Occupational therapy for babies & children

Our occupational therapists help your children move, play and succeed
in their daily life.

What we do

Occupational therapists help children to take part in everyday activities, movement and learning. This includes activities like climbing and walking, drawing and writing, getting dressed and helping around the home.

Occupational therapists also help children to play with others.

Who we care for

Babies and children aged 0-7 years.

How to access this service

You can ask for this service by calling the Central Referral Service on 1800 600 681.

An administration officer will gather some information from you and pass your request on to the occupational therapy team.

There may be waiting times for occupational therapy services.

Service Providers please refer your clients using our referral form. We will confirm acceptance of your referral following receipt and review of eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the service provided?

Occupational therapy services are provided at one of our Community Health Centres.

Is there a cost for this service?

This service is free if you have a Medicare card and live or study in the Blacktown or Hills local council areas, or the Auburn area.

Who will I meet at my appointment?

You will meet your occupational therapist.

Your occupational therapist might bring a student to your appointment. This student is studying occupational therapy at university and is on placement with us to learn and gain experience.

Our Occupational Therapists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

What can I expect at my first appointment?

When you arrive at the Community Health Centre, a receptionist will greet you. The receptionist will tell your occupational therapist you have arrived, and will ask you to wait in the waiting area.

At the appointment your occupational therapist will talk with you about your child’s medical, social and developmental history. They will also ask you about your child’s strengths and areas where they are having difficulty.

Your occupational therapist will complete an assessment with your child. Once the assessment is complete they will talk with you about your child’s goals and treatment options.

You and your occupational therapist will decide together what you need to work on to help develop your child’s skills.

What do I bring to my first appointment?

To your first appointment:

your Medicare card
your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record)
please also bring copies (if any) of your child’s:

reports or documents from your local doctor or paediatrician
any hearing assessments
assessments or reports from other health professionals your child has seen, e.g. psychologists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists
reports of testing by a school counsellor, school reports from the last 12 months and any psychometric (IQ) testing reports

we might send you a questionnaire to complete - please also bring this to your appointment

To every appointment:

your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record)

What is the Blue Book (My Personal Record)?

Your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record) is given to you in the hospital after you’ve had your baby.

Notes about your child’s health and progress can be made in the Blue Book by you, a Child and Family Health nurse, your doctor or any other health professional your child sees.

The Blue Book has helpful information - look in the ‘Useful contacts and websites’ section and on the back cover.

The Blue Book is also available in other languages.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. Referrals from a GP are not required.

Do you speak a language other than English?

A free and confidential interpreter service, including Auslan, is available. Ask staff to arrange an interpreter for you.

cartoon1 cartoon2 Child development describes the changes in your child’s physical growth. As children grow they also learn social, emotional, behaviour, thinking and communication skills.