10 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Occupational Therapist for ADHD in Melbourne

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Choosing the right occupational therapist for ADHD in Melbourne can help you with daily functioning, not just symptom management. ADHD affects children, teenagers, and adults differently, so therapy should always be tailored to age, goals, and environment. Families in Melbourne often consider qualifications, wait times, NDIS funding options, and neurodiversity-affirming care when selecting an OT.

This blog gives you a practical checklist of 10 essential questions to ask before booking. You’ll gain a clear understanding of occupational therapy for ADHD, including assessments, exercises, and therapy delivery methods, whether in-clinic, in-home, or via a mobile occupational therapist in Melbourne.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to check ADHD-specific experience and training
  • What assessments and therapy sessions typically involve
  • How funding options like NDIS are handled
  • What neurodiversity-affirming care looks like in practice

What experience and training do you have specifically in ADHD?

A skilled occupational therapist for ADHD understands how challenges present differently across age groups. This may include difficulties with routines, emotional regulation, attention, executive functioning, and sensory processing. General OT experience is valuable, but ADHD-focused training ensures safe and effective support.

Benefits of mobile occupational therapy include:

  • Ongoing experience supporting individuals with ADHD across the lifespan
  • Training related to ADHD, executive functioning, and neurodivergent care
  • Appropriate use of occupational therapy assessments for ADHD
  • Professional development or connections with ADHD-focused networks

Client Testimonial:

“We started seeing Kendra at Roaming Therapy for my children. She has such a calm, friendly approach and is brilliant with kids — turning exercises into something fun and enjoyable. We’ve seen great progress.”Kirsty Learmond

Are You Properly Qualified and Registered to Practise in Melbourne?

All practising occupational therapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA and meet national competency standards. This applies to clinic-based, in-home, or mobile occupational therapist Melbourne services.

What to ask:

  • Current AHPRA registration and membership with Occupational Therapy Australia
  • University qualifications and additional ADHD-related training
  • Evidence-based approaches for functional participation and regulation

How Do You Assess ADHD-Related Challenges and Needs?

Initial sessions often focus on understanding how ADHD affects daily functioning at home, school, work, and in the community. Skilled therapists use a combination of standardised assessments, interviews, and real-world observations to create a comprehensive profile. These approaches align with international recommendations on ADHD assessment, ensuring that the evaluation is thorough, evidence-based, and tailored to individual needs (practice standards for ADHD assessment).

Check during assessment:

  • Explanation of first sessions
  • Assessment of routines, organisation, attention, and self-regulation
  • Input from parents, teachers, or employers when appropriate
  • Personalised therapy plan with ongoing review

How Do You Set Goals and Measure Progress?

The right OT sets clear, functional goals and tracks progress using occupational therapy assessments for ADHD. Goals should focus on everyday outcomes: organisation, time management, emotional regulation, and daily participation.

Look for:

  • Collaborative goal-setting with clients and families
  • Regular reviews to monitor progress
  • Use of occupational therapy activities for ADHD to reinforce skills

What Does Occupational Therapy for ADHD Look Like in Sessions?

Therapy sessions are practical, engaging, and individualised, whether in-clinic, in-home, or via a mobile occupational therapist in Melbourne. Each session is designed to build everyday skills while keeping the child or adult motivated and involved.

Typical session activities include:

  • Support with routines and organisation
  • Time management strategies for school, work, or home
  • Sensory regulation strategies to support attention and emotional control
  • Strengths-based approaches aligned with interests
  • Occupational therapy exercises for ADHD practiced in real-world contexts

Example exercise:

One common approach is using a visual schedule to support attention and routine building. For instance, a child may follow a step-by-step morning routine chart that highlights tasks like brushing teeth, packing a backpack, and preparing lunch. This helps improve organisation, independence, and self-regulation.

For parents interested in more engaging, child-focused strategies, check out our blog on Play-Based OT for Kids with ADHD in Melbourne, which explains how therapists use games and playful activities to build skills in attention, sensory regulation, and daily routines.

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Where Do You Offer Sessions and What Options Are Available?

Understanding service delivery options ensures therapy fits seamlessly into daily life. Services may be offered in clinics, at home, in schools, online, or through a mobile occupational therapist.

Consider:

  • Availability of in-home or mobile sessions
  • Flexible appointment times to suit family or work schedules
  • Involvement of teachers, employers, or support staff for consistent support
  • Access to NDIS-funded occupational therapy for eligible clients (learn more about supports and services funded by the NDIS)

This ensures therapy is practical, flexible, and tailored to real-life needs.

How Are Families, Partners or Caregivers Involved?

A good occupational therapist for ADHD works collaboratively with families, partners, and caregivers. Using occupational therapy assessments for ADHD, therapists identify where guidance and support will be most beneficial. Families can expect:

  • Education and coaching for strategies used at home
  • Guidance for occupational therapy activities for ADHD between sessions
  • Support with establishing consistent routines
  • A balanced approach that promotes independence while offering appropriate support

This collaboration strengthens outcomes and supports skill carryover beyond therapy sessions.

How Do You Collaborate with Other ADHD Professionals?

OTs often coordinate care with GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, and schools to ensure consistent strategies.

  • Communication with other professionals
  • Aligning occupational therapy exercises for ADHD with broader treatment plans
  • Use of in-home OT to support collaboration

This team-based approach supports continuity of care across all areas of life.

What Are Your Fees, Funding Options, and NDIS Experience?

Clear information about costs and funding is essential when choosing an occupational therapist for ADHD.

Check:

  • Transparent session fees and cancellation policies
  • Experience with NDIS occupational therapy for self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed participants
  • Knowledge of the current NDIS pricing framework and adherence to fee limits (2025–26 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits)
  • Preparation of reports for NDIS reviews, schools, or workplaces
  • Eligibility for Medicare or private health rebates where applicable

Providing clear, upfront cost information helps families make informed decisions and ensures therapy remains accessible and sustainable.

mobile occupational therapist

Is Your Practice Neurodiversity Affirming and a Good Personal Fit?

A neurodiversity-affirming approach respects strengths, values differences, and avoids trying to change core identity traits.

Look for:

  • Respectful, collaborative environment
  • Avoidance of masking-focused goals
  • Occupational therapy activities for ADHD aligned with strengths
  • A therapeutic relationship where clients feel understood

Finding the Right Occupational Therapist for ADHD in Melbourne

Choosing the right occupational therapist for ADHD is a crucial step toward improving daily functioning, confidence, and independence. With the right support, strategies become practical, progress becomes measurable, and therapy fits seamlessly into everyday life, whether in-clinic, at home, or via a mobile service.

At Roaming Therapy, we specialise in ADHD-focused occupational therapy across Melbourne. Our team provides in-home sessions, mobile therapy, and NDIS-supported services, all tailored to your individual needs. We focus on neurodiversity-affirming care, functional goals, and real-world strategies that make a difference.

Ready to get started? Reach out today to discuss your goals, book a consultation, or find the occupational therapist for ADHD who’s the right fit for you or your family.

Book a Consultation with Roaming Therapy

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