Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming — especially when you're already juggling the demands of supporting a child with additional needs. At South Eastern OT, we work with NDIS families every day, and we want to make the funding side as simple as possible. Here's a plain-English guide to using NDIS funding for your child's occupational therapy in South East Melbourne. Can my child access NDIS funding for OT? Yes — occupational therapy is one of the most commonly funded supports under the NDIS for children. Paediatric OT falls under the Capacity Building budget, specifically under Improved Daily Living (support…

Handwriting struggles are one of the most common reasons families come to see us at South Eastern OT. Whether it's illegible letters, an awkward pencil grip, complaints of sore hands, or a child who melts down at the mere mention of writing — we see it all. And we want to reassure you: with the right support, most children can make significant improvement. Here are some practical, OT-informed strategies you can try at home. First: understand why your child is struggling Before jumping to letter-formation drills, it's important to understand the underlying reason for the difficulty. Handwriting challenges can stem…

You've probably heard the term "sensory processing" — maybe from your child's teacher, a playgroup facilitator, or another parent. But what does it actually mean? And how do you know if it's something that's affecting your child? This guide breaks down what sensory processing is, how sensory differences show up in children, and what you can do to help. What is sensory processing? Every second of every day, our brains receive a flood of information from our senses — not just the five you learned about in school (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch), but also two lesser-known senses that are…

As a parent, you know your child best. Sometimes something just feels off — your child seems to be working harder than their peers to do things that look effortless for others. Perhaps mornings are a battle over socks. Perhaps their teacher has raised concerns about handwriting. Perhaps they fall apart in busy environments in a way that goes beyond typical toddler behaviour. Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children develop the skills they need to participate fully in the everyday activities of childhood — playing, learning, getting dressed, making friends and managing their emotions. But how do you know when…