Occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the fine motor, sensory and daily-living skills they need to take part in everyday life — from holding a pencil to getting dressed. This guide explains how paediatric OT works, what to expect, and how to choose a Brisbane provider. This page features local clinics including Tools 4 Life Paediatrics, Learn and Grow, BillyLids Therapy and more.
Brendale-based provider offering paediatric Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology for babies through school-age children and young athletes. Focus on movement, communication, sensory processing, feeding, emotional regulation, and sports injury support, with community, early learning and sports club partnerships.
Woolloongabba-based provider offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychology for children, teens, and young adults under 18, including those without formal diagnosis. Mobile therapy available for clients unable to attend clinic. No NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details explicitly stated.
Registered NDIS provider in Brisbane offering Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy (also Music Therapy, not a listed slug) for children, with telehealth, mobile services, group programs, assessments, and claims of no long waitlists.
Registered NDIS provider in Darra, Western Brisbane offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, positive behaviour support, and early childhood supports for children through adults, plus youth employment services (ages 15-24). No waitlists mentioned across many locations.
Skye Therapy is a children's occupational therapy provider in Moorooka, QLD, supporting children and teens with attention, sensory, self-care and learning skills. Offers 1-on-1 therapy and parent coaching via clinic, community or telehealth. Accepts private, Medicare and NDIS (self- and plan-managed) funding.
BillyLids Therapy's Newmarket, Brisbane clinic offers paediatric occupational therapy and speech pathology for children from infancy through end of primary school. Multidisciplinary, family-centred care includes assessments, therapy planning, parent coaching. Accepts NDIS (self/plan managed) and Medicare funding. No telehealth or waitlist details mentioned.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy provider with clinics in Yeerongpilly, Aspley and Highgate Hill (Brisbane), plus telehealth and mobile OT. Sees children aged 0-18 years with sensory, autism, learning, motor and developmental difficulties. Offers parenting support and equipment shop.
Australia-wide provider (in-clinic Brisbane location) offering psychology, counselling, behaviour support and speech therapy via telehealth, in-clinic and at-home; supports children, adolescents, adults and seniors; NDIS plan-managed and self-managed funding accepted, with NDIS supports including early intervention and support coordination.
Occupational therapy for kids focuses on the everyday "occupations" of childhood — playing, learning, self-care and connecting with others. A paediatric occupational therapist works on skills such as:
Therapy is usually play-based and tailored to each child's goals. The OT may work directly with your child, coach you as parents, and liaise with teachers or other health professionals.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider an assessment if your child:
If you're unsure, a chat with your GP, paediatrician or child health nurse is a sensible first step. An OT assessment can also help clarify what's going on.
Paediatric OT can support children from infancy through to the teenage years. Early support is valuable, but it's never "too late" to start — the approach simply changes with the child's age and goals. Many Brisbane clinics listed here focus on early childhood and primary-school-aged children.
The initial session is usually about gathering information. Expect the therapist to:
Bring any reports from other professionals, and jot down your questions beforehand. The first appointment is also your chance to see whether your child feels comfortable with the therapist.
As a general guide, private OT sessions in Australia often range from around $180 to $220+ per hour. The NDIS publishes price caps for therapy supports in its Pricing Arrangements, which are updated each year — the current published cap is the maximum a provider can charge NDIS participants, so always check the latest figures. Assessments and report-writing may be billed separately.
Under the NDIS, OT usually sits within the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. If your child has NDIS funding, you can generally use it for OT whether you are:
Costs and funding vary by individual circumstances, so treat these figures as a general starting point only and confirm details directly with each provider.
Brisbane has a good spread of paediatric OT clinics — from Woolloongabba and Kelvin Grove to Newmarket, Clayfield, Wilston, Toowong and Holland Park West. When comparing options:
Ratings and review numbers can help, but a small number of reviews doesn't necessarily mean a clinic isn't excellent — it may simply be newer or smaller. Use reviews as one input alongside credentials and a good-fit conversation.
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a therapist who's the right fit for your child and family.
Or read the full occupational therapy guide, or browse all Brisbane providers.
You generally don't need a referral to see a private OT. However, a GP, paediatrician or child health nurse can help you decide whether an assessment is worthwhile, and a referral may be required for some funding pathways such as Medicare care plans. Check with the individual clinic.
Yes, OT is commonly funded under the NDIS in the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. Whether you're agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed affects which providers you can use, so confirm registration and billing with each clinic. NDIS price caps apply and are updated annually.
As a general guide, private OT sessions in Australia often range from about $180 to $220+ per hour, with assessments and reports sometimes billed separately. NDIS publishes maximum price caps that are reviewed each year. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider, as costs vary.
All practising occupational therapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia — you can check this on the AHPRA website. Many are also members of Occupational Therapy Australia. Ask about their experience with your child's particular needs.
Waitlists vary widely between clinics and can be several weeks to months, especially for paediatric OT. It's worth contacting a few providers early, asking about current wait times, and joining more than one list if you need support quickly. Telehealth options may sometimes be available sooner.