked against goals, and the plan adjusted as your child grows.
Have a question about your child?
Send it on WhatsApp. If occupational therapy is not the right fit, I will tell you honestly and point you to who is.
