When should I stop paediatric occupational therapy?

Deciding when to stop occupational therapy is a practical decision that depends on your child's progress, not a fixed timeline. Most children benefit from therapy for 6–24 months, though this varies widely based on their needs and goals.

**Signs it may be time to pause or end therapy:**

• **Goals are met**: Your child can now perform the skills you started therapy for—dressing independently, holding a pencil correctly, managing sensory sensitivities, or playing cooperatively with peers.

• **Progress has plateaued**: Despite consistent attendance, you notice no meaningful changes over 8–12 weeks. Your OT should acknowledge this and discuss next steps rather than continuing indefinitely.

• **Your child resists therapy**: Ongoing resistance—refusing to attend, becoming distressed, or showing anxiety about sessions—may indicate therapy is no longer beneficial or that the approach needs changing.

• **Transition to school-based support**: When your child starts school, many needs can be addressed through the school's disability funding, school psychologist, or teacher support rather than private therapy.

• **Financial or practical burden**: If sessions are straining your budget or family routine without clear progress, it's reasonable to reassess.

**How to discuss this with your occupational therapist:**

Schedule a dedicated conversation rather than raising it casually. Say: "We've noticed [specific progress or plateau]. What do you think about pausing therapy for a few months?" or "How will we know when therapy goals are met?" A good OT will welcome this discussion and help you plan a transition, including strategies to maintain progress at home.

If your child receives NDIS funding, your plan may cover ongoing therapy, but you can request plan reviews to adjust supports. Under Medicare, you can access up to 10 allied health sessions per year (with a GP referral) at no cost; if you've used these, private sessions typically cost $80–$200 per hour in Australia.

**What to do next:**

Before stopping entirely, ask your OT for a home programme—simple activities you can continue to reinforce skills. Many families find a "pause" (stopping for 3–6 months) works better than stopping permanently, allowing you to restart if needed without losing progress. Your GP or paediatrician can also advise whether therapy should continue.

If your child's needs change—new developmental concerns, school difficulties, or sensory challenges—you can always restart therapy. There's no penalty for taking breaks.