Sensory Processing
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Maybe it’s a busy CBD outing that ends in a meltdown, or a morning battle with buttons before school. Our children’s occupational therapists help Parramatta kids build sensory, fine motor, regulation and self-care skills, just up the road in Northmead.
Parramatta families tell us the same thing again and again: they didn’t just want someone to work with their child for an hour a week. They wanted to understand what was going on and feel part of the plan. So every session, our occupational therapists walk you through what they observed, why they chose a particular approach, and what you can try at home before the next visit.
That matters most in the moments OT is really about: getting dressed and out the door on a school morning, coping with the noise and crowds of a trip into the city, or sitting still long enough to finish a page of handwriting. We build strategies around your family’s real routines, so you leave each appointment knowing exactly what comes next.
Our clinic sits just north-west of the Parramatta CBD, on the Westmead side of Northmead. It’s an easy trip after school pick-up, a Saturday at Westfield Parramatta or a morning run-around in Parramatta Park.
Sessions happen in a clinic built for children to move, climb and play, so OT feels like somewhere kids want to be, not somewhere they’re being fixed.
Every OT session is held at our one clinic in Northmead, a short trip from Parramatta.
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 and language support right next door in Northmead.
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 5 km by road from Parramatta Square, usually 10–15 minutes by car via Alexandra Avenue and Bridge Road, a little longer at peak times. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Parramatta is one of the areas we support most often. Our occupational therapists see children from in and around Parramatta every week at our Northmead clinic, a short drive from the CBD. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll talk through your concerns and help you book an initial assessment.
Yes. Getting dressed, doing up buttons, tying shoelaces and getting out the door on time are everyday OT goals. Your child’s occupational therapist looks at what makes the routine hard, whether that’s hand skills, planning the steps, attention or how clothes feel, then builds practice into your real mornings. See toileting and self-care.
Yes. Buses from Parramatta run towards Westmead and Northmead, so allow about 20–25 minutes including walking and check Transport NSW for current timetables. An Uber or taxi from Parramatta Station takes about 10 minutes.
No referral is needed. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book an OT assessment for your child. Some families come to us through a paediatrician or GP, and if you have an existing referral or report, 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 Parramatta. See all the areas we serve, or our speech therapy in Parramatta 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.
