Children’s Occupational Therapy Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides occupational therapy for children and teenagers throughout metropolitan Adelaide.
Our paediatric occupational therapists help children develop practical skills for everyday life, including emotional regulation, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, self-care, play, learning and participation at school.
Therapy is available at our Findon clinic and in homes, schools and kindergartens across Adelaide. We provide individualised, family-centred and neuroaffirming support based on each child’s strengths, needs and goals.
Children’s Occupational Therapy Services in Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides children’s occupational therapy for children and teenagers across metropolitan Adelaide.
Who we support: Children and teenagers, with or without a formal diagnosis
Areas of support: Sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor skills, executive functioning, self-care, toileting, play and school participation
Service locations: Findon clinic, homes, schools, kindergartens and community settings
Appointment options: Clinic, mobile and telehealth appointments where appropriate
Funding accepted: NDIS, private health insurance, private funding and eligible GP referrals
How Can a Children’s Occupational Therapist Help?
Our occupational therapists support children and teenagers across a range of developmental, physical, sensory and emotional needs.
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Sensory Processing
Helping children understand and respond to sensory information such as sound, touch, movement, light and body awareness. Support may include sensory assessments, practical regulation strategies and changes to everyday environments.
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Executive Functioning
Helping children develop skills such as planning, organisation, attention, working memory, managing time, starting tasks and following multi-step instructions.
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Emotional Regulation
Supporting children to recognise their emotions and body signals, develop regulation strategies and feel safer and more confident when navigating challenging situations.
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Self-Care and Daily Living Skills
Helping children develop greater independence with dressing, eating, brushing their teeth, bathing, sleep routines and other everyday activities.
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Fine Motor and Handwriting Skills
Developing the hand strength, coordination and dexterity needed for activities such as handwriting, drawing, cutting, using cutlery, fastening buttons and tying shoelaces.
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Interoception
Supporting children to notice and understand internal body signals associated with hunger, thirst, temperature, emotions, fatigue and toileting.
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Play and Social Participation
Helping children develop the skills and confidence to participate in play, connect with others, explore their interests and engage in activities at home, school and in the community.
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Balance & Coordination
Helping children develop stability, body awareness and coordinated movement so they can participate more confidently in everyday activities, play and sport.
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Gross Motor Skills
Supporting the strength, movement and body control needed for activities such as running, jumping, climbing, throwing and participating in playground or sporting activities.
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Toileting
Supporting children to develop the body awareness, routines and practical skills needed for toileting, including recognising body signals, managing clothing and completing hygiene tasks.
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Behaviour and Regulation
Support to understand behaviours and develop practical strategies that promote regulation, participation and wellbeing.
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Upper Limb Therapy
Providing targeted therapy to support strength, coordination and functional use of the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand.
Who Do Our Paediatric Occupational Therapists Support?
A child does not always need a formal diagnosis to benefit from occupational therapy.
Our occupational therapists support children and teenagers with a wide range of needs and diagnoses, including:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Developmental delay
Developmental coordination disorder
Cerebral palsy
Down syndrome
Dyspraxia
Intellectual disability
Learning difficulties
Genetic conditions
Low muscle tone
Physical disabilities
Neurological conditions
We also work with children who are having difficulty with particular everyday activities but do not yet have a confirmed diagnosis.
If you are unsure whether occupational therapy is appropriate for your child, our team can discuss their needs with you before you make a referral.
When Might a Child Benefit From Occupational Therapy?
You may consider speaking with an occupational therapist if your child:
Finds dressing, eating, toileting or other daily activities difficult
Becomes overwhelmed by sounds, textures, movement or busy environments
Has difficulty recognising or regulating emotions
Finds handwriting, drawing, cutting or using utensils challenging
Has difficulty with balance, coordination or playground activities
Finds it hard to begin tasks, follow routines or stay organised
Needs support to participate at school or kindergarten
Has difficulty developing independence with age-appropriate activities
Would benefit from changes to their environment or assistive equipment
These signs do not necessarily mean something is wrong. An occupational therapy assessment can help identify your child’s strengths, understand the activities they find difficult and determine whether support may be helpful.
Our Approach to Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Every child communicates, learns, moves and experiences the world differently. Our occupational therapists take the time to understand your child’s strengths, interests, needs and priorities.
Therapy is practical, engaging and connected to meaningful goals. Depending on your child, a session may involve play-based activities, movement, skill development, environmental changes, assistive equipment or strategies for home and school.
We work collaboratively with children, parents, carers, educators and other health professionals where appropriate. Families are also provided with practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines.
Our approach is neuroaffirming. We respect different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world, and focus on supporting participation, wellbeing and self-advocacy rather than asking children to hide or change who they are.
What Happens at a Paediatric Occupational Therapy Assessment?
Your child’s first occupational therapy appointment helps us understand what is going well, what is currently difficult and what your family would like support with.
