Sensory Processing
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Some Westmead children arrive with reports from the health precinct. Others arrive with a parent’s hunch that something is harder than it should be. Both are a good place to start for our occupational therapists, about 2 km away in Northmead.
Families coming to us from the Westmead precinct are often juggling several appointments across several teams. What they ask for most is someone who joins the dots rather than adding another report to the folder.
So our occupational therapists work alongside whoever else is involved in your child’s care, explain what they’re seeing in plain language, and send you home each week with something practical to try. You’ll always know why we’re doing what we’re doing.
Our clinic sits in neighbouring Northmead, close enough that some Westmead families walk from the station or the streets around Darcy Road.
Sessions happen in a purpose-built space designed to feel warm and playful rather than clinical.
Every OT session is held at our one clinic in Northmead, just over the border from Westmead.
Our occupational therapists help children build the everyday skills they need at home, at kindy and at school.
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Pencil grip, handwriting, scissors, buttons and other hand skills.
Sitting, listening, drawing and the independence children need for kindy and big school.
Helping children understand big feelings and find their own ways back to calm.
Toileting, dressing and the daily routines that build independence.
Speech therapy that fits in with your child’s other specialists.
Not sure where to start? See all occupational therapy services or talk to our client care team.
A typical children’s OT program at The Bridge Effect includes:
Weekly or fortnightly sessions with a qualified occupational therapist. Frequency depends on your child’s needs and goals.
Specific, measurable goals based on your child’s assessment results and your family’s priorities.
We show you the strategies we use so practice fits into everyday routines at home, kindy and school.
We review progress regularly and adjust goals as your child develops.
Reviews from families who visit our Northmead clinic.
Most families use NDIS, Medicare, private health insurance, or a mix, to help fund OT.
The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. OT is typically funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
Learn moreRebates may be available through the Item 135 pathway, a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or Better Access for OT.
Learn moreMany extras policies include an occupational therapy benefit. We provide receipts in the format your fund needs.
Learn moreFamilies without funding are welcome as private clients. Our current fee schedule is available on request.
Learn moreChildren under 9 without an NDIS plan may be eligible for early intervention support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, without needing a formal diagnosis. Where emotional regulation is part of your child’s goals, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may give rebates for up to 10 individual sessions a year with a Medicare-registered OT. See all Medicare pathways.
Our occupational therapists are AHPRA-registered and work side by side with our speech pathologists, so your child’s goals are joined up across both services.
Can’t see your question? Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
Our Northmead clinic is about 2 km from central Westmead, usually 5–10 minutes by car via Darcy Road or Alexandra Avenue. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Westmead is one of our closest suburbs, and our occupational therapists regularly see children whose families also use the Westmead health precinct. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial assessment.
No. You can book an OT assessment without a report, referral or diagnosis. If your child already has reports from a paediatrician or hospital team, bring them along and we’ll build on them.
From parts of Westmead, yes. It’s about 20 minutes’ walk (1.5 km) from Westmead Station on mostly flat streets. Buses also run between Westmead and Northmead.
Yes. Our speech pathologists and occupational therapists work in the same Northmead clinic, so if your child needs both, the two teams can plan together and you avoid an extra trip.
Yes. The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. If your child’s plan includes funding for occupational therapy (typically under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living), we can work within your plan. More about NDIS funding.
We serve many suburbs around Westmead. See all the areas we serve, or our speech therapy in Westmead page.
Early support can make a big difference, and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
Contact us directly, or speak with your GP, paediatrician or support coordinator about a referral. A referral is not required.
Our client care team matches you with the right clinician and books an initial consultation.
We get to know your child, assess their strengths and needs, and set goals together with you.
