Finding the right occupational therapist (OT) for your child in Wollongong can feel overwhelming, especially while juggling waitlists and NDIS paperwork. This guide explains what children's OT involves, how to spot when support might help, what it typically costs, and how to choose a provider along the Illawarra coast — from Warilla to Bowral.
The Little Physio Corrimal provides paediatric physiotherapy and occupational therapy for babies and children, focused on helping them play, move and thrive.
Registered NDIS provider in Wollongong/Warilla offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, positive behaviour support, and allied health assistants. Services provided in-clinic, at home, in community, and via telehealth; open to NDIS and private clients.
Wollongong-based practice offering paediatric physiotherapy ('physio for kids') and occupational therapy, alongside hydrotherapy and general physiotherapy services. NDIS-related services referenced. No specific ages, telehealth availability, or waitlist details stated.
The Thrive Spot is a family-centred allied health provider in Dapto, NSW (Illawarra), offering speech pathology since 2021 and occupational therapy since 2024 to children with disability. They also mention art therapy, play therapy and chiropractic care. Maintains a waiting list; goals reviewed each term.
Capable Kids South Coast offers Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Behaviour and Parenting Support for children, delivered by skilled professionals providing tailored intervention services to help children reach their developmental potential.
Unique Kids Clinic, Coniston NSW, offers paediatric Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, plus group programs (Mighty Movers, Camp Connect, Surf Camp, Ready Set Kindy) for children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing, developmental and coordination challenges.
Dapto-based allied health practice since 2017 offering psychology (ADHD, autism, PDA assessments), occupational therapy, speech and communication assessments, and trauma-informed art therapy. Person-centred, family-centred, trauma-informed approach for children and adults with disability support needs.
NDIS-registered provider in Wollongong offering Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Positive Behaviour Support, Exercise Physiology and Early Childhood Key Worker support for children up to age 9, teens and adults; clinic, home, school and community sessions available.
Occupational therapy helps children build the everyday skills they need to take part in the "occupations" of childhood — playing, learning, self-care and getting along at home and school. For kids, an OT often focuses on fine motor skills (grasping a pencil, using scissors, doing up buttons), sensory processing (managing responses to noise, touch, movement or textures) and daily-living skills (dressing, toileting, mealtimes, sleep routines).
An OT looks at the child, the task and the environment together. Rather than only "fixing" a skill, they might adjust how an activity is set up, suggest tools, and coach parents and teachers so progress carries over into real life.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider an OT assessment if your child:
An OT can also support children with diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder or cerebral palsy — but a diagnosis isn't required to seek help.
OTs work with children of all ages, from early intervention in the toddler and preschool years through to primary and high school. Earlier support can be valuable, but it's never "too late" to start — the goals simply shift with age, from play and school readiness to independence and self-care.
The first session is usually about getting to know your child and your priorities. Expect the OT to:
Afterwards, you'll typically receive a summary and a plan. Bring any reports from your GP, paediatrician, school or previous therapists, plus your NDIS plan if you have one.
Occupational therapy fees generally sit in the range of $180 to $220+ per hour in Australia. The NDIS publishes price caps for therapy supports each year, and many providers set their fees around this. Costs can vary with session length, travel, report writing and assessment tools, so always ask for a clear quote.
Under the NDIS, children's OT is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improve Daily Living. If your child has NDIS funding, check whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed, as this affects which providers you can use. Families without NDIS funding may access some support through Medicare (with a GP referral and care plan, limited sessions apply) or private health extras — check your policy.
These figures are general guidance only and change over time. Confirm current pricing directly with each provider and check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
This page features a range of local providers — including Better Rehab (Warilla), The Thrive Spot (Dapto), Capable Kids South Coast (Port Kembla), Unique Kids Clinic (Coniston), Ability Action Australia (Wollongong), Happy Breeze Therapy (Wollongong and Shellharbour), Sea Change Health Professionals (Wollongong CBD), Real Therapy Solutions (Port Kembla), Hanrahan Health (Bowral), Nature Sense OT and Treehouse Occupational Therapy Services (West Wollongong). When comparing options, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a provider who's the right fit — not just the first one available.
Or read the full occupational therapy guide, or browse all Wollongong providers.
You don't need a referral to book privately with most OTs. However, a referral is needed if you're accessing support through a Medicare care plan, and reports from your GP or paediatrician can help the OT understand your child's needs. If you have an NDIS plan, you can engage an OT directly using your funding.
If your child has an NDIS plan, OT is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improve Daily Living. Whether you can use a particular provider depends on how your plan is managed (self-managed, plan-managed or agency-managed). Agency-managed plans require an NDIS-registered provider. Always confirm before booking.
Fees generally range from around $180 to $220+ per hour, broadly in line with NDIS price caps that are updated each year. Costs vary with session length, travel, assessments and reports, so ask each provider for a written quote. These figures are general guidance only.
Waitlists vary by provider and can range from a few weeks to several months, as demand across the Illawarra is high. Ask each clinic about their current wait, whether they have a cancellation list, and if telehealth appointments are available sooner.
Yes, many Wollongong providers offer telehealth, which can work well for some assessments, parent coaching and follow-up sessions. In-person sessions are often preferred for hands-on skills and younger children. Ask the provider what mix of telehealth and face-to-face they recommend for your child.