Developmental delay support · Suburb directory
22 Listed Paediatric Occupational Therapy Clinics for Developmental delay in VIC (2026)
Looking for an occupational therapist in VIC who supports children with developmental delay? Families across Victoria often find it challenging to locate services that understand their child's specific needs and can work flexibly with their schedule. There are 22 providers in this area whose services overlap with developmental delay support. Many families access funding through the NDIS to cover occupational therapy sessions, though eligibility and plans vary. When contacting any provider, confirm they have availability, accept your funding type, and can support your child's particular areas of concern. Always verify current service details directly with the clinic.
As of June 2026, OTWaitlist lists 22 paediatric occupational therapy clinics in VIC whose listed services overlap with developmental delay; 1 reports taking new clients, and 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WONDER KIDS OT | Taking new clients | — | — | — | Yes | — | 1 week ago |
| Building Blocks Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | teenagers | — |
| Bumble Bea Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 2–12 | — |
| D.O.T.S. OT for Children | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–18 | — |
| Foundations Therapy & Support | Status unconfirmed | — | — | Yes | Yes | children | — |
| Gippsland Paediatric OT Services | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | school-aged children, children | — |
| Hope Kids OT | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–17 | — |
| Inspire Kids Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | Yes | — | — | 0–13 | — |
| Inspiring Possibilities | Status unconfirmed | — | Yes | — | Yes | — | — |
| Katie Stokes Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 3–18 | — |
| Melbourne Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children, adolescents | — |
| Monash Health Community Child and Family Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–12 | — |
| Natalie B Paediatric Occupational Therapy | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children | — |
| Offspring Health | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Peninsula Kids OT | Status unconfirmed | — | Yes | — | — | 0–8 | — |
| Physio Inq | Status unconfirmed | — | — | Yes | Yes | toddlers, teenagers | — |
| Play Partners | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | children | — |
| Steps OTkids | Status unconfirmed | — | — | — | — | 0–17 | — |
Providers in Across VIC supporting developmental delay
Showing the first 18 of 22 listed clinics, those taking new clients first.
- WONDER KIDS OT VIC Taking new clients Lists: Developmental delay
- Building Blocks Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Bumble Bea Occupational Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- D.O.T.S. OT for Children VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Foundations Therapy & Support VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Gippsland Paediatric OT Services VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Hope Kids OT VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor · Developmental delay
- Inspire Kids Occupational Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor · Developmental delay
- Inspiring Possibilities VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- Katie Stokes Occupational Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- Melbourne Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Monash Health Community Child and Family Occupational Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Natalie B Paediatric Occupational Therapy VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Offspring Health VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Developmental delay
- Peninsula Kids OT VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Physio Inq VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Play Partners VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
- Steps OTkids VIC Status unconfirmed Lists: Fine motor
How paediatric OT helps children with developmental delay in VIC
How paediatric OT helps children with developmental delay in Victoria (VIC)
In Victoria, children with developmental delay can access occupational therapy (OT) through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Under the 2025-26 pricing arrangements, families receive individualised funding based on their child's goals and support needs. Some children also access OT through state-funded early intervention services or private arrangements.
Paediatric OTs work with children experiencing delays in motor skills, self-care abilities, play participation, or school readiness. They use play-based activities and everyday routines to build independence and confidence. OTs assess how a child engages with their environment and collaborate with families to embed strategies into daily life.
Victorian families typically engage OT support by:
- Obtaining an NDIS plan through the NDIS Local Area Coordinator
- Accessing early intervention through maternal and child health services
- Seeking private OT referrals from their GP or paediatrician
When contacting clinics, ask about:
- Their experience with your child's specific developmental areas of concern
- How they involve families in therapy planning
- Whether they work with your child's school or other services
- Their approach to measuring progress
Note: OTs cannot diagnose autism, ADHD, or sensory processing difficulties—diagnosis requires medical assessment. OTs support children regardless of diagnosis.
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 VIC families
How do occupational therapists in Victoria approach developmental delay?
OTs in VIC typically start with an assessment to understand your child's strengths and areas where they need support. They may focus on fine motor skills, gross motor development, self-care routines, play skills, or coordination. Many use play-based activities during sessions to make learning engaging. Providers often work with families to create strategies you can use at home between appointments. Approaches vary, so it's worth asking how each clinic tailors their support to your child's specific developmental areas.
What questions should I ask when contacting a local occupational therapy clinic?
Ask about their experience with developmental delay, current wait times, and whether they accept your funding type (NDIS, private, Medicare). Enquire about session length, frequency options, and whether they offer telehealth. Find out if they involve parents in sessions and provide home strategies. Ask what happens during an initial assessment and how they measure progress. Check if they have experience with your child's age group and any specific concerns you have. Getting these details upfront helps you find the right fit.
Can I access NDIS funding for occupational therapy for developmental delay in Victoria?
Many children with developmental delay access NDIS funding for occupational therapy, but eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and NDIS plan. You'll need to discuss occupational therapy goals with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator. If approved, your plan will outline how many sessions you can access. Some families also use private health insurance or Medicare rebates. When you contact providers, ask which funding types they accept and whether they can help you understand what your plan covers.
What early signs might suggest my child needs occupational therapy support?
Signs vary depending on your child's age but may include difficulty with fine motor tasks like holding a pencil or using cutlery, trouble with gross motor skills like climbing or balance, challenges with self-care routines like dressing or feeding, or difficulty engaging in play. Some children seem uncoordinated or have trouble following multi-step instructions. If you're concerned about your child's development, it's worth discussing observations with your GP or paediatrician first, who can refer you to an OT if appropriate.
What happens during an occupational therapy assessment for developmental delay?
An assessment usually involves the OT observing your child during play and structured activities to see how they manage different tasks. They'll ask you about your child's history, routines, and what concerns you most. They may use standardised tools to measure skills in areas like coordination, fine motor control, and self-care. The OT will discuss findings with you and explain what they've observed. They'll then work with you to set goals and create a plan tailored to your child's needs and your family's priorities.
Suburbs in VIC with developmental delay support
Suburbs in VIC with developmental delay support
Browse other conditions in Across VIC
NDIS funding
Using NDIS funding for OT in VIC
Using NDIS funding for paediatric occupational therapy in Victoria
If your child has an approved NDIS plan, occupational therapy is often funded under the 'Therapy and Supports' or 'Core Supports' budget categories. Check your plan document to see what amount has been allocated.
You can manage your NDIS funding in three ways: self-managed (you pay and claim back), plan-managed (a registered plan manager handles payments), or NDIA-managed (the NDIA pays providers directly).
Different occupational therapy clinics accept different plan types. Before booking, contact the clinic directly and ask: 'Do you accept [self-managed/plan-managed/NDIA-managed] plans?' They'll let you know if they're set up to work with your arrangement.
Keep your plan documents handy when making enquiries. If you're unsure whether occupational therapy is right for your child, speak with your GP or paediatrician first.