Sensory processing, big emotions and changes

Some children feel the world very strongly. Noise, clothing, busy places or a change of plan can lead to meltdowns, tears or shutting down. Other children seem to need more movement and input than their day gives them. If this sounds like your child, you are not alone, and you do not need to work it out by yourself. Our Occupational Therapists and Psychologist work with children and families on the Gold Coast on sensory processing, big feelings and coping with change. Occupational Therapy is at our Burleigh Waters and Hope Island clinics, Psychology is at Burleigh Waters, and both are available by telehealth.

Phone 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au.

Why these things can be hard

Every child takes in and responds to sound, touch, movement, taste and smell differently. Some children are very sensitive, so a small amount of a sensation feels like a lot: the school bell, a scratchy label or a busy supermarket can feel overwhelming. Others need a lot more of a sensation before they notice it, so they may seek out movement, touch everything or be very loud.

Children also need to notice what is happening inside their bodies, such as hunger, a racing heart or rising feelings. When a child’s body has too much or too little input, it is harder to stay calm and focused, and big emotions can follow. Changes, such as moving from play to dinner, a new teacher or a different way home, ask a child to stop, shift and cope with the unexpected, all at once.

A child who melts down is not “being naughty” or “being difficult”. Often their body and feelings are telling us that something is too much, or not enough. An Occupational Therapist or Psychologist can help you work out what that is.

Signs parents notice

These are things families often mention. They are not a checklist and they do not mean something is wrong. If you are unsure, a chat with reception is a good first step.

Sounds, touch and movement

Covers their ears at everyday sounds, such as the vacuum, hand dryers or a crowd.
Gets very upset about clothes, socks, tags, hair brushing, teeth brushing or having their hands messy.
Is always on the move: crashing, jumping, spinning or climbing more than other children.
Fidgets, chews clothing or finds it very hard to sit still and listen.
Avoids or gets upset in busy, noisy places such as the playground, assembly or a birthday party.
Avoids places, activities or foods because of how they sound, feel, smell or taste.

Big feelings

Has long or frequent meltdowns that are hard to settle.
Is “fine at school” but falls apart at home afterwards.
Finds it hard to name their feelings or to calm down once upset.
Feels worried, overwhelmed or “on edge” a lot of the time.
Has big reactions that they later find hard to explain.
Withdraws or shuts down when things get too much.

Changes and transitions

Finds it very hard to stop one activity and start another, or to leave the house.
Gets very upset by changes to routine, such as a relief teacher or a change of plan.
Finds changes, such as moving to high school, very stressful.

Some children and young people, including autistic children, experience the world in a different way. We work in a way that respects how your child experiences the world and builds on their strengths.

When to get help straight away: if your child talks about hurting themselves or others, or you are worried about their safety, call 000 in an emergency or see your GP as soon as possible. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) is a free phone and online counselling service for young people, open any time. If your child’s sleep, eating or behaviour changes suddenly, or they lose skills they used to have, please see your GP.

How we help

Sessions are built around your child’s interests and what helps them feel calm and ready. Depending on your child’s goals, your therapist may:

complete a sensory assessment, to understand what your child seeks or avoids;
build a sensory diet: short activities at set times in the day, such as movement, heavy work or calming play;
try calming and alerting activities with you, and notice which ones help your child;
help your child notice their body clues and name their feelings;
practise ways to cope when feelings get big, and plan for times that are often hard;
suggest changes at home or school, such as lighting, noise or a quiet space;
coach you and share resources, so you can use the strategies at home and with your child’s school.

Parents are always involved, especially for children under 8. Our approach relies on working with you, so we are probably not the right service if you are looking for drop-off therapy.

Where. Occupational Therapy is at our Burleigh Waters clinic (Treetops Square, 2 Classic Way), our Hope Island clinic (8 Halcyon Way) and by telehealth. Psychology is at Burleigh Waters and by telehealth; it is not offered at Hope Island. We also do some school, childcare and home visits where possible and clinically suitable; a