Occupational Therapist for Autism in Melbourne
When tasks, routines and environments don’t work for you, everyday activities can take so much more thought, energy and planning. This is why our Melbourne occupational therapists for autism are passionate about taking the time to understand what is happening and helping you, your child or the child you support explore practical ways to approach it.
With Tilegne Therapy, you won’t follow a standard program. Every session is shaped around the person, the activities needing support and what realistically fits into daily life. It starts with our in-clinic and mobile appointment options, with after-hours and Saturday options available for your convenience.
Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children, Teenagers & Adults
OT can play a very different role in the life of someone with autism at five, fifteen or forty-five. For a young child, they may need help working on getting dressed, joining in on classroom activities, transitioning between activities or managing certain sensory experiences. An older teenager might focus on building hygiene routines, managing time or navigating sensory food triggers. For adults, goals may involve household routines, public transport, workplace adjustments, meal preparation or independent living.
When you or your child comes to us, there may be a clear goal in mind, or you may simply know that an area of daily life is taking more effort than it should. Our approach looks at the activity, the environment and the support already in place to identify where OT may be useful.
Early Intervention for Young Children
Early intervention can help support young children with routines, play, self-care and transitions at home, childcare or kindergarten. Sessions may also give parents and carers practical strategies to use between appointments. Support is centred on your child’s individual needs, participation and family priorities.
Our Approach to Occupational Therapy Autism Treatment
Tilegne Therapy uses an evidence-informed approach, combining current occupational therapy research with assessment findings, the client’s goals and what is practical in daily life. Our therapists also consider cultural background, preferred language and communication style when selecting strategies, recognising that every neurodivergent person experiences activities and environments differently. This may include:
- Sensory processing and regulation.
- Emotional regulation.
- Fine motor skills, such as handwriting, using cutlery and fastening clothes.
- Gross motor skills, including balance, posture and coordination.
- Self-care and daily living skills.
- Routines, planning and task transitions.
- Play and leisure.
- Participation at home, school, work or in the community.
Each person has a different focus. You or your child’s sessions will revolve around building on the specific skills and activities you need support with to make them more comfortable, accessible or manageable.
Professional Occupational Therapists
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Tilegne Therapy is a multidisciplinary clinic that offers Speech, OT, Music Therapy and dietetics. We aim to offer a service where our therapists can work together in order to support the goals of each patient.
An Evidence-Informed Approach Shaped Around the Person
The approach we take for occupational therapy autism treatment depends on you or your child’s needs and concerns, the activity and the environment. Depending on the assessment and goals, this may include:
- Individualised strategies such as visual schedules, task breakdowns and routine building.
- Sensory and environmental adjustments for activities at home, school, work or in the community.
- Everyday skill development involving self-care, motor skills, planning or participation.
- Assistive technology assessments to explore potential support from equipment or tools.
- Practical guidance for clients, families and carers to use outside of sessions.
How to Get Started
Getting started with occupational therapy for autism takes five simple steps, with support personalised after the initial assessment.
Complete a Case History Questionnaire
To start, we’ll have you complete a case history questionnaire for yourself, child or representative, answering questions about medical history, daily activities, current concerns and existing supports.
Attend an Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment
Next, you or your child will complete an assessment with an OT to discuss strengths, needs and goals suitable for formal or informal assessments.
Receive Feedback & Recommendations
The occupational therapist will then explain their findings and discuss any recommended goals, strategies or further assessments.
Begin Personalised Occupational Therapy Sessions
If ongoing sessions are recommended, the focus and frequency will be discussed with you, including the availability of in-clinic and in-home appointments.
Access Practical Guidance Outside of Sessions
Your therapist may also provide strategies and activities for clients, families or carers to use between appointments.
In-Clinic & Mobile OT Options
With Tilegne Therapy, we offer flexible appointments to help you feel the most comfortable and supported during your sessions.
Occupational Therapy at Our Footscray Clinic
Visit our Footscray occupational therapy clinic for assessments and personalised sessions.
Mobile Appointments At Home or in the Community
Mobile appointments are available for clients who prefer support at home or in another family community setting. Tell us your suburb when enquiring and we’ll confirm if mobile OT appointments are available in your area.
After-Hours & Saturday Appointments
After-hours and Saturday appointments are available. Contact us to check current availability.
Why Clients & Families Choose Tilegne Therapy
At Tilegne Therapy, our occupational therapy services are planned around each client’s identified goals, lifestyle, challenges and concerns. We do this through flexible options intended to make accessing and continuing OT more manageable, including:
- Personalised sessions based on activities and environments relevant to you or your child.
- Practical guidance that clients, families and carers can use outside of appointments.
- After-hours and Saturday appointments to make ongoing support easier to fit into your everyday life.
