Booking your child’s first occupational therapy appointment can feel like a big step — especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Will there be tests? Will your child cooperate? How long will it take? If you’ve been searching for paediatric occupational therapy Campbelltown and wondering what the first appointment involves, you’re in the right place. At Iconic Care Group’s Campbelltown clinic, we guide families through this process every week — here’s exactly what happens.
Preparing for Paediatric Occupational Therapy Campbelltown: What to Bring
A little preparation goes a long way. When you book a paediatric occupational therapy Campbelltown appointment with our team, we’ll let you know what to bring, but as a general guide:
- Your child’s NDIS plan (if they have one) — so we can align our assessment with their funded goals
- Any existing reports — from your GP, paediatrician, speech pathologist, psychologist or previous therapists
- School or preschool reports — these give us valuable insight into how your child manages in a learning environment
- A list of your concerns — write down the everyday things your child finds tricky, whether it’s getting dressed, holding a pencil, coping with noisy places or making friends
You don’t need a GP referral to see a paediatric occupational therapist in Campbelltown — you can contact us directly. If your child has NDIS funding, occupational therapy is typically covered under the Capacity Building budget. You can also read more about our NDIS services in Campbelltown and surrounds to see how funding can support your child’s therapy journey.
Your Paediatric Occupational Therapy Campbelltown Appointment: What to Expect
Every paediatric occupational therapy Campbelltown first appointment follows the same gentle structure. The first appointment is called an initial assessment, and it usually runs for about 60 minutes. Here’s the important thing most parents don’t realise: for your child, it mostly feels like play.
1. A conversation with you first. Your occupational therapist will start by talking with you about your child’s history — their development, strengths, daily routines, and the specific challenges you’ve noticed. There are no silly questions here; the more you share, the better we can help.
2. Play-based observation. While you talk, your child will usually be invited to play with toys, puzzles, drawing materials or movement equipment in our clinic rooms. Our therapists are trained to observe how your child moves, plays, problem-solves and interacts — all while your child is simply having fun.
3. Gentle, structured activities. Depending on your child’s age and needs, the therapist may guide them through specific activities: threading beads, drawing shapes, balancing, catching a ball or completing a puzzle. These aren’t pass-or-fail tests — they’re tools that help us understand how your child processes sensory information, coordinates movement and tackles new tasks.
4. Your input throughout. You know your child best. Our therapists will ask about what happens at home, at school and in the community, because occupational therapy is all about real life — not just what happens in a clinic room.
What a Paediatric Occupational Therapy Campbelltown Assessment Covers
A paediatric occupational therapist considers the whole child. During the assessment, we’ll be looking at:
- Fine motor skills — using hands for writing, drawing, cutting, buttoning and feeding
- Gross motor skills — balance, coordination, ball skills and body awareness
- Sensory processing — how your child responds to touch, sound, movement, light and textures
- Self-care skills — dressing, toileting, eating and personal hygiene appropriate to their age
- Play and social skills — how they play, share, take turns and connect with other children
- Emotional regulation — how they cope with frustration, change and big feelings
If your child also needs support with communication, our paediatric speech pathology team works alongside our OTs, and our behaviour support practitioners can help where behaviours of concern are present.
Will There Be Formal Tests?
Sometimes, yes — but there’s nothing to worry about. Where it’s helpful, our paediatric occupational therapy Campbelltown therapists use recognised, standardised assessments to measure specific skills against age expectations. These simply give us a clear, objective picture that helps with NDIS reporting and tracking progress over time. Your child will experience them as games and activities, and we’ll always explain what we’re doing and why. You can read more about how therapy supports work on the NDIS website.
After the Appointment: What Happens Next
Within a couple of weeks of your paediatric occupational therapy Campbelltown initial assessment, you’ll receive:
- A written report summarising the findings in plain language (no confusing jargon)
- Recommended goals — specific, measurable outcomes tailored to your child and your family
- A therapy plan — how often sessions should happen, where (clinic, home, school or a mix), and what approaches we’ll use
- NDIS guidance — if your child has NDIS funding, we’ll explain how the recommendations fit within their plan
From there, regular therapy sessions begin — always shaped around your child’s interests, because children learn best when they’re engaged and enjoying themselves.
How to Book a Paediatric Occupational Therapy Campbelltown Appointment
Getting started is simple, and at Iconic Care Group there are no waitlists. You can book your child’s paediatric occupational therapy Campbelltown initial assessment at our clinic, or we can come to you — we offer sessions at home, at school and in the community across Campbelltown and surrounding suburbs.
Call us on 0474 801 695 or visit our contact page to book. We’ll take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral for paediatric occupational therapy?
No. You can contact our Campbelltown clinic directly to book an initial assessment — no referral needed. If your child has a GP or paediatrician involved in their care, we’re always happy to work alongside them.
How long is the first appointment?
The initial assessment typically runs for around 60 minutes. This gives us enough time to talk with you properly and observe your child through play-based activities without rushing.
Is paediatric occupational therapy covered by the NDIS?
In most cases, yes. Occupational therapy assessments and ongoing therapy are commonly funded under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget in NDIS plans. If you’re unsure about your child’s funding, our team can help you understand what’s covered.
What if my child is shy or won’t cooperate?
This is one of the most common worries parents have — and it’s completely fine. Our paediatric occupational therapists are experienced with children of all temperaments. The assessment is play-based and pressure-free, and we follow your child’s lead. There’s no expectation for them to “perform”.