Got questions? That's completely normal

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, honest answers to help you feel informed and confident.

Here to help

Reaching out about your child can come with a lot of questions, and that is completely normal. We have gathered the questions parents ask us most often, with clear, honest answers. If you cannot find what you are looking for, our friendly team is always happy to help.

Understanding OT 4 questions

4 questions

Getting started

4 questions

Funding & rebates 3 questions

3 questions

Can't find your answer?

No question is too small. Our friendly team is always glad to talk things through.

Understanding Occupational Therapy

What OT is, what it does, and our neuroaffirming approach.

What is occupational therapy and how can it help my child?

Occupational therapy helps children take part in the everyday activities that make up their world, at home, in social settings and at school. A paediatric occupational therapist specialises in understanding child development. While no two children are the same, and they all develop at their own pace, there is a typical range and pattern to that development.

Our team is experienced in supporting children with a range of areas, including social skills and friendships, behaviour and emotional regulation, sensory processing and body coordination, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, confidence and resilience, problem solving and organisation, and eating skills.

What does an occupational therapist do for children?

A paediatric occupational therapist works with children and their families to build the practical, everyday skills children use to play, learn, look after themselves and connect with others. This might mean supporting a child with handwriting, dressing, managing emotions, coordination, or joining in socially. The therapist starts by understanding your child's strengths and goals, then shapes activities, usually play-based, to help build the skills that matter most to your family.

When should I seek help from an occupational therapist?

Many parents wonder whether what they are seeing 'counts'. It is worth reaching out if your child finds it hard to keep up with their peers, has been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition, finds motor skills or independence frustrating, or is having difficulty making social connections with other children.

More simply, if your child is having difficulty with daily activities, or if you or anyone involved in their health or education has concerns about their development, you are welcome to contact our friendly reception team. You do not need to have it all worked out before you get in touch.

What does a neuroaffirming approach look like at OT Kids Academy?

For us, neuroaffirming practice means helping a child build skills like self-knowledge, self-advocacy, communication and connection, while also advocating for the wider changes that support them, through educating others, adjusting the environment, and creating safe, supportive spaces.

We believe all behaviour is communication, and we value different forms of communication, expression and play. We see differences in a child's abilities as part of who they are, not as defects to be fixed. We take a strengths-based approach, set goals in collaboration with children and their families, and aim to honour each child's interests and own goals.

Getting Started

Referrals, booking, first appointments and school visits.

Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist?

No, a referral is not required to see an occupational therapist. You are welcome to contact us directly to organise an initial appointment. A referral may be needed for some funding pathways, such as certain Medicare plans, but it is not needed to begin privately or to simply get in touch and ask a question.

How do I book an appointment?

Booking an initial appointment is easy. You can email us, give us a call, or send an enquiry through our contact page and a member of our team will get back to you. We will talk through your concerns, answer any questions, and help you find a time that suits your family.

What happens before and during the first appointment?

Before the initial appointment, we send you a welcome pack, client intake forms and a parent questionnaire. These help us understand your child, their goals and what you are hoping for from therapy, so your occupational therapist can choose the most suitable assessments.

During the initial assessment, the therapist works with your child through various activities. This usually takes around 90 minutes, and parents typically stay throughout. Afterwards, the therapist scores and evaluates the assessment, then we arrange a parent meeting to talk through the results, discuss goals and outline a plan. This is also your chance to ask questions and raise any concerns without your child present.

Can my child be seen at school for their OT appointments?

Yes. As part of your child's plan, we may find that occupational therapy in the school or daycare environment is a good way to work towards their goals. This can range from one-off visits to regular sessions or a short block at school, depending on what suits your child. School-based support also lets us work alongside educators on consistent strategies.

Funding and Rebates

Medicare, NDIS and private health insurance.

Are there Medicare rebates for occupational therapy?

There are a couple of Medicare rebates that may apply. Under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (previously the Enhanced Primary Care Plan), you may be entitled to rebates for a set number of occupational therapy sessions each year. Your GP assesses your eligibility and, if approved, provides a written referral that you bring to your occupational therapist before your first session under the plan.

Some of our occupational therapists are also registered providers under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Scheme. If your GP or paediatrician approves this, they will provide a written referral for you to bring to your therapist before your first session under that plan. Eligibility is determined by your GP, and rebate amounts are set by Medicare.

Do you accept NDIS funding?

Unsure how your plan is managed or whether we can work with your funding, please get in touch and our team can talk it through with you.

Can I claim through private health insurance?

Many private health funds cover occupational therapy, though this depends on your provider and your level of cover. We recommend checking directly with your health fund to find out exactly what rebates you are entitled to. If you have questions about how this works alongside booking, our team is happy to help.

Funding details for Medicare, NDIS and private health can change. We recommend confirming your eligibility and current rebates with your GP, health fund or our team before your first session.

Still have a question?

We'd Love to Hear From You

If your question has not been answered here, please do not hesitate to reach out.
No question is too small, and our friendly team is always glad to help you
understand whether occupational therapy might be right for your child.