OTWaitlist · Direct answer
How many OT sessions does my child need?
There's no single answer—it depends entirely on your child's goals and needs. Most children start with an initial block of 6–12 sessions (typically weekly or fortnightly), then have a review to decide what comes next. Some children need ongoing support; others may need just a few sessions. Your occupational therapist will work with you to create a plan tailored to your child.
Information last reviewed 2026-05-24. This page is not medical advice — speak with your GP, paediatrician, or paediatric OT for guidance specific to your child.
Full answer
Why the variation?
Occupational therapy (OT) session frequency depends on several factors: your child's age, the specific challenges they're working on (fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care routines, school participation), how quickly they progress, and your family's circumstances.
Typical starting point
Most Australian paediatric OT services recommend beginning with 6–12 sessions as an initial block. This gives the therapist time to assess your child thoroughly, set clear goals with you, and start implementing strategies. Sessions are usually 45–60 minutes and scheduled weekly or fortnightly, depending on your child's needs and the therapist's availability.
After the initial block, your therapist will review progress and recommend next steps. Some children may continue with regular sessions; others might move to monthly check-ins or a "as-needed" approach once you've learned strategies to use at home.
Funding affects frequency
If your child accesses OT through the NDIS, your plan will include a set amount of funding for therapy. In 2025–26, individual OT sessions are typically funded at around $150–$200 per hour depending on your state and the therapist's qualifications. Your plan might allocate $2,000–$5,000+ annually for OT, which translates to roughly 10–30+ sessions per year depending on your child's needs.
Private OT sessions in Australia generally cost $120–$200 per session. Some families use a mix of NDIS funding and private sessions.
Medicare rebates (through the Better Access scheme) may cover some sessions if referred by your GP, though paediatric OT isn't always included—check with your provider.
What to discuss with your therapist
When you first meet your occupational therapist, ask: - How many sessions do they recommend initially? - What specific goals will we work towards? - How will we know if it's working? - What happens after the first block? - What can I do at home between sessions?
Your therapist should be transparent about the plan and willing to adjust it based on your child's progress and your family's needs. If you're unsure whether your child needs OT, start by speaking with your GP or paediatrician, who can provide a referral.
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Related questions
- Cost & funding How much does paediatric OT cost in Australia? Read the answer →
- Cost & funding What does the NDIS pay for OT equipment? Read the answer →
- Wait times & access Can I see an OT without a referral? Read the answer →
- Process & expectations What happens at my child’s first OT appointment? Read the answer →
- Process & expectations What should I bring to my child’s OT assessment? Read the answer →
Keep exploring
OTWaitlist provides general information about NDIS-aligned paediatric occupational therapy clinics. We're not a clinic and don't provide medical advice. Always speak directly with a qualified OT or GP about your child's specific needs.