Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Newcastle

Paediatric occupational therapists work with children and their families to develop the skills they need to take part in the activities that are important to them, as well as the tasks they need or are expected to do. Our occupational therapy team can help children build their skills in the following areas:

• Sensory processing
• Self-care skills, including dressing, sleep, toileting and showering or bathing
• Gross motor skills
• Fine motor skills
• Handwriting
• Regulation of energy and emotion
• Executive functioning
• School participation
• Understanding and navigating differences in play and social interaction styles

An episode of care usually begins with getting to know your child and understanding your priorities. The occupational therapist gathers a history, observes your child where helpful, and works with you to set goals that are meaningful for daily life. These goals guide the therapy plan and give a clear way to track progress over time.

For children under 12, the intake session is parent only, which gives the occupational therapist time to gather a full history and understand your priorities before working directly with your child. For young people aged 12 and over, whether the young person attends the intake is at the parent's discretion.

Occupational therapy is practical and hands on. Sessions build skills through activities that are meaningful and, where possible, enjoyable for your child. The occupational therapist will suggest strategies to use at home, and, with your consent, can share advice with your child's school so that support is consistent across settings. Progress is reviewed regularly and the plan is adjusted as your child grows and their needs change.

Families and schools are important partners in occupational therapy. We involve parents and carers in setting goals and in weaving strategies into everyday routines such as getting dressed, mealtimes and bedtime. With your permission, we can also liaise with teachers to support participation in the classroom, so that new skills carry over into the places your child spends their day.

The fees above are our private fees. For NDIS-funded appointments, occupational therapy is charged in line with the current NDIS price guide. Occupational therapy can be funded in several ways, including the NDIS (self managed or plan managed), a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP), a Mental Health Treatment Plan where the goals are related to mental health, or privately. Our admin team can help you understand which options may apply to your child. See our fees and referrals and NDIS pages for more detail.

To arrange occupational therapy for your child, please call Hunter Children's Clinics on 02 4072 1877. You may also be interested in our speech pathology and psychology services.

Related reading: what to expect from a parent-only intake session, and what a developmental paediatrician does.

Our occupational therapy team

Occupational therapy at Hunter Children's Clinics is provided by Emilie De Rop and Maddie Doyle.

What does a paediatric occupational therapist do?

Paediatric occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need to take part in everyday activities, from self-care and fine and gross motor skills to sensory processing, regulation, executive functioning and school participation.

Is the first appointment with or without my child?

For children under 12, the intake session is parent only. For young people aged 12 and over, whether they attend the intake is at the parent's discretion.

How can occupational therapy be funded?

Occupational therapy can be funded through the NDIS (self managed or plan managed), a Chronic Condition Management Plan, a Mental Health Treatment Plan where the goals are related to mental health, or privately. Our admin team can help you understand which options apply.

What are the fees?

Intake is $240 privately and follow-up is $205 per hour privately. For NDIS-funded appointments, occupational therapy is charged in line with the current NDIS price guide. Full details are on our fees and referrals page.