Aquatic Occupational Therapy

      Aquatic

  Occupational

      Therapy

Paediatric Aquatic Occupational Therapy:

Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) aims to help children be able to do the tasks they want to or need to be able to do. Our occupational therapists work in an aquatic setting and use the therapeutic benefits of water to help children achieve their goals.

Some of the common goals for aquatic OT include:

  • basic water safety (both in and out of the water)
  • water familiarisation (becoming more comfortable being in and around water, especially water on the face)
  • sensory and emotional regulation
  • increasing attention to tasks
  • fine and gross motor skills
  • communication
  • following instructions
  • working towards participation in swimming lessons

We currently work with children aged 12 years and below

Here are some frequently asked questions

How do I access Aquatic Occupational Therapy?


No referral is required to access our occupational therapy services. Simply contact us via phone, email, social media or web form on the ‘contact us’ page. We are always happy to discuss our services to see if we are the most appropriate support for your child. If our service is appropriate for your child we will place your child on our wait list until a place is available.

What will service look like?


When a place is available you will be offered an initial telehealth appointment. During this appointment we will discuss your child’s goals, their strengths and interests, and a plan will be developed. After the initial appointment we will commence sessions in the water.  Our sessions are fun and engaging. Our in-water time is generally approximately 45 minutes per session.

Fees and Funding:


We charge at the NDIS therapy rate of $193.99 per hour. We are not an NDIS registered provider so are only able to use NDIS funds if you are plan managed or self-managed (not NDIA managed). We also accept private payment, which is charged at the same rate. Parents are responsible for paying pool admission fees for their child and this cost will not be funded by NDIS. 

Where are sessions held?


All of our sessions are run through local swimming pools. We prefer to work from pools which have multiple spaces available so that we can work in the most appropriate environment to support each child’s individual goals.


This can include a warm water therapy pool, children’s pool or splash zone, or deeper lap pool.


Sessions are currently offered at the following locations:

-         Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre (Craigieburn)

-         Mill Park Leisure Centre (Mill Park)