OT for kids

How Paediatric OT Helps Children

For children, everyday "occupations" are playing, learning, looking after themselves and joining in with family, friends and school. Paediatric occupational therapists help children build the skills behind these activities, in a way that feels like play.

  • Sensory processing: understanding how your child responds to sound, touch, movement and other input and building a practical sensory plan
  • Emotional regulation: strategies for meltdowns, transitions and big feelings
  • Fine motor skills: pencil grip, handwriting, cutting, using cutlery and fastening buttons and zips
  • Self-care: dressing, toileting, toothbrushing, eating and sleep routines
  • School readiness: sitting at the table, following instructions and managing the school day
  • Play and social skills: turn-taking, play skills and joining in with other children
  • Teenagers: independence skills for secondary school, travel and preparing for adult life
Who we see

Children We Support

We work with children and teenagers with autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory processing differences and other disabilities that affect daily life.

Sensory assessmentA clear picture of your child's sensory needs and a practical plan OT for autismWhat sensory and daily living support looks like under the NDIS
How it works

What to Expect

  1. Intake: tell us about your child, their NDIS plan and what you would like help with.
  2. Initial assessment: play-based assessment at home, plus a chat with you about routines and concerns. With your permission, we can also speak with kinder or school.
  3. Goals: we agree on goals that matter to your family.
  4. Therapy: fun, play-based sessions at home, kinder or school, with simple strategies for you to use between visits.
  5. Reports: progress reports for NDIS reviews and practical recommendations for teachers.
NDIS for children

Funding Paediatric OT

If your child has an NDIS plan, OT is usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills (Category 15). For children younger than 9, families usually start with an NDIS early childhood partner, who can connect you with early supports or help you apply for an NDIS plan. Without an NDIS plan, we can complete a self-funded functional capacity assessment to support an application.

Parent guides

Handwriting helpSigns your child might need an OT Sensory dietsWhat they are and how they help Toilet trainingOT tips for autism and developmental delay School readinessGetting ready for prep Meltdown or tantrum?How to tell the difference and what helps

Parents are part of the team: the biggest gains happen between sessions. We coach parents and carers with simple strategies that fit into mealtimes, bath time and getting out the door in the morning.

Service area

Where We Provide Paediatric OT

Our occupational therapists visit clients at home across 302 Melbourne suburbs. Regular therapy covers suburbs within about a 30-minute drive of Templestowe Lower, from the north-east and east to the CBD, Clayton and Dandenong. Functional capacity assessments and other assessments are available across all our service areas.

Templestowe LowerDoncasterBox HillHeidelbergElthamKewHawthornRichmondMelbourne CBDPrestonBundooraSouth MorangRingwoodGlen WaverleyClaytonDandenongAll OT service areas →
FAQ

Paediatric OT FAQs

What age children do you see?
We see children and teenagers. Tell us your child's age and needs when you contact us and we will confirm we are the right fit.
Do you visit kinder or school?
Yes, with your permission and the school's agreement. Seeing your child where the challenges happen often gives the most useful information.
Do you have a waitlist for paediatric OT?
No. We can book an initial assessment as soon as your details and funding are confirmed.
My child is under 9 and does not have an NDIS plan. Can you help?
Families of children under 9 usually start with an NDIS early childhood partner. We can also complete a self-funded functional capacity assessment if it would support an NDIS application.
What is a sensory assessment?
A sensory assessment looks at how your child responds to sensory input such as noise, touch and movement and how this affects daily life. It leads to a practical sensory plan for home and school.