Occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the everyday skills they need to play, learn and grow with confidence. This guide explains what paediatric OT involves, how to know if your child might benefit, what it costs, and how to choose a provider in Geelong. It also features local clinics currently listed on our directory.
Geelong-based provider offering paediatric and lifespan occupational therapy for NDIS participants, Medicare or self-funded clients. Supports children with self-care, school readiness, sensory processing, fine motor and emotional regulation. NDIS Registered Provider; located in Geelong, Surf Coast, Bellarine & Golden Plains VIC.
Geelong-based provider offering Occupational Therapy (in-person or Telehealth) combined with yoga. Services funded via NDIS, Medicare, TAC and WorkSafe Victoria. No specific ages, practitioners, or waitlist details mentioned.
Team of occupational therapists in Geelong and Melbourne's west/north, serving clients from birth through adolescence to adults and older adults. Offers early intervention, feeding therapy, cerebral palsy supports, group therapy, driving assessments, and mental health supports. Registered NDIS provider; also supports TAC clients. Clinic, home, workplace and school visits available.
Neurodiversity-affirming speech pathology and occupational therapy for children in Melbourne. Chelsea Heights clinic sees ages 0–12; Glenroy clinic ages 0–16. Offers group programs, autism assessments, and mobile services in homes, schools, and community settings. Waitlist available via intake form.
Provides speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, play therapy, autism assessments and groups for children aged 0-18 in Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine. Offers one-off assessments and free Wiggle and Grow drop-in program for children 0-3 while awaiting services.
Multidisciplinary clinic in Newtown, Geelong supporting children/young people aged 2–17 (early intervention to 9 years) with OT, speech pathology, psychology and assessments. NDIS registered (agency, self- and plan-managed), telehealth and mobile services available; immediate availability noted, no waitlist mentioned.
Multidisciplinary paediatric practice in Geelong CBD offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Positive Behaviour Support, Support Coordination, Plan Management and Allied Health Assistance. Physiotherapy treats from 1-day-old babies to adolescents. NDIS-related services mentioned; no explicit NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details stated.
Registered NDIS provider in Geelong (Newtown) offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, and allied health assistant support. Services provided in-clinic, at home, in community, and via telehealth across the Barwon region. Open to NDIS and private-paying clients, no NDIS plan required.
Occupational therapy for children focuses on the 'occupations' of childhood — playing, learning, self-care and joining in with family and school life. An occupational therapist works on skills like fine motor control (holding a pencil, using scissors, doing up buttons), sensory processing (managing responses to sound, touch, movement and busy environments), and daily-living tasks such as dressing, eating and toileting.
OTs also support attention, emotional regulation, coordination and independence. Sessions are usually play-based and tailored to what matters most to your child and family, whether that's writing at school, sitting through mealtimes, or coping with the noise of a shopping centre.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider an OT assessment if your child:
An OT assessment can also be helpful if your child has a diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, developmental delay or a physical condition.
Paediatric OT can support children from infancy right through to their teenage years. Many Geelong clinics focus on early childhood and primary-school ages, but some also work with older children and adolescents on independence and life skills. Early support can be valuable, so it's worth reaching out even if you're unsure.
The first session is usually an assessment and a chance to get to know your family. The OT will talk with you about your concerns and goals, watch your child play or complete some tasks, and may use standardised assessments. Bring along any reports from your GP, paediatrician, teacher or other therapists.
After the assessment, the OT will discuss their findings and suggest a plan. This might include regular sessions, home strategies, and recommendations for school or childcare. Ask how progress will be measured and reviewed over time.
As a general guide, private OT sessions in Australia often range from around $190 to $260 per hour. The NDIS publishes price caps for therapy supports (these are updated regularly), and many providers align their fees with these caps. Costs vary between clinics and can include assessments, reports and travel, so always ask for a written quote before starting.
If your child has an NDIS plan, OT is generally funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. This budget covers therapy assessments, sessions and reports aimed at building your child's skills and independence. Some families access OT privately, through private health extras cover, or via services like Medicare with a GP-referred care plan (rebates are limited, so check what applies to you).
Pricing here is a general range only and changes over time. Confirm current fees and NDIS price caps directly with each provider.
Geelong has a good spread of paediatric OT services across Newtown, Belmont, Highton, Corio, South Geelong and the CBD. This page features providers including Early Start Australia – Geelong, Doreen's Occupational Therapy Services, Life Connect Therapy, Little Fox Children's Therapy, Allied Health Studio Collective, Nurture Kids Therapy, Everyday Independence Geelong, Step 2 Allied Health, Amazing Kids OT, OKAY Therapy, Geronimo Allied Health and Inspire Kids Therapy.
When comparing options, look at:
Taking a little time to compare providers and ask these questions will help you find the right fit for your child and family.
Or read the full occupational therapy guide, or browse all Geelong providers.
No referral is needed to see an OT privately. However, a referral or care plan from your GP or paediatrician may be required for certain funding, such as a Medicare care plan, and reports from other professionals can help the OT understand your child's needs.
If your child has an NDIS plan, OT is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. Whether you can use a particular Geelong provider depends on how your plan is managed. NDIA-managed plans generally require NDIS-registered providers, while plan-managed and self-managed plans have more flexibility.
As a general guide, sessions often range from around $190 to $260 per hour, with many providers aligning to the NDIS price caps that are updated regularly. Costs vary and may include assessments and reports, so always ask for a written quote before starting.
Waitlists vary between clinics and can range from a few weeks to several months due to high demand. It's best to contact providers directly to ask about their current availability, and to join more than one waitlist if you need support quickly.
All occupational therapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. You can verify registration online, and you may also ask whether they're a member of OT Australia and what experience they have working with children.