Paediatric Occupational Therapy Brisbane – Mobile Kids OT (0–17 years)

Core OT provides mobile paediatric occupational therapy across Brisbane North, Moreton Bay, Carindale and Logan. Our qualified occupational therapists see children and teenagers from birth to 17 at home, at kindy or at school – the places where the skills they are working on actually get used. We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, Support at Home clients and private families. We are not able to see NDIA-managed participants.

Book a home or school visit or call 0458 856 215. New clients are usually seen within about a week.

What a paediatric OT helps with

• Fine motor skills – pencil grip, handwriting, cutting, buttons, zips, using cutlery.
• Gross motor skills – balance, coordination, ball skills, climbing, keeping up in the playground.
• Sensory processing – children who are overwhelmed by noise, touch, clothing or busy rooms, or who seek constant movement and input.
• Emotional regulation – practical strategies for big feelings, transitions and frustration, built with parents and teachers.
• Daily living skills – dressing, toileting, mealtimes, sleep routines and independence appropriate to the child’s age.
• Executive function – organisation, starting and finishing tasks, following multi-step instructions.
• School readiness and classroom participation – working alongside teachers so strategies carry into the classroom.
• Assistive technology and equipment – seating, writing aids, sensory tools and NDIS equipment reports.

Functional Capacity Assessments for children and teenagers

Before a plan review or when a child’s needs have changed, the NDIS usually asks for a Functional Capacity Assessment. For children our OTs combine observation at home and school with parent and teacher interviews and standardised tools such as the Vineland-3, Beery VMI, Movement ABC-2, BOT-2 and the DASH handwriting assessment. The report explains in plain language how the child’s disability affects daily life and what therapy, equipment and support will make a difference – written so a planner who has never met your child can understand it.

What we do not do

Core OT does not diagnose autism or ADHD. Diagnosis is done by a paediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist; we work alongside them, provide the OT component of a multidisciplinary assessment where requested, and deliver therapy once a diagnosis or NDIS plan is in place. We also do not provide driving assessments.

Why home and school visits work better for kids

Children behave differently in a clinic room with new toys and a stranger. At home we see the real morning routine, the actual chair and table homework happens at, the bathroom where dressing takes 20 minutes. At school we see the classroom, the playground and how the teacher gives instructions. Strategies built in those settings are the ones that stick, and parents and teachers learn them at the same time. There is also no waiting room, no travel with a tired child and no lost afternoon.

Where we visit

Brisbane North and Moreton Bay including Chermside, Aspley, Albany Creek, Nundah, Strathpine, North Lakes, Redcliffe and Caboolture, plus Carindale and Logan.

Funding

• NDIS – self-managed and plan-managed, under Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living (early childhood and school-age plans). Not NDIA-managed.
• Private – no referral needed; quoted before the first visit.
• Medicare – ask your GP about a Chronic Disease Management plan; we will tell you if it applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you see?
From birth to 17 years. Toddlers and preschoolers are usually seen at home or kindy; school-aged children at home and school.

How long are sessions and how many will my child need?
Session length and the size of a therapy block depend on your child’s goals and NDIS plan, and are agreed with you at booking.

Can you assess my child for autism or ADHD?
No. We provide the occupational therapy part of an assessment and therapy after diagnosis, and work with your paediatrician or psychologist.

Will you work with my child’s school?
Yes, with the school’s agreement. Classroom visits and teacher strategies are a normal part of our paediatric work.

Do I need a referral?
Not for NDIS or private clients. Support coordinators and plan managers can use the referral form.

Ready to book? Send an enquiry, call 0458 856 215 or email info@coreot.com.au.