Welcome to Leaps & Bounds - Occupational Therapy for kids in Sydney

At Leaps and Bounds, our occupational therapists take a caring, child-centred approach to therapy.

We strive to make therapy fun by using each child’s strengths and interests to help them build new skills.

We work collaboratively with families and teachers to ensure that your child’s goals are reached.

We’re proud to provide trusted paediatric occupational therapy services located in Sydney, supporting children to build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in their community.

Advanced Sensory Rooms

Leaps & Bounds offers six state-of-the-art therapy and sensory rooms, thoughtfully designed to support engagement, exploration, and effective therapy in a safe and enriching environment for children.

See Sensory Rooms

Our Services

Our team of Sydney occupational therapists offer a wide range of evidence-based supports for children and families, including:

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In-Clinic Intervention

One-on-one sessions with an experienced occupational therapist in a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment.

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In-School Intervention

School-based OT for kids designed to support learning, social participation, and emotional regulation.

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Standardised Assessments

Comprehensive tools administered by a qualified occupational therapist in Sydney to identify strengths and developmental needs.

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Group and Holiday Programs

Structured group programs run during the school term and engaging holiday programs delivered during school holidays, designed to build confidence, social skills, and friendships in a supportive setting.

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Sensory Integration Therapy

Individualised, play-based intervention led by an occupational therapist to support sensory processing, regulation, motor planning, and participation in everyday activities.

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Parent Coaching

Supporting families through education and practical strategies as part of our family-centred practice.

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Teacher and Educator Education

Collaborative training, workshops and consultation for teachers, educators and staff, providing practical strategies to support children’s participation, regulation, and learning in educational settings

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Online Therapy Services

Flexible telehealth options delivered by our OT practitioners in Western Sydney for families across NSW (Australia).

Leaps and Bounds occupational therapists specialise in supporting young children to reach their full potential.

In addition to the services outlined above, therapy at Leaps and Bounds can assist children with the following diagnoses:

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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
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Learning Delays
Neurological Disorders
Down Syndrome
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Book Your
Consultation Today

Meet Our Senior OT Team

Simone Vella

Director / Head Therapist

Carmen Nissan

Senior Paediatric Therapist

Danielle De Debiasi

Senior Paediatric Therapist

How Our OT Services Work

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Initial Consultation: After enquiring or calling, an initial consultation with one of our experienced occupational therapists allows us to gain a holistic understanding of your child, exploring your child’s strengths, interests, and areas of development.

  • Parent/Carer Interview Session: Your first appointment will be conducted in-clinic or via telehealth with parents/carers and the therapist. We find this the best way to gather detailed background information, discuss concerns, and identify goals and priorities to inform therapy planning.
  • Parent and Child Session: For your second appointment, your child will attend with their parent or carer, allowing the OT to observe how they interact with familiar people, the clinic environment, and a range of play-based activities and equipment.
  • Child-Focused Assessment Session: Your third appointment will be child-focused and clinic-based, allowing your OT to observe gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention and concentration, shared attention, and overall engagement.

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Individualised Therapy Plan: Following the assessment process, your paediatric OT will develop an individualised therapy plan tailored to your child’s strengths, needs, and family priorities.

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Ongoing Therapy and Support: Families can then commence ongoing therapy across in-clinic, in-school, community, or telehealth settings, with regular progress reviews and goal updates to ensure your child is supported every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Paediatric occupational therapists do?

At Leaps and Bounds OT our Paediatric Occupational Therapists (OTs) help your child participate in everyday things that matter most at home, at school, and in the community, despite any physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional or developmental challenges.That might mean learning to get dressed, playing with friends, using a pencil, managing emotions, or staying focused in class.

Our role is to support your child’s development, confidence, and independence through fun, engaging, evidence-based activities. While also providing practical strategies that fit your family’s routines.

How we help

Every child is unique, so we start by getting to know your child, their strengths, areas of development, and the things that are most important to your family. From there, we set meaningful goals together and work toward them step by step.