The occupational therapist may:
Speak with you and your child about your priorities
Observe your child completing relevant activities
Explore their sensory, motor, emotional and daily living skills
Review information from teachers or other health professionals
Use standardised assessments where appropriate
Identify factors within the home, school or community environment
Recommend therapy goals and practical next steps
The assessment will be adapted to your child’s age, communication style and comfort. Not every child needs formal testing.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy Assessments and Reports
Depending on your child’s needs and funding requirements, we can provide:
Initial occupational therapy assessments
Fine motor and visual motor assessments
Daily living and self-care assessments
Home and school environment assessments
Progress reports
NDIS reports
Your occupational therapist will discuss which assessment or report is suitable before proceeding.
Where We Provide Children’s Occupational Therapy
Our Findon Clinic
Our paediatric spaces include engaging therapy equipment and resources that can be adapted to different ages, interests and therapy goals. Clinic appointments may be helpful for children who benefit from access to specialised equipment or a consistent therapy environment.
Your home
Our occupational therapists provide home-based therapy across metropolitan Adelaide. Home visits allow children to practise everyday skills and routines in a familiar environment using the equipment and spaces available to them.
Mobile therapy across Adelaide
Our occupational therapists provide therapy in homes, schools, kindergartens and community settings across metropolitan Adelaide. This allows children to practise strategies within their everyday environments.
Via telehealth
Where clinically appropriate, appointments can be provided by secure video call.
Telehealth may be useful for exercise reviews, education, symptom-management advice, carer guidance and follow-up when an in-person appointment is not required.
Meet our paediatric occupational therapists
Renee Romeo (she/her)
Clinical Director/Senior Occupational Therapist
Renee has 18 years experience working as an OT with paediatric clients. She works with children with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, developmental disorders, genetic disorders, learning difficulties and other developmental areas. As our Clinical Director, Renee provides guidance and training to our therapists and is the first point of call to answer any clinical enquiries from clients, parents and other informal and formal supports. Outside work Renee enjoys cycling, surfing and spending time with her family.
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Age Groups: Children
Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide
Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments
Clinical Expertise In:
Autism
ADHD
Learning difficulties
Developmental disorders
Genetic disorders
Gabrielle Brunton (she/her)
Senior Occupational Therapist
Gabi completed a Bachelor of Health Science in 2020 and a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2022. She has gained experience working across both hospital and community settings. Gabi is passionate about improving access to health services in regional and rural communities and supporting people to participate in activities that are meaningful to them. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients to understand their individual priorities and develop practical strategies that support their goals. Outside of work, you’ll find Gabi at the beach, spending time with her family and kelpie, or enjoying cooking.
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Age Groups: Adults & Teenagers
Service Locations: Findon Clinic & throughout metropolitan Adelaide
Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling & home modification assessments
Clinical Expertise In:
Neurological disorders: stroke, TBI, MS, Parkinson’s disease, SCI, dementia & cerebral pals
Autism
Intellectual Disabilities
Mental Health Conditions
Chris Kopsaftis (he/him)
Senior Occupational Therapist
Chris completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of South Australia. He has worked across metropolitan and regional South Australia and remotely in the Northern Territory, supporting people with physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs. His experience includes ongoing therapy, complex home modifications and assistive technology prescription to improve independence, safety and confidence. Chris provides holistic, person-centred support to NDIS, My Aged Care, DVA and private clients. He has experience working across the lifespan, from children aged six through to older adults in their nineties.
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Age Groups: Adolescents/Adults
Service Locations: Metropolitan suburbs of Adelaide
Therapy Services: Functional capacity, assistive technology, manual handling, home modification assessments and daily living supports.
Clinical Expertise In:
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ASD, ADHD, FASD, Intellectual disabilities, down syndrome and learning disorders)
Physical and neurological disabilities (Dementia, Stroke, ABI, MS, CP, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s Disease)
Psychosocial disabilities (BPD, OCD, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Elise Vaughan (she/her)
Occupational Therapist
Elise is a compassionate Occupational Therapist with experience supporting children and adults with varied disabilities, including complex trauma. She provides 1:1 assessment and intervention, conducts formal and informal assessments, and supports families through parent and carer education. Elise has undertaken further professional development in areas including toilet training and mental health. She creates neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed environments where young people feel safe, supported, and understood. Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates, wakeboarding and catching up with friends and family.
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Age Groups: Children & Adults
Service Locations: Findon Clinic & metropolitan Adelaide
Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments, sensory processing assessments
Clinical Expertise In:
Neurodivergent Support (including autism, ADHD, PDA, sensory processing disorders)Developmental difficulties
Intellectual disabilities
Mental Health
Dominique Sherratt (she/her)
Occupational Therapist
Dominique is an occupational therapist with experience across the disability and community sectors. She supports people to build independence, choice and meaningful participation through a client-centred, neuroaffirming and trauma-informed approach. Dominique works collaboratively with clients, families and multidisciplinary teams to identify strengths, reduce barriers and support participation at home and in the community. She has managed complex caseloads across regional and metropolitan South Australia, with a focus on NDIS supports, functional capacity assessments and capacity-building interventions.
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Age Groups: Paediatrics and Adults
Service Locations: Based in Findon office, provides services in home and school environments across Northern and Western suburbs of Adelaide.
