Developmental delay support · Suburb directory
14 Listed Paediatric Occupational Therapy Clinics for Developmental delay in QLD (2026)
Looking for an occupational therapist in QLD who supports children with developmental delay? Families in Queensland often find it helpful to work with an OT who can assess how your child is progressing with everyday skills like self-care, play, and movement. Many of these services are eligible for NDIS funding, which can help cover costs. We've identified 15 providers in this area whose services overlap with developmental delay support. Remember to confirm directly with each clinic about their specific experience, availability, and how they can support your child's needs.
OTWaitlist lists 14 paediatric occupational therapy clinics in QLD whose listed services overlap with developmental delay; none are currently listed as taking new clients, and 2 list NDIS funding. Availability is self-reported and can change — confirm directly with the clinic.
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.
| Clinic | Status | Reported wait | NDIS | Telehealth | Home visits | Ages | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back2You Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | Yes | toddlers, teenagers | — |
| Children’s Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–18 | — |
| City to Sea Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children | — |
| Cooee Speech Pathology | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children | — |
| In Sync Therapy Hub | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–18 | — |
| Little Souls Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | Yes | 0–8 | — |
| Our Children's Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | Yes | — | — |
| Physio Inq | Status unconfirmed | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | toddlers, teenagers | — |
| Physio Inq | Status unconfirmed | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | toddlers, teenagers | — |
| The Little OT Co | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–8 | — |
| Therapy Plus FNQ | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children | — |
| Toot Toot OT | Status unconfirmed | — | — | Yes | — | children | — |
| Townsville Paediatrics | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–16 | — |
| Xavier | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children | — |
Providers in Across QLD supporting developmental delay
- Back2You Therapy QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Children’s Occupational Therapy QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- City to Sea Occupational Therapy QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor · Developmental delay
- Cooee Speech Pathology QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- In Sync Therapy Hub QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Early intervention
- Little Souls Occupational Therapy QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Early intervention · Developmental delay
- Our Children's Occupational Therapy QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- Physio Inq QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Physio Inq QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- The Little OT Co QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Early intervention · Fine motor
- Therapy Plus FNQ QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Early intervention
- Toot Toot OT QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- Townsville Paediatrics QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- Xavier QLD Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor · Developmental delay
How paediatric OT helps children with developmental delay in QLD
How paediatric OT helps children with developmental delay in Queensland (QLD)
In Queensland, children with developmental delay can access occupational therapy (OT) through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The 2025–26 funding arrangements support therapy for eligible participants, with plans typically covering allied health supports. Families may also access OT through private practice, school-based programs, or public health services.
Paediatric OTs work with children experiencing delays in motor skills, self-care abilities, play development, or school participation. They use activity-based approaches tailored to each child's strengths and goals, helping build independence in daily tasks like dressing, eating, and writing. OTs cannot diagnose conditions such as autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder; however, they can support children with these diagnoses through functional skill development.
In Queensland, families typically engage OT support by obtaining an NDIS plan (if eligible), seeking referrals from GPs or paediatricians, or contacting private clinics directly. School occupational therapists also provide support within educational settings.
When contacting clinics, ask specifically about their experience with developmental delay, whether they work within NDIS frameworks, their assessment process, and how they involve families in goal-setting. Clarify whether they offer home-based or clinic-based sessions and their approach to measuring progress over time.
About Developmental Delay
Developmental delay describes when a child has not yet reached one or more developmental milestones in the expected timeframe. It is a description, not a single diagnosis.
Common questions from Across QLD families
How do occupational therapists in QLD approach developmental delay?
OTs typically start with an assessment to understand your child's current skills across areas like fine motor control, gross motor development, self-care, and play. They then work with you to set goals based on what matters most for your family. Treatment often involves play-based activities, practical strategies you can use at home, and collaboration with other professionals like speech pathologists or physiotherapists. Each therapist may have their own approach, so it's worth asking how they structure their sessions.
What questions should I ask when contacting a clinic about developmental delay support?
Ask about their experience with children at your child's age and developmental stage. Find out whether they offer home visits or clinic-based sessions, how often they recommend appointments, and whether they provide strategies for parents to use between sessions. It's also helpful to ask how they measure progress and how often they review goals. Check whether they're familiar with NDIS processes if you're planning to apply, and ask about their communication with other professionals involved in your child's care.
Is occupational therapy for developmental delay covered by NDIS in QLD?
Many children with developmental delay are eligible for NDIS funding, which can cover occupational therapy costs. However, eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and whether your child meets the scheme's criteria. It's best to contact the NDIA directly or speak with a local service coordinator who can guide you through the process. When you contact OT clinics, ask whether they're registered NDIS providers and what their experience is with NDIS participants. They can often help you understand what might be fundable.
What early signs might suggest my child needs occupational therapy?
Signs vary depending on your child's age, but parents often notice delays in areas like sitting up, crawling, walking, or using their hands to pick up toys. You might see difficulty with self-care tasks like feeding or dressing, trouble playing with toys in typical ways, or challenges with coordination and balance. Some children seem less interested in exploring their environment. If you're concerned about your child's development, it's worth chatting with your GP or child health nurse first, who can refer you to an OT or other professionals for assessment.
What happens during an occupational therapy assessment for developmental delay?
An OT will usually spend time observing your child playing and moving, and asking you questions about their development, daily routines, and what you've noticed. They may use informal observations or standardised assessments depending on your child's age and needs. The assessment helps identify your child's strengths and areas where they might benefit from support. After the assessment, the OT will discuss findings with you and suggest goals and a plan. Ask the clinic how long the assessment takes and whether they'll provide a written report you can share with other professionals.
Suburbs in QLD with developmental delay support
Suburbs in QLD with developmental delay support
Browse other conditions in Across QLD
NDIS funding
Using NDIS funding for OT in QLD
Many Queensland families access paediatric occupational therapy through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Understanding your plan type helps you find suitable clinics.
NDIS plans come in three management types. Self-managed plans mean the family controls funding directly. Plan-managed plans use a registered plan manager to handle payments. NDIA-managed plans are administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency itself. Each type has different processes for paying therapists.
Occupational therapy typically sits within the "Supports for Daily Living" or "Core Supports" budget categories in NDIS plans, though this varies by individual plan. Some families also access therapy through "Improved Daily Living" or specialist disability support categories.
When contacting a clinic, ask directly whether they accept your specific plan type and management arrangement. Clinics can usually confirm this quickly. It's worth checking your NDIS plan documents to know your available budget and plan management type before making enquiries.
If you're unsure about your plan or eligibility, speaking with your NDIS planner or local area coordinator can clarify next steps.