What is the process for getting started?
It all starts with an Initial Assessment. This is where we get to know your child through play, observation, conversation, and specific assessments tailored to their needs. We'll talk with you about what you're noticing at home, at school, and in daily life, and combine that with what we observe during the session.

At the end of the assessment, you'll receive either an email summary or a full written report (depending on which option you choose), outlining your child's strengths, challenges, and recommended next steps. From there, we can move into ongoing therapy if needed.
 

What happens in an Initial Assessment and what are my options?
All Initial Assessments are 60–90 minutes and follow the same process:

• You complete a parent questionnaire before or during the session, telling us what you're noticing at home, school, and in daily life

• Kate spends time with your child through play-based observation, assessing how they move, interact, process sensory information, and respond in the moment

• Primitive reflex testing is included where appropriate

• Standardised assessments (formal motor skills or visual perception testing) are included in the $520 option

 

At the end you choose how you receive the findings:
Initial Assessment with Email Summary:

• $280

• 60-minute assessment 

• Kate sends you a clear email summary of findings and practical recommendations.

Best for families who want clear answers and next steps without needing formal documentation.

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Initial Assessment with Written Report:

• $420

• 60-minute assessment

• You receive a comprehensive written report.

This is ideal if you need documentation for your child's school, kindergarten, or paediatrician.

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Initial Assessment with Standardised Testing and Written Report:

• $520

• Everything above plus formal standardised testing for motor skills and/or visual perception (up to 90 minute assessment).

• Includes a full written report.

Recommended when in-depth formal testing is needed.

 

Not sure which option is right for your child? Get in touch and we'll help you decide.

Can you help my child with meltdowns, big feelings, and emotional regulation?
Yes! This is one of the most common reasons families come to us. We work with children to help them understand what their body is telling them, build a personalised regulation toolkit, and develop strategies for managing big emotions, anxiety, anger, and overwhelm. We take a neuroaffirming, trauma-informed approach, which means we work with your child, not against them.

Can you help with sensory needs?
Absolutely. Sensory processing is at the core of a lot of what we do. We assess how your child responds to sensory input across different environments and help identify what triggers their nervous system, and what helps it feel calm and regulated. We then build practical strategies into their daily routine.

Can you help with motor skills?
Yes! We support both fine motor skills (like handwriting, pencil grip, cutting, and dressing) and gross motor skills (like coordination, balance, ball skills, and riding a bike). We also assess and support primitive reflex integration, which can impact a wide range of motor and learning skills.

Can you help with independence and daily routines?
Yes. We work on everyday tasks like toileting, dressing, feeding, morning routines, and meal preparation. Helping children build confidence and independence in a way that suits their sensory and developmental profile.

Can you help with school-based tasks?
Yes, we regularly support children with handwriting, classroom participation, attention, transitions, and school readiness. We can also liaise with your child's teacher or kura to ensure strategies are consistent across home and school.

Do you offer feeding therapy?
Yes, through our Food Explorers programme, we support children with feeding differences in a respectful, playful, no-pressure way. We help children explore food at their own pace, building trust in their own bodies and growing confidence around mealtimes.

Where do sessions take place?
We are a mobile occupational therapy service. Kate travels to you. Whether that's your home, school, or kindergarten. This means your child gets to be assessed and supported in the environment where they actually live and learn, which gives us much more useful and real-world information.

We currently travel to Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Whakatane, and Rotorua. If you're outside these areas, get in touch, some families travel to us, and we also offer online courses, programs and sessions where appropriate.

How long are sessions and what do they cost?
Initial Assessments start from $280 and run between 60–90 minutes depending on which option you choose. Ongoing therapy sessions are either 45 minutes ($100) or 60 minutes ($140). Group sessions start from $130.
 

Travel costs may apply for some locations and will be confirmed at booking.

How do I know if my child needs an OT assessment?
If you're noticing that something feels hard for your child, whether it's meltdowns, struggles with daily routines, difficulty at school, sensory sensitivities, or motor challenges. An assessment is a great starting point. You don't need a referral. You can book directly or get in touch if you're not sure which service is right for your family.

Do I need a referral?
No referral needed. You can book directly through our website or get in touch to chat through what's going on for your child first.

Still have questions?
We're happy to help. Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.