Occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the everyday skills they need to thrive — from holding a pencil and doing up buttons to managing big feelings and busy sensory environments. This guide explains how paediatric OT works, what it costs, how NDIS funding fits in, and how to choose the right provider in Cairns. The page also features a ranked list of local OT providers to help you start your search.
NDIS-registered provider offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, positive behaviour support, psychology, and physiotherapy across North Queensland clinics including Cairns. Services offered in-clinic, at home, school, community, or via telehealth. No referral required except for Medicare subsidy claims.
Provides speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, behaviour support and early intervention (ages 0-7) for autistic children through adults. Offers diagnostic assessments, therapy groups, AQ School (Prep-Year 6), and telepractice/face-to-face options.
Therapy Plus Child Development Centre offers Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy for children and adults, Early Childhood Practitioner services, and a social skills group (Curious Crocodiles) for 3-5 year olds. Mentions NDIS funding, Medicare rebates, and private health cover.
Mobile occupational therapy provider serving Cairns and Innisfail, offering therapy supports (ages 5+), functional capacity assessments, and driving assessments. Currently accepts only self-managed/plan-managed NDIS participants; not accepting new referrals due to extensive waitlist.
Multidisciplinary allied health practice in Bungalow, QLD offering Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Exercise Physiology. Serves all ages and conditions including disabilities, chronic disease, and pain. Offers telehealth for some programs; no explicit NDIS registration or paediatric-specific focus stated.
Cairns Hand Clinic treats hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions using Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists trained in hand therapy. Serves clients of all ages following injury, illness or surgery, providing splints, casts and rehabilitation; no NDIS or telehealth details mentioned.
Cairns-based clinic offering Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy services to children and adults of any age or ability level. Waitlist available via referral form; no explicit mention of NDIS registration or telehealth.
Private allied health practice in Manunda/Manoora offering psychology (talk-based and brain-based therapies), paediatric occupational therapy, educational therapies, and assessments (ADHD, autism, cognitive) for adults, children and adolescents. No explicit NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
For kids, an "occupation" simply means the everyday activities that make up their day — playing, dressing, eating, writing, and taking part at school and home. A paediatric occupational therapist looks at the physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional skills behind these activities and works out where a child might need support.
Common focus areas include:
Therapists usually work through play-based activities, since play is how children learn best. They also coach parents and teachers so strategies carry over into home and the classroom.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider an OT assessment if your child:
If you have concerns, a good first step is a chat with your GP, paediatrician or child health nurse. They can help you decide whether an assessment is worthwhile.
Paediatric OT can support children from infancy through to the teenage years. Early support is valuable, but there's no "too late" — therapy is tailored to a child's current stage and goals, whether that's a toddler learning to self-feed or a high-schooler managing handwriting and organisation.
An initial appointment usually starts with the therapist gathering background — your concerns, your child's history, and what you'd like to achieve. They'll often observe your child playing and completing a few age-appropriate tasks, and may use standardised assessments. The first session is mostly about building rapport and understanding your child, so there's no need to prepare them beyond a familiar comfort item if that helps. Afterwards, the therapist will discuss findings and suggest goals and a plan.
As a general guide, private OT sessions in Australia typically range from around $180 to $220 per hour, and the NDIS publishes price caps that registered providers work within. Assessments and detailed reports may be charged separately. These figures are indicative only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Under the NDIS, occupational therapy is usually funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. If your child has an NDIS plan, this line can typically be used for OT assessments, therapy sessions and reports. How you access it depends on whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed, so check with your plan manager or support coordinator. Some families also access short-term OT through Medicare (with a GP care plan and referral, which offers limited rebated sessions) or private health extras — ask your provider what applies.
When comparing OT providers, consider:
The featured Cairns providers include Allied Therapeutic Services Cairns, Autism Queensland (Edmonton and Bungalow), Therapy Plus Child Development Centre, Thriving Lives Co., Cairns Hand Clinic, Little Sparrows Therapy, Mind Matters Cairns, Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairns, PaediaTricks Cairns, Allied Paediatrics and Little People Therapies. Ratings and review numbers can help you shortlist, but it's worth contacting a couple to compare fit.
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a therapist your child feels comfortable with — which makes a real difference to how well therapy works.
Or read the full occupational therapy guide, or browse all Cairns providers.
For private or NDIS-funded OT you generally don't need a referral — you can contact a provider directly. However, if you're accessing OT through Medicare, you'll need a GP care plan and referral. A GP or paediatrician can also help confirm whether an assessment is appropriate.
As a general guide, private OT sessions in Australia usually range from around $180 to $220 per hour, and the NDIS sets price caps that registered providers follow. Assessments and reports may cost extra. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider, as prices vary.
If your child has an NDIS plan, OT is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. How you access it depends on whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed. Check with your plan manager or support coordinator, and confirm the provider can work with your plan type.
Waitlists vary by provider and can be long in regional areas due to high demand. Always ask upfront about the wait for both an initial assessment and ongoing sessions. Some families join more than one waitlist or consider telehealth to be seen sooner.
Occupational therapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA, and many are members of Occupational Therapy Australia. Ask about their registration and their experience working with children and your child's specific needs before booking.