Some of the areas we often support include:

  • Fine motor skills – handwriting, cutting, using buttons or utensils
  • Gross motor skills – balance, coordination, strength, and body awareness
  • Self-care skills –dressing, feeding, toileting, grooming, and establishing healthy sleep routines
  • Sensory processing and regulation – supporting children to more effectively process, integrate, and respond to sensory information to support regulation, attention, and participation in everyday activities.
  • Emotional regulation and behaviour – managing emotions, coping with change, following routines, and developing self-regulation strategies
  • Social and play skills – turn-taking, sharing, imaginative play, and confidently joining in with peers
  • Attention and thinking skills – focus, impulse control, planning, organisation, and task completion

What sessions look like

Therapy is play-based, fun, and meaningful. We use movement and hands-on activities that build real-life skills while keeping your child engaged and motivated.

We also work closely with parents, teachers, caregivers, allied health, and medical teams, sharing strategies and recommendations to support your child’s growth, learning, and development in everyday life.

Why Choose Us As Your Occupational Therapist?

Leaps and Bounds is a client-centred practice in Sydney that families can rely on for compassionate and effective care with completely purpose-built rooms that give your child exceptional capacity to thrive. Our paediatric occupational therapists understand that every child is unique and tailor therapy sessions to meet individual needs and goals.

We use evidence-based methods to help children develop fine motor skills, emotional regulation, and independence in daily routines. Our occupational therapists has expertise in working with children with autism, ADHD, developmental delay, and sensory processing challenges.

As a trusted OT in Western Sydney, we also partner with schools and support networks to ensure therapy outcomes carry over into everyday life.

Is occupational therapy covered by NDIS?

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) was established to allow children and young adults with developmental or participation difficulties access services such as occupational therapy. Children with any developmental difficulty or formal diagnosis are able to apply for NDIS funded support. To find out if your child is eligible to receive occupational therapy with Leaps & Bounds OT under the NDIS, please contact 1800 800 110 or visit www.ndis.gov.au.

Is your clinic accessible / wheelchair friendly?

Yes. Families looking for an OT (Occupational Therapist) in Wetherill Park will find our Sydney clinic welcoming and conveniently located. Our goal is to make therapy accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?

We have put together a full checklist relevant to your child’s age. If your child has difficulty with more than one or two of these skills, it is likely they would benefit from an Occupational Therapy assessment.

If you do have any further questions, please contact us on 02 87508061 or at admin@leapsandboundsot.com.au to discuss your child’s needs with one of our experienced therapists.

View child OT needs checklist here

Do you offer school or group-based programs?

Yes. We work closely with schools to give students the support they need in their education journey. We offer a range of services from school readiness screening to orientation, staff development and standardised assessments.

View in-school programs

Our group programs are a great way to develop social skills and lifelong friendships. We offer holiday, on-going social group programs for various ages and needs.

View group programs

What progress can I expect to see?

Every child is unique, so the pace and nature of progress in occupational therapy can vary based on your child’s needs. However, research shows that regular and consistent therapy, along with participation in tailored at-home programs, leads to progress and positive change in therapeutic goals over time.

Early Sessions: Building Trust and Understanding

In the beginning, our focus is on establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with your child. This helps them feel comfortable and engaged, setting the foundation for meaningful connections and progress. During this time, we also gather information to understand their strengths and areas of development.

Importance of Regular Sessions

Regular occupational therapy sessions are most effective in supporting your child’s developmental progress. Consistent, ongoing sessions help reinforce skills, promote generalisation of learning to everyday activities, and allow therapists to monitor and adjust therapy according to the child’s needs.

The Role of Home Practice

Therapy doesn’t end when the session is over. The strategies and activities introduced during sessions are most effective when practiced consistently at home. Families play a crucial role in reinforcing these skills, and therapists provide guidance to ensure that home practice is supportive and manageable.

Regular Check-Ins and Adjustments

We regularly review your child’s progress and adjust goals as needed to ensure therapy remains relevant and effective. This collaborative approach helps us celebrate successes and address any ongoing challenges.