If you’re searching for occupational therapy in Sydney or occupational therapy on the Northern Beaches, you may be wondering whether occupational therapy could support your child and what sessions involve.

Occupational therapists (OTs) help children participate in everyday activities by supporting the development of physical, sensory, emotional, and functional skills needed at home, at school, and in the community.

At LEAP Centre, we provide paediatric occupational therapy assessments and ongoing therapy for children across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, supporting children to build independence, confidence, and participation in daily life.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy supports children to participate in meaningful everyday activities (“occupations”).

For children, these occupations include:

  • Playing
  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Writing and drawing
  • Learning at school
  • Managing emotions
  • Participating in routines

Occupational therapists are university-trained allied health professionals who work with children and families to support participation and independence in everyday life.

When should you consider occupational therapy?

Children develop at different rates, but some may benefit from occupational therapy support.

You may consider an occupational therapy assessment if your child:

  • Has difficulty with fine motor skills (drawing, cutting, writing)
  • Struggles with coordination or balance
  • Finds dressing, feeding, or self-care challenging
  • Has sensory processing or sensory regulation differences (e.g., noise, textures, movement)
  • Becomes easily overwhelmed or dysregulated
  • Has difficulty with attention or routines
  • Avoids certain play activities
  • Has trouble participating in preschool or school tasks

Early support can help children build independence, confidence, and participation in everyday activities.

What happens in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy usually begins with a developmental or functional assessment to understand a child’s strengths, needs, and goals.

Following assessment, therapy may involve:

  • Play-based therapy activities
  • Fine motor skill development
  • Sensory regulation strategies
  • Emotional and self-regulation support
  • Self-care skill practice
  • Parent coaching and home strategies
  • Collaboration with educators when appropriate

Therapy focuses on functional goals and participation in everyday routines, using play and meaningful activities to build skills.

Occupational therapy on Sydney's Northern Beaches

Many families prefer occupational therapy close to home, school, or daycare to support consistent attendance.

LEAP Centre is a paediatric therapy clinic located in Frenchs Forest on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, supporting families across:

Manly, Dee Why, Brookvale, Freshwater, Belrose, Forestville, Narrabeen, and surrounding communities.

Our occupational therapists use evidence-based approaches and work closely with families to support children’s participation in everyday life.

Do you need a referral for occupational therapy in Sydney?

No referral is required to see an occupational therapist in Australia.

Occupational therapy may be funded through:

  • NDIS
  • Private health insurance
  • Private payment

Families can contact a clinic directly to book an assessment.

Finding occupational therapy near you

If you’re searching for occupational therapy near you, speaking with an occupational therapist can help you understand whether support would benefit your child.

Early guidance can support children’s independence, confidence, and participation in daily activities.

Occupational therapy at LEAP Centre

LEAP Centre provides paediatric occupational therapy for children across Sydney’s Northern Beaches from our clinic in Frenchs Forest.

Our occupational therapists support children with:

  • Fine motor development
  • Sensory processing and regulation
  • Emotional and self-regulation
  • Coordination and motor planning
  • Everyday functional skills

We use family-centred, evidence-based therapy to support children’s participation at home, school, and in the community.

If you’d like to learn more about occupational therapy or book an assessment, our team is here to help.

Frequently asked questions

How long does occupational therapy take?

This depends on your child’s needs and goals. Some children attend for a short period, while others benefit from longer-term support.

Many children attend weekly or fortnightly sessions depending on their goals.

Occupational therapy can begin in the toddler and preschool years when developmental differences first become noticeable.