- Sessions available in Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Nepalese and Spanish, helping clients communicate and participate in a language that feels more natural.
- Access to speech pathology, dietetics and music therapy within the same clinic, making coordinated support easier when several services are involved.
- Medicare, NDIS and private health payment pathways that may help reduce out-of-pocket costs, depending on eligibility and individual circumstances.
Please let us know when booking an appointment if you have any requirements or preferences and we will do our best to accommodate.
Referrals, Funding & Fees
You don’t need a GP referral for a private appointment, although you may need one to claim a Medicare rebate. NDIS funding and private health rebates may also be available, depending on you or your child’s eligibility and cover.
Fees vary based on your service, appointment length and location. Contact our team to discuss your funding pathway and confirm the cost before booking.
Our OT Team
Upeksha Don
Occupational Therapist | BSc Nutrition and Food Science and MOT
Upeksha is a passionate Occupational Therapist who graduated from Monash University with a Master's in Occupational Therapy Practice. She is passionate about supporting and empowering clients to achieve their personal goals and build independence in everyday activities. Upeksha takes a neuro-affirming approach to therapy and brings a broad range of experiences, including inpatient rehabilitation and aged care. Upeksha is fluent in Sinhala.
Shirley Au
Occupational Therapist BOT
Shirley is a practising Occupational Therapist and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy graduate from ACU. Since beginning her career as a Therapy Assistant in 2020, she has gained experience supporting children and adults with disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and a range of mental health conditions. Shirley values celebrating the small steps and achievements in everyday tasks, believing that recognising these moments helps clients build confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.
Shasvine Viknesh
Occupational Therapist | BOT, MOT
As an OT, Shasvine turns everyday challenges clients face — from sensory processing to fine motor skills — into opportunities for success and fun whilst respecting their needs and emotions. Shasvine is a huge advocate for clients and their rights to basic needs. She has a neuroaffirming approach and ensures clients have their safe space during sessions, which makes them enjoy their time participating in therapy activities. Being a multilingual therapist, Shasvine is also fluent in Malay and Tamil.
Esmaraee Aref
Occupational Therapist | BOT
Esmaraee is a highly motivated and enthusiastic therapist who completed his Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University. He has gained invaluable experience in various therapeutic techniques, including exercises, adaptive equipment, and environmental modification and worked with clients of all ages, from paediatric to geriatric, with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: physical disabilities, mental health disorders, developmental delays, and chronic illnesses. He is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and reach their maximum level of independence.
Occupational Therapy for Autism FAQ
Is occupational therapy a treatment for autism?
Occupational therapy does not treat or cure autism. Its aim is to help support an autistic person with particular everyday activities, functional needs or environmental barriers identified in an individual assessment.
Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist for autism?
No, a referral is not needed for a private appointment to see one of our occupational therapists for autism. However, a referral or care plan may be needed for you to access any Medicare rebates you may be eligible to receive. Checking with your GP and our team can help confirm.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
For your first occupational therapy appointment, bring any relevant referrals, care plans, previous assessments or information from other health professionals. It can also help to make notes about the activities, routines or environments you’d like to discuss with the occupational therapist.
How often are occupational therapy sessions recommended for autism?
There is no standard recommended frequency of occupational therapy sessions for autism. Some people may benefit from more frequent sessions for more intensive skill-building, while others may find progress on a less frequent fortnightly or monthly basis. It’s best to have the conversation with your occupational therapist and healthcare professionals to create a personalised treatment plan.
Can the NDIS fund occupational therapy for autism?
Currently, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can fund occupational therapy for autism, generally under the Capacity Building budget for eligible participants.
Do you have occupational therapists who speak languages other than English?
Yes. Sessions at Tilegne Therapy may be available in Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, and Nepalese. Let us know your preferred language when enquiring.
Can autistic adults access occupational therapy at Tilegne Therapy?
Absolutely. Tilegne Therapy supports people of all ages with autism. Adult sessions may focus on daily routines, independent living, transport, workplace participation or other personally relevant goals.
What’s the difference between in-clinic and mobile occupational therapy sessions?
In-clinic appointments take place at our Footscray OT clinic, while mobile sessions take place in your own home or in another suitable community setting. Our team can help you choose an option based on your goals, location and preferences.
Do you offer occupational therapy through telehealth?
Yes, telehealth appointments are available at Tilegne Therapy for people who prefer to meet remotely or cannot easily attend in person. We can confirm if telehealth is suitable for the support you’re seeking.
Talk to Our Occupational Therapy Team
Tell us what you or your child would like support with, where you’re based and the appointment format you prefer. We’ll get back to you with the next steps and talk you through your available in-clinic, mobile and telehealth options.
