Sensory Processing
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Before your child’s first OT session, you’ll know the fees and how your funding applies. Our occupational therapists help Merrylands kids with sensory processing, fine motor skills, regulation and everyday independence, about 7 km away in Northmead.
We’ll walk you through our session fees and how NDIS self-managed or plan-managed funding applies, in plain terms, before the first appointment rather than buried in paperwork afterwards.
If a plan won’t stretch as far as you’d hoped, we’ll tell you honestly and help you prioritise the goals that matter most at home and school, so the sessions you do book count.
Merrylands is a short run north to our Northmead clinic, via the Great Western Highway and Bridge Road.
No referral or diagnosis is needed to book an OT assessment. Tell us what you’re noticing and we’ll take it from there.
Every OT session is held at our one clinic in Northmead, a short drive north of Merrylands.
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 with fees and session frequency talked through first.
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 7 km from Merrylands, usually 13–18 minutes by car via the Great Western Highway and Bridge Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our occupational therapists see Merrylands children at our Northmead clinic. Fees and funding are often the first thing local families ask about, and we’re happy to go through them on the phone. Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
It depends on your child and their goals. After the assessment we’ll suggest a starting plan, explain the reasoning behind it, and review it with you as your child progresses.
Yes. Buses connect Merrylands and Northmead, usually with one change. Allow about 30–35 minutes and check Transport NSW for current timetables. A taxi or Uber takes about 15 minutes.
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 Merrylands. See all the areas we serve, or our speech therapy in Merrylands 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.
