Sensory Processing Support
Occupational therapy for children whose nervous system processes the world differently — at home, at school and in everyday life.
Some children flinch at loud noises. Some seek out spinning, jumping and crashing. Some can't tolerate the seam of a sock or the smell of certain foods. Some can sit through a fire alarm without noticing.
Sensory processing differences are real, common, and they shape almost every part of a child's day — from getting dressed in the morning to focusing in class to winding down at bedtime. Occupational therapy can help.
Signs sensory processing may be worth exploring
- Strong reactions to noise, light, smell, taste or touch
- Avoiding messy play, certain food textures or clothing seams
- Seeking constant movement — jumping, crashing, spinning
- Trouble settling at bedtime or transitioning between activities
- Meltdowns at the end of the school day
- Appearing unaware of pain, temperature or body position
- Difficulty staying focused in busy environments
How we help
- Comprehensive sensory profile assessment
- Individualised sensory diet and regulation plan
- Strategies for home, school and transitions
- Parent coaching so you feel confident responding in the moment
- Liaison with teachers so school environments are set up to support your child
- Coordination with speech therapy where communication is also affected
What is sensory processing?
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in information from all the senses — sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement and body awareness — and organises it into a response. When this system works smoothly, we barely notice it.
When it doesn't, children may feel overwhelmed or under-stimulated, and behaviours like meltdowns, avoidance, fidgeting, picky eating or seeking constant movement can be the result.
How OT helps
Our OTs assess your child's sensory profile — what their nervous system finds easy, hard, soothing or overwhelming — and build a programme that helps them participate more comfortably in the activities that matter to them.
That might mean sensory breaks built into the school day, a regulation toolkit for big emotions, calming strategies for bedtime, or graded exposure to foods and textures over time.
Working with home and school
Strategies only work if they live where your child does. We coach parents, share resources with teachers, and design home programmes that fit your family's reality — not generic worksheets.
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
Is sensory processing disorder a recognised diagnosis?
Sensory processing differences are clinically well-recognised and frequently co-occur with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. You don't need a formal diagnosis to access OT support — we work with the profile, not the label.
Will my child have to do scary or uncomfortable things?
No. We work at your child's pace, respect their nervous system and build trust before introducing anything challenging. Therapy should feel safe and enjoyable.
How long does therapy usually take?
It depends on your child's goals. Some families come for a short block of 6–10 sessions to establish strategies; others benefit from longer-term support, especially where sensory needs interact with school participation.
Can sensory work be combined with speech or physio?
Yes — and often should be. Many children benefit from speech support for communication alongside OT for sensory and regulation needs, or from physio for postural strength alongside sensory regulation work.
Is this funded under NDIS?
Yes — sensory-focused OT falls under Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living in most plans. We also accept Medicare CDM, private health and private pay.
Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?
Speak directly with our director — no obligation, just a friendly chat about how we can help.