Therapy Services: Functional capacity assessment, ongoing occupational therapy intervention across home, school and community environments.
Clinical Expertise In: Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ASD, ADHD, Intellectual disabilities and learning disorders)
Trauma informed care
Family coaching
Caitlyn Yeo (she/her)
Occupational Therapist
Caitlyn graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the University of South Australia in 2021. She has experience supporting children across clinic, school, home, and community settings. Caitlyn is passionate about helping children feel confident and capable in their everyday routines, with particular interest in sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and social participation. She is dedicated to providing individualised, neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed support in collaboration with families, educators, and other professionals.
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Caitlyn provides support across the following:
Age Groups: Children & Adolescents
Service Locations: Clinic, home, and school visits across Adelaide (including western, inner northern and eastern suburbs)
Therapy Services:
Comprehensive Occupational Therapy intervention
Standardised and observational assessments
Functional capacity assessments
Sensory processing assessments
School consultation, observation, and program planning
Caregiver education and strategy development
Clinical Expertise In:
Autism & Neurodivergent Support
ADHD
Sensory Processing Differences
Emotional Regulation
Developmental delays
Trauma-informed practice
Social Participation & Peer Relationships
Daily Living & Independence Skills
School Readiness & Participation
Family-Centred & Strengths-Based Practice
Emily Ielasi (she/her)
Occupational Therapist
Emily is an Occupational Therapist dedicated to helping children build independence, confidence, and participation in everyday activities. She has experience in both clinic and school settings, supporting children to develop motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, social participation, and emotional regulation. Currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies at Griffith University, she continues to expand her expertise in inclusive education, neurodiversity, sensory and behavioural supports, and person-centred practice. Emily has also completed training in attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches.
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Age Groups: Children
Service Locations: Findon Clinic & northern and western suburbs
Therapy Services: Ongoing therapy, functional capacity assessments, sensory processing assessments
Clinical Expertise In:
Autism, ADHD, Sensory processing and regulation
Emotional wellbeing
Developmental difficulties
Trauma-Informed Practice
Neurodivergent Support (including PDA, sensory processing disorders)
Social Participation & Peer Relationships
Self-Regulation & Coping Strategies
School & Community Integration
Funding Options for Children’s Occupational Therapy
Thrive Health Therapies welcomes clients accessing children’s occupational therapy through:
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Private health insurance
Private funding
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)
Funding availability depends on your individual plan, policy or eligibility.
A GP referral is not required for NDIS-funded or privately funded services. An appropriate GP referral and care plan are required to claim eligible Medicare rebates through a GPCCMP.
Why Families Choose Thrive Health Therapies
Individualised therapy: Support is based on your child’s strengths, needs, interests and goals.
Neuroaffirming practice: We respect and support different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world.
Flexible service locations: Appointments are available at our Findon clinic and in homes, schools and kindergartens across metropolitan Adelaide.
Practical strategies: We help families apply therapy strategies within everyday activities and routines.
Collaborative care: Our occupational therapists can work with families, educators and other health professionals where appropriate.
Multidisciplinary support: Children can also access speech pathology and allied health assistant services through Thrive Health Therapies.
LGBTQIA+ inclusive: We welcome children, teenagers and families of all backgrounds, genders and sexualities. Our Findon clinic is a safe, respectful and inclusive space where every child and family is valued.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Occupational Therapy in Adelaide
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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No. Children can access occupational therapy without a formal diagnosis. An occupational therapist can support your child when difficulties with sensory processing, movement, self-care, emotional regulation, play or learning are affecting everyday life.
Funding providers may have separate eligibility or referral requirements.
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You may consider speaking with an occupational therapist if your child is finding everyday activities harder than expected for their age.
This might include difficulty with dressing, eating, toileting, handwriting, coordination, sensory experiences, emotional regulation, attention, play, school routines or becoming more independent.
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We provide occupational therapy for children and teenagers. The age groups accepted by individual therapists can vary according to their experience and current availability, so please contact us to discuss the best fit for your child.
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Appointments are available at our Findon clinic and in homes, schools, kindergartens and community locations across metropolitan Adelaide. Telehealth may also be available when appropriate.
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Yes. With the appropriate consent and agreement from the school or kindergarten, our occupational therapists can provide assessment, observation, therapy and practical recommendations within educational environments.
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Yes. Our occupational therapists use a neuroaffirming approach that respects each child’s communication, sensory experiences, identity and individual way of engaging with the world.
Therapy focuses on meaningful participation, wellbeing, autonomy and practical support rather than encouraging children to mask their differences.
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Yes. We can provide occupational therapy to self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants when the requested service is appropriate for the participant’s goals and funding.
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A referral is not usually required for private or NDIS-funded occupational therapy. Families can refer their child directly using our online paediatric referral form.
A GP referral is required when accessing occupational therapy through a Chronic Disease Management plan.
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Parents, carers, support coordinators and health professionals can complete our online paediatric referral form.
If you would like to discuss your child’s needs first, call 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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