Sensory Processing
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
A move can unsettle even easygoing kids: new bedroom, new school, new morning routine. Our occupational therapists help Bella Vista children with regulation, sensory needs, fine motor and self-care skills while they settle, about 8 km away in Northmead.
It’s common for children to struggle more for a while after a move. Familiar cues disappear, the day runs in a different order, and a child who coped well before can start melting down at bedtime or refusing to get ready for school.
We look at what’s changed for your child and what helps them feel settled, then build simple, predictable routines with you. If difficulties were there before the move too, we’ll work on those as well.
Bella Vista is a straight run down Old Windsor Road to our Northmead clinic, about 8 km away.
No referral or diagnosis is needed to book. Tell us what’s changed since the move and we’ll start there.
Every OT session is held at our one clinic in Northmead, south of Bella Vista.
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 starts with one phone call, even if you’ve just moved.
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 8 km from Bella Vista, usually 15–20 minutes by car via Old Windsor Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our occupational therapists see Bella Vista children at our Northmead clinic. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll talk through what you’re noticing.
It can. Big changes can make it harder for children to regulate their feelings and their bodies. An occupational therapist looks at what’s behind the meltdowns and helps you build routines that settle your child. See emotional regulation.
It varies, and many settle within a few months. If your child is still struggling after that, or difficulties are getting in the way of school and home life, it’s worth an assessment.
No referral is needed. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book an OT assessment for your child. If you already have a referral or report from a paediatrician, GP or school, please bring it along, but it isn’t required.
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 Bella Vista. See all the areas we serve, or our speech therapy in Bella Vista 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.
