Paediatric Occupational Therapy | Physio Inq

Paediatric Occupational Therapy:
Helping Children Participate, Learn and Thrive

What Is Paediatric Occupational Therapy?

Paediatric occupational therapy helps children and young people develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities, learning, play and social life. Occupational therapists identify barriers to participation and develop targeted, evidence-based strategies to support development, independence and wellbeing.

At Physio Inq, our AHPRA-registered paediatric occupational therapists work with children in the environments where they spend their time: at home, at school, in childcare settings and in the community. Familiar, real-world settings make therapy more engaging for children and more immediately applicable to the routines that matter most. We work closely with families, teachers and other allied health professionals to keep therapy consistent, well-coordinated and meaningful.

Paediatric occupational therapists can help with:

  • Fine motor skills, including handwriting, cutting and self-care tasks
  • Sensory processing differences and sensory integration
  • Self-care skills, including dressing, eating and personal hygiene
  • Play skills and social participation
  • Emotional regulation and behavioural strategies
  • Cognitive skills, including attention, memory and organisation
  • School readiness and classroom participation
  • Assistive technology and equipment recommendations
  • Home and school environment modification
  • NDIS functional capacity assessments for children
  • Support for children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and developmental delay

Treatment plans are developed in partnership with the child's family and, where relevant, their school and allied health team.

Book an appointment or make a referral

The process takes less than 5 minutes. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries and referrals the same day they are received and in most cases, we are able to confirm an appointment time with you within 48hrs. Book for yourself, a loved one, or refer a client here.

Looking to get started with paediatric occupational therapy support? Book an Appointment Refer a Client

How We Deliver Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Physio Inq delivers paediatric occupational therapy across three service channels, ensuring children can access support wherever they feel most comfortable and where therapy will be most effective.

In Your Home Home-based paediatric OT allows therapy to take...

In Your Home

Home-based paediatric OT allows therapy to take place where children spend most of their time. This is particularly valuable for daily living skills such as dressing, eating and morning routines, and for assessing how a child functions in their actual home environment.

Parent and carer involvement is an important part of home sessions. Our therapists provide clear strategies and activities that families can build into daily routines.

In School or Childcare We deliver occupational therapy in school...

In School or Childcare

We deliver occupational therapy in school and childcare settings, so therapy is applied directly within the learning environment. This benefits children whose goals relate to classroom participation, handwriting, social skills or sensory needs at school.

Our therapists work collaboratively with teachers and support staff, so therapy goals are understood and reinforced throughout the school day.

Online (Telehealth) Telehealth paediatric OT is available for parent coaching,...

Online (Telehealth)

Telehealth paediatric OT is available for parent coaching, strategy sessions and follow-up consultations, and is effective for goals focused on guidance and education rather than hands-on assessment.

It suits families in regional or remote areas, and works well for regular check-ins between in-person visits.

Need flexible occupational therapy that works around your circumstances? Book an Appointment Refer a Client

Who We Support

Physio Inq's paediatric occupational therapy services are available to children and young people across a broad range of ages, conditions and support needs.

Children with NDIS Funding

We are a registered NDIS provider and support children whose occupational therapy is funded through their NDIS plan. Our paediatric OTs provide goal-based therapy aligned to the child's plan and supply timely reports to support plan reviews.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Our occupational therapists are experienced in supporting autistic children, including sensory processing differences, social participation, daily living skills and emotional regulation. Therapy is tailored to each child's profile and delivered in a structured, supportive way.

Children with Developmental Delay or Coordination Difficulties

We work with children experiencing delays in fine motor development, self-care skills, handwriting or coordination. Therapy focuses on building the underlying skills needed for participation in school, play and daily routines.

Children with Sensory Processing Differences

For children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory input in ways that affect behaviour, attention or participation, our therapists provide sensory integration-informed assessment and practical strategies for home and school.

Families and Carers

We recognise that parents and carers are central to a child's therapy. Our occupational therapists provide clear guidance and practical home activities at every session, and welcome questions and active involvement from families throughout the process.

Whether it's for your child or your client, getting started is simple Book an Appointment Refer a Client

Where We Provide Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Physio Inq delivers paediatric occupational therapy services across Australia. Our network of OTs operates in metropolitan, regional, and rural areas, with national coordination provided through our customer service team. 

What to Expect From a Physio Inq Occupational Therapy Assessment

1: Comprehensive assessment

We begin with a detailed occupational therapy assessment, exploring the child's strengths, challenges and daily routines so therapy fits naturally into family life.

2: Goal planning

We identify meaningful goals with the family, aligned to the child's developmental stage and the family's priorities, so everyone knows what they are working towards and why.

3: Therapy sessions

Practical, play-based activities that build skills while keeping children engaged, motivated and comfortable in familiar environments.

4: Report writing

All reports are clear, timely and NDIS-ready, making coordination with support coordinators, plan managers and referrers straightforward.

5: Ongoing review

Regular progress updates and program adjustments, so therapy continues to meet the child's changing needs.


Common Conditions Our Paediatric Occupational Therapists Support

Our paediatric occupational therapists support children with a wide range of developmental and functional challenges, focusing on building skills, participation and independence.

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
  • Global developmental delay
  • Sensory processing challenges
  • Fine or gross motor delays
  • Learning or handwriting difficulties
  • Emotional regulation and behavioural concerns

We support children accessing NDIS occupational therapy and private funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

While they often overlap, the focus differs: Physiotherapy targets gross motor movement and physical strength; Speech Pathology focuses on communication and swallowing; Occupational Therapy looks at the "whole picture"; integrating motor, sensory, and cognitive skills to help your child perform "occupations" like playing, dressing, and writing.

Occupational therapists help children do everyday things like eating, dressing, going to school and going out in the community. An occupational therapist might help if your child has physical or psychological challenges, developmental delay or intellectual disability.

Occupational Therapy practice involves working with a client to understand what occupations (activities) are important to the person, what difficulties, barriers or challenges they be experiencing in performing these activities, and what goals the person has in relation to their occupations

No, a formal referral is not required to book a private session with Physio Inq. You can book directly with us at any time.

Yes - Occupational therapists can assist with handwriting difficulties. Handwriting is a often difficult process of managing written language through coordination of the eyes, arms, hands, pencil grip, letter formation, and posture. A child's handwriting can show indication of developmental problems that could impair a child's learning because teachers depend on written work to measure how well a child is learning. Occupational therapists can review and assess the components of handwriting, such as strength, coordination, and fine motor control, and parents can encourage activities at home to support good handwriting skills.
For occupational therapy, or any allied health service, it is recommended you engage with your insurer directly.

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) and progress reports. These documents are essential for NDIS plan reviews or applications for school-based funding (such as Integration Aide support), providing the clinical evidence needed to secure resources for your child.