Therapy assistant sessions and group programs can be a practical, cost-effective way to help your child build skills and confidence between (or alongside) sessions with a lead therapist. This guide explains how these supports work, what they typically cost, how NDIS funding fits in, and how to choose the right provider in the Wollongong region.
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.
North Wollongong Physiotherapy provides paediatric physiotherapy for children and teens with developmental disorders, musculoskeletal and sports injuries, and post-surgical rehab. Also serves adults and elderly. Accepts NDIS (self/third party managed), Medicare/EPC, DVA and Workers Compensation clients; offers disabled access.
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.
Sense Therapies provides play-based, neuro-affirming Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Psychology, psychometric assessments, education services and group programs for children and adolescents across Illawarra and Kiama, NSW. Services offered at clinics in Bulli & Kiama, plus home, daycare, school and community visits.
Quirky Kid offers child psychology services including assessments, therapy, and workshops for children and families, plus social skills group programs (e.g., The Best of Friends for ages 7-13). Locations in Sydney and Wollongong; online options available.
Occupational therapy service for children in the Illawarra, NSW, offering neuroaffirming individual therapy and group programs (nature-based, school starters, teen self-care). Training workshops for parents/schools available. Waitlist currently closed due to long wait times.
Recovery Station is an NDIS-registered allied health provider (also iCare, Medicare, DVA, HiCaps) serving adolescents and adults across Sydney, Hunter, Central Coast and Tamworth, offering OT, psychology, speech pathology, dietetics, physiotherapy and positive behaviour support, via clinic, home, community or telepractice.
An allied health assistant (sometimes called a therapy assistant) works under the supervision of a qualified therapist — usually an occupational therapist, speech pathologist or physiotherapist. The lead therapist sets the goals and program, and the assistant delivers hands-on practice sessions to help your child work towards those goals. Because assistants are supervised rather than fully qualified clinicians, their sessions generally cost less, which can help your child's funding stretch further.
Group programs bring a small number of children together to practise skills in a social setting. Depending on the program, groups might focus on things like social skills, emotional regulation, fine motor or handwriting skills, play skills, motor coordination, or school readiness. Groups can be especially valuable because children get to practise with peers — something that's hard to replicate in a one-on-one room.
Every child develops at their own pace, so this is not a diagnostic list — but you might consider extra support if your child:
If you have concerns, a good first step is a chat with your GP, paediatrician or your child's lead therapist. Always seek professional advice rather than relying on a checklist.
Groups and assistant-led sessions run for a wide age range, from toddlers through to teenagers. Programs are usually grouped by age and stage — for example, early childhood play groups, primary-aged social skills groups, or teen programs. Ask providers which age brackets they cater for and how they match children within a group.
Most providers start with an initial assessment or intake session with the qualified therapist, not the assistant. This is where the therapist gets to know your child, understands your family's priorities, and sets goals. For group programs, there's often a screening step to make sure the group is a good fit and that the children will work well together.
Bring along any recent reports (assessments, school observations, previous therapy notes) and a short list of what you'd most like your child to get out of the program. It helps to be clear about your child's strengths as well as the areas you want to work on.
As a general guide, therapy assistant sessions in Australia often range from around $55 to $95 per hour, while sessions with a fully qualified therapist typically range from around $180 to $220 per hour. Group programs vary widely depending on length, group size and staffing. These are general ranges only — the NDIS publishes price caps that registered providers must work within, and actual fees vary between clinics, so always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
Under the NDIS, therapy assistant and group supports usually come from your child's Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. Some social and community participation groups may draw from other budget areas. If you're not sure which line applies, ask the provider or your support coordinator or plan manager before you start. If you're self-managed or plan-managed you generally have more flexibility around who you can use.
This page features providers across the Wollongong and Illawarra region, including Better Rehab - Wollongong (Warilla), North Wollongong Physiotherapy, Unique Kids Clinic (Coniston), Sense Therapies (Bulli Clinic), The Quirky Kid Wollongong (Austinmer), Thriving Kids Occupational Therapy (Shellharbour) and Recovery Station (Wollongong). When comparing them, look at:
Or read the full therapy assistants & groups guide, or browse all Wollongong providers.
A therapy assistant delivers hands-on practice sessions under the supervision of a qualified therapist (like an OT, speech pathologist or physio) who sets and reviews the goals. Assistant sessions usually cost less, but the qualified therapist stays responsible for your child's overall program.
These supports are commonly funded from the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget, though some social participation groups may use other budget areas. Check with the provider, your plan manager or support coordinator which line applies before starting, as NDIS price caps also apply.
As a general guide, therapy assistant sessions often range from around $55 to $95 per hour, while qualified therapist sessions typically range from around $180 to $220 per hour. Group program pricing varies. These are general ranges only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Most providers run a screening or intake step where the qualified therapist assesses whether the group's focus, age range and group dynamic suit your child. Ask about group size, staff ratios and how children are matched, and share any reports so the provider can advise.
If your child's plan is agency-managed, you generally need to use NDIS-registered providers. If you're plan-managed or self-managed, you have more flexibility. Either way, confirm the lead therapist is registered with the relevant body (Speech Pathology Australia, AHPRA or Occupational Therapy Australia) and ask about waitlists.