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Occupational therapy for children in Australia

Helps children build skills for daily life, play and emotional regulation.

  • 1,300+Providers listed
  • 795Suburbs covered
  • FreeFor families to use

What is occupational therapy for children?

Paediatric occupational therapists (OTs) help children take part in everyday activities - fine-motor skills like handwriting and using cutlery, sensory processing, self-care routines, coordination, and emotional regulation.

After an assessment, an OT builds a plan tailored to your child and often coaches families and educators on small environment and routine changes that make daily life easier.

Common concerns supported

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some OT sessions when your GP writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral first. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost of OT. For a child with autism, a paediatrician's treatment plan opens up to 20 more rebated sessions.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • NDIS price limit

    $193.99 an hour

    OT, 2026–27.

  • Medicare rebate

    $63.40 a session

    Up to 5 sessions a year with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

What does a paediatric OT actually help with?

Common areas include handwriting and fine-motor skills, sensory sensitivities, daily routines (dressing, eating, sleep), coordination, and self-regulation.

Do we need a referral?

Not to see an OT privately. A GP referral and care plan are required only to access Medicare rebates or certain funded pathways.

Can OT be funded by the NDIS?

Yes, typically under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living when it aligns with your child's plan goals.

How is OT different from physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy focuses on gross-motor movement and physical function; OT focuses on participation in everyday tasks, including fine-motor, sensory, and self-care skills.

Most in-demand areas for occupational therapy

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