Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Practical skills to help children thrive
Supporting children to participate confidently at school, home and in the community.
Get started with occupational therapy
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll be back in touch.
WHEN TO GET HELP
Making everyday participation easier
If you’ve noticed everyday differences getting in the way of life, it’s worth getting support and clear next steps. Reach out if:
- something feels harder than it should
- daily activities are regularly upsetting
- things are not resolving on their own.
Things you may have noticed
Getting dressed turns into a battle most mornings.
School days feel harder than they should, especially transitions.
Noisy, bright or crowded places feel overwhelming.
They don't feel confident or safe in new situations.
Balance and coordination takes more effort than expected.
They need a lot of help with eating, sleeping or toileting routines.
They struggle to start tasks, stay focused or keep organised.
They want to join in with friends but aren't sure how.
They avoid writing or doing up buttons because it's frustrating.
What is occupational therapy for kids?
Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children take part in everyday life at home, school and with friends by building practical skills, adapting routines and shaping environments.
SUPPORT ACROSS DAILY LIFE
What OT can help with
Our paediatric occupational therapy service in Melbourne helps children from birth to 18 years with self-care, learning needs, sensory regulation, social skills and motor skills.
If something feels hard or is regularly upsetting them, we can help build practical skills to help grow independence, improve relationships and build school engagement.
Everyday routines and self-care
Getting dressed, eating, sleeping, using the bathroom.
When daily routines take a lot of effort, support can make them smoother for your child and for your family.
School participation and learning
Focus, organisation, handwriting, classroom routines, transitions between activities.
We help identify what is making school hard and build support that makes the day easier to get through.
Sensory processing and regulation
Noisy, bright or unpredictable places. Certain textures, clothes or sounds.
Some children find these overwhelming. Some seek out sensory input. Both are valid, and both can be supported.
Social engagement and play
Joining in with other children, group situations, finding confidence in new settings.
We support skills and strategies that make connection feel more within reach.
Fine and gross motor skills
Handwriting, using scissors, doing up buttons, balance, coordination, physical endurance.
When everyday motor tasks feel hard, the right support can help children engage rather than avoid.
How we work with every child
Our approach
Strengths-based and child-led
Evidence-informed and individualised
Neurodiversity-affirming
HOW IT WORKS
It’s easy to get started with OT
If you’re not sure OT is the right next step, you can simply start with a conversation.
- Send an enquiry: No diagnosis or referral needed
- We’ll be in touch: Let’s talk through what’s going on
- We’ll book the appointment you need: With OT or another MTHC service.
We accept a range of payment options
NDIS plans
We accept self‑managed or plan‑managed funding
Private health insurance
Depending on your level of cover and benefits
Medicare rebates
With a GP Chronic Disease Management plan
Private payments
Made by credit card or debit card at the clinic
Meet the team
The clinicians behind your care
Ben Ho
Occupational Therapist
Ben uses a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach, partnering with families to turn everyday challenges into practical goals and supports. He focuses on meaningful, child-led therapy, using interests to build skills, adapt routines and help children take part more confidently in everyday life.
Dr Olga Birchall
Clinic Director
Olga has decades of experience in clinical care, education, healthcare innovation and leadership including leading teaching hospitals in Australia and the UK. She specialises in leading service development and multidisciplinary teams across acute, rehabilitation, palliative and community settings.
How to refer
Information for professionals
MTHC: Occupational Therapy is part of our integrated allied health model, working alongside speech pathology, psychology and other services.
We partner with families, educators and health professionals to support children thrive in everyday life with collaborative, affirming, multidisciplinary care.
Consider paediatric OT when a child shows everyday differences that limit participation, for example:
- Daily self‑care tasks: if dressing, eating or toileting are taking much more effort than they should or causing distress.
- School participation: if handwriting, organising work, transitions or sustaining attention are making participation difficult.
- Sensory differences: if sensory sensitivity or sensory‑seeking affects how the child feels in classrooms, shops or social settings.
- Social participation and play: if joining in play or group activities is difficult or leaves the child feeling excluded or overwhelmed.
- Motor skills: if fine or gross motor tasks (using cutlery, handwriting, balance, coordination) are tiring or hard to manage.
If you’re unsure whether OT is the right fit, we’re happy to sense‑check referrals.
- Children from birth to 18
- No diagnosis required to access care
- Referrals accepted from health professionals and families directly
- We'll contact the family, confirm intake and book an initial appointment.
- We'll assess whether OT is the right pathway for them and help guide the next steps if on-referral is best.
- We'll work with the child to set goals that matter to them and build practical skills to build confidence and participation.
- You'll receive a written summary after the first assessment and a shared care plan where useful.
How to refer
We don't need a formal referral letter, but a brief summary of what's been happening is helpful.
Phone: 03 9035 7199
Email: ot-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Address: Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
One connected system of care
MTHC is where healthcare, education and research come together
SUPPORT FOR CHANGING NEEDS
A connected system of care
We offer a range of services to support people across different health needs and stages of life. You can move easily between services as your needs change, without starting from scratch each time.
PURPOSE‑LED HEALTHCARE
Affiliated with the University of Melbourne
We’re a not‑for‑profit healthcare organisation affiliated with the University of Melbourne. This means high‑quality, evidence‑informed care for you and your family.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist?
No. Families can contact us directly. GPs, paediatricians, educators and allied health professionals are also welcome to refer.
What happens at a first appointment?
Your first OT appointment is a 60‑minute assessment. We’ll talk through what you’ve noticed, observe how your child approaches everyday tasks, and identify what’s helping or getting in the way. You’ll leave with a clear explanation and a practical next steps.
When should I consider occupational therapy for my child?
Consider OT if everyday tasks are consistently harder than they should be and if it is affecting their participation at home, at school or with friends. Common signs include difficulty with routines, sensory sensitivities, handwriting or movement tasks, school engagement and social play.
Is occupational therapy covered by Medicare, private health or the NDIS?
OT can be accessed through a GP Chronic Disease Management plan, NDIS or private health funding where eligible, or as a private appointment. Our team can talk you through the options.
What’s the difference between OT and speech pathology or psychology?
Occupational therapy focuses on practical skiils to do the everyday tasks of life. Speech pathology focuses on communication, feeding and swallowing. Psychology supports mental health and behaviour. At MTHC, these services sit within one connected system, so you can easily move between services as needed.
What ages does paediatric OT support?
Children from birth to 18.
Where can I access occupational therapy services?
You’ll find us at MTHC: Occupational Therapy, Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton VIC 3053. We’re co-located with our speech pathology and dental services, with our psychology, hearing and eyecare services also located close by in Carlton.
Where can I access occupational therapy services?
You’ll find us at MTHC: Occupational Therapy, Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton VIC 3053. We’re co-located with our speech pathology and dental services, with our psychology, hearing and eyecare services also located close by in Carlton.
Contact us
MTHC: Occupational Therapy
Level 1, 723 Swanston St,
Carlton 3053
Phone: 03 9035 7199
Fax: 03 9347 1535
Email: ot-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4.30 pm
Closed public holidays