Occupational Therapy FAQs

In most cases, you do not need a referral to access occupational therapy services at Bumble Bea Occupational Therapy. However, a referral may be required depending on how therapy is funded: • NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed): A referral is not required, though we may ask for a copy of your child’s NDIS plan. • Private (self-funded): No referral is needed. • Medicare rebates: A GP referral is required under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. This is different from a Mental Health Care Plan. • Private health insurance: A referral is usually not required, but we recommend checking with your health fund, as requirements can vary. If you’re unsure what applies to your child or which funding option is right for your family, we’re happy to talk it through and guide you through the process.

We aim to make starting occupational therapy feel clear, supportive, and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect when working with Bumble Bea Occupational Therapy. 1. Service Agreement & Welcome Family Pack: Once you decide to proceed, we’ll send you a Service agreement and a Welcome Family Pack, so you know exactly what to expect before therapy begins. 1. Pre-consultation Questionnaire: You’ll receive a questionnaire to help us understand your child, your family priorities, and what matters most to you. 1. Initial Parent Consultation: The initial session is a parent-only consultation, allowing time to gather detailed background information, discuss concerns, and understand your child’s strengths, needs, and everyday environments. 1. Assessment & Observations: Where appropriate, assessments and observations are completed in a gentle, child-led way to support clinical understanding and goal planning. 1. Goal Setting: Together, we set meaningful, functional goals that are relevant to your child’s daily life. 2. Therapy Sessions: Ongoing therapy sessions are play-based, strengths-focused, and delivered at your child’s pace, supporting participation and confidence. 3. Goal Reviews & Ongoing Support: Goals are regularly reviewed and adjusted as your child grows, with ongoing communication and collaboration throughout the journey.

Activities used in occupational therapy sessions are purposeful, play-based, and carefully tailored to your child’s individual goals. While sessions often look like play, every activity is intentionally selected to support the skills your child is working towards in everyday life. Depending on your child’s goals, therapy activities may include: • Play-based games and activities that build engagement, attention, and confidence • Movement and sensory-based activities to support regulation, coordination, and body awareness • Fine motor tasks such as drawing, writing, cutting, building, and hands-on play • Everyday life skills practice, including self-care routines and school-related tasks • Social and emotional activities that support communication, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation Sessions are child-led and flexible, with activities adapted in the moment to meet your child’s needs, energy levels, and interests. Goals are reviewed regularly and activities evolve over time to ensure therapy remains meaningful, supportive, and aligned with what matters most to your child and family.

Yes — parents and caregivers are encouraged to be involved in occupational therapy sessions. Your knowledge of your child is incredibly valuable, and your involvement helps ensure therapy is meaningful and effective beyond the session itself. Participation may look different for each family and child. Some parents may be actively involved during sessions, while others may observe, ask questions, or support carryover at home. We always respect your child’s needs and comfort and will guide what level of involvement is most helpful. We also prioritise sharing strategies, ideas, and progress with families so skills can be practised and supported in everyday routines. Therapy works best when families and therapists work together as a team.

If your child is aged 6 years or under and requires early intervention support, they may be eligible for NDIS funding through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) pathway. Children under 6 may be eligible if they are experiencing challenges in two or more areas of development, such as communication, movement, learning, behaviour, or self-care. Importantly, a formal diagnosis is not required for children under 6 to access early childhood NDIS supports. The focus is on your child’s developmental needs and how early support may help. After the age of 6, children are required to meet specific eligibility criteria to continue receiving NDIS support. To access Early Childhood Intervention, families can contact the trained ECEI staff at Link Health and Community by calling 1800 546 532. Alternatively, you can click below to complete the ECEI referral formand email it to: ecei.link.lchs@ndis.gov.au(mailto:ecei.link.lchs@ndis.gov.au) If you’re unsure whether your child may be eligible or would like support understanding the process, we’re always happy to talk it through.

We understand that waiting for services can be challenging, and we sincerely apologise that we’re unable to provide a specific timeframe for when a place may become available. Please know that we are doing our best to support families as soon as possible. Movement on our waitlist depends on a number of factors, including: • children achieving their goals and being discharged • changes in NDIS eligibility or funding • families relocating • children no longer requiring ongoing support As soon as a suitable place becomes available, we will contact families on the waitlist directly. Thank you for your understanding and patience. If you have any questions or would like to discuss alternative options in the meantime, we’re always happy to help where we can.