Occupational Therapy for Autism
Neuroaffirming, play-based occupational therapy that supports autistic children to thrive in everyday life — at home, at school and in the community.
Every autistic child is different. Some find loud spaces overwhelming, some take longer to find their words, some struggle with the transitions and unwritten rules of school and friendships, and some are flying through milestones with one or two specific areas where they'd benefit from support.
At Square One Therapy Hub, our occupational therapists work with autistic children and their families across Sydney's St George region. We focus on what your child wants to be able to do — the practical, everyday goals — and we build those skills in ways that respect how your child experiences the world.
When OT can help
- Sensory sensitivities — sound, light, touch, food textures, clothing
- Difficulty with transitions, change or unstructured time
- Big emotions that feel hard to ride out
- Trouble with handwriting, scissors, dressing or other fine motor tasks
- Avoiding or struggling with playground equipment and gross motor play
- Differences in eating, mealtimes or food preferences
- Difficulty with school routines, organisation or completing tasks
- Social participation — joining play, friendships, group activities
How we help
- Initial assessment to understand your child's profile, strengths and goals
- Sensory and self-regulation strategies tailored to your child
- Practical skill building — dressing, mealtimes, handwriting, classroom skills
- Home and school programmes so strategies extend beyond the clinic
- Parent coaching and education so you feel confident supporting your child
- Functional Capacity Assessments and NDIS reports where needed
- Liaison with school, preschool and other treating professionals
What occupational therapy can do for autistic children
Occupational therapy looks at all the things your child does every day — getting dressed, playing, eating, going to school, making friends, regulating big emotions — and works out what's getting in the way of doing them with confidence and independence.
For autistic children, this often includes sensory processing differences, executive function and planning skills, fine and gross motor skills, social participation, and emotional regulation. We meet your child where they are and build from there.
A neuroaffirming approach
We do not try to make autistic children seem less autistic. We support them to participate in the things they want to participate in, in ways that work for their nervous system.
That means embracing stimming, honouring sensory needs, building communication in whatever form works best for your child (including AAC where helpful), and partnering closely with you as the expert on your child.
A multidisciplinary team if you need it
Many autistic children benefit from a combination of OT and speech pathology — and our clinic has both, under one roof, with shared goals and regular communication between therapists. If your child also needs physiotherapy support, that's available too.
How our team supports this
Occupational Therapy
Build independence and confidence in daily living skills with personalised strategies tailored to your individual goals and needs.
Explore serviceSpeech Therapy
Enhance communication and language skills through proven, evidence-based therapy techniques designed for lasting improvement.
Explore serviceSchool Readiness Assessments
A multidisciplinary look at your child's academic, motor, social and self-care skills before they start Kindergarten — using the Bracken (BSRA-4) and PDMS-3.
Explore serviceCommon questions from families
Do you need a diagnosis for my child to see an OT?
No. You don't need a diagnosis to access OT — you can come privately or via a Medicare CDM referral. A diagnosis can help with NDIS access, but it's not required to start therapy with us.
Is your approach neuroaffirming?
Yes. We don't try to make autistic children seem less autistic. We focus on the goals your child and family want to work toward, in ways that respect how your child experiences the world.
Can my child see an OT and a speech pathologist together?
Absolutely — many of our families do exactly that. Our OTs and speech pathologists share notes and set aligned goals so therapy works together rather than in parallel.
How is OT funded for autistic children?
Most commonly via the NDIS (self- or plan-managed), Medicare CDM referrals (5 sessions per year with a GP's care plan), private health rebates, or private pay. We'll talk you through the right pathway on a free 15-minute call.
Do you do school or home visits?
Yes — we offer home, school and preschool visits across the St George region by arrangement once your child is on caseload.
Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?
Speak directly with our director — no obligation, just a friendly chat about how we can help.