Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Play-based, child-centred occupational therapy that supports children to develop the skills they need for learning, playing, and growing with confidence.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Melbourne and Sydney
Paediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the foundational skills they need to participate in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community. Our occupational therapy for children uses play-based, child-centred approaches that keep kids engaged while building the motor, sensory, and cognitive skills that underpin learning and independence. A child occupational therapist works alongside families to set practical goals and support children at every stage of development.
- Fine motor development - pencil grip, cutting with scissors, fastening buttons, and manipulating small objects
- Gross motor coordination - balance, ball skills, playground participation, and body awareness
- Handwriting support - letter formation, sizing, spacing, and building writing endurance
- Self-care skills - dressing, toileting, feeding, and personal hygiene routines
Conditions and Areas We Help With
Children come to occupational therapy for many different reasons. Our therapists support kids working through developmental delay, sensory processing differences, autism support needs, and challenges with attention or emotional regulation. We also focus on practical skill areas that affect a child's daily participation.
- Developmental delay - building age-appropriate play, motor, and self-care skills at the child's own pace
- Autism support - sensory strategies, routines, and skill-building tailored to each child's strengths and needs
- Fine and gross motor skills - coordination, strength, and the physical foundations for play and learning
- Handwriting and school readiness - letter formation, pencil control, and the skills children need to participate in the classroom
- Emotional regulation - self-calming strategies that help children manage big feelings and stay engaged in daily activities
Sensory Processing and Regulation
Some children experience difficulty processing sensory information, which can affect their behaviour, attention, and ability to participate in daily activities. Our occupational therapists assess sensory processing patterns and develop strategies to help children regulate their responses and engage more comfortably with their environment.
- Sensory assessments to understand how your child processes touch, sound, movement, and visual input
- Individualised sensory diets and strategies for home and school environments
- Emotional regulation and self-calming techniques to support behaviour and attention
School Readiness and Classroom Support
Preparing for school involves more than academic learning. Our therapists help children develop the attention, organisation, and social skills needed to participate confidently in the classroom. We also collaborate with teachers and educators to create supportive learning environments. To discuss paediatric occupational therapy for your child, call us on 0450 874 303.
- Pre-school readiness assessments and targeted skill-building programs
- Attention and concentration strategies for classroom participation
- Collaboration with teachers to implement practical strategies in the school setting
How In-Home and School-Based Paediatric OT Works
Children often learn best in the places where they spend their days. Seeing a child occupational therapist at home or school lets us observe how your child manages everyday routines and apply strategies in real settings rather than a clinic room.
- In-home sessions - working within daily routines such as mealtimes, dressing, and play, with strategies families can continue between visits
- School-based sessions - observing your child in the classroom and playground and collaborating with teachers on practical supports
- Telehealth - where it suits your family, sessions can also be delivered online. Learn more about our telehealth occupational therapy options.
What a First Session Looks Like
The first session is about getting to know your child and understanding what you would like support with. Your occupational therapist will talk with you about your child's strengths, routines, and the areas you are finding tricky, and spend time observing your child through play and everyday tasks. From there we work with you to set goals and plan the focus of ongoing sessions. Where a more detailed picture is helpful, we may recommend a functional capacity assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a paediatric occupational therapist do?
A paediatric occupational therapist helps children build the skills they need for everyday activities such as playing, learning, self-care, and participating at school. This can include support with fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, attention, and emotional regulation.
What are the signs my child may benefit from occupational therapy?
Families often seek occupational therapy for kids who find handwriting or fine motor tasks difficult, struggle with coordination, are sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or movement, have trouble with attention or routines, or are working through developmental delay. If you are unsure, our team is happy to talk through your concerns.
Do you see children at home or at school?
Yes. We provide children's occupational therapy at home and in school settings so children can build skills in the environments where they use them. Online telehealth sessions are also available where they suit your family.
Is paediatric occupational therapy NDIS funded?
Occupational therapy can be funded through the NDIS where it relates to a participant's plan goals. The way services are funded depends on how a child's plan is managed. Our team can help you understand how this applies to your situation - get in touch to discuss.
What age range do you work with?
Our paediatric occupational therapists work with children and young people across a range of ages, from early childhood through the school years. The approach is tailored to each child's stage of development.
Do I need a referral?
You do not always need a referral to begin occupational therapy, though some funding pathways may require one. The simplest way to start is to complete our referral form and our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out our referral form and our team will be in touch to discuss how we can support you.