Sensory Processing
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Months of therapy, a folder of recommendations, and things still feel stuck. Our occupational therapists help Lidcombe families take a fresh look at sensory, fine motor, regulation and self-care goals, about 12 km away in Northmead.
Sometimes therapy stalls not because the child isn’t trying, but because the goals don’t fit daily life, or there are too many of them. We start by asking what would make the biggest difference at home and school right now.
Then we check what’s getting in the way and choose a small number of goals with you. You’ll know what we’re working on, why, and how we’ll both know it’s working.
Lidcombe families reach our Northmead clinic via the M4 or James Ruse Drive, about 12 km away.
No referral is needed, and reports from previous therapists are welcome. We’ll read them before your first session.
Every OT session is held at our one clinic in Northmead, north-west of Lidcombe.
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 assessments that give a second opinion, building on earlier reports.
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 12 km from Lidcombe, usually 20–25 minutes by car via the M4 (tolled) or James Ruse Drive. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our occupational therapists see Lidcombe children at our Northmead clinic, including children who’ve had OT elsewhere. Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
It can be. Sometimes the goals didn’t fit daily life, or the approach didn’t suit your child. We’ll look at what was tried, what’s changed and what matters now, then tell you honestly whether we think OT will help.
Yes, please. Earlier reports help us understand your child’s history and avoid repeating assessments without reason.
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 Lidcombe. See all the areas we serve, or our speech therapy in Lidcombe 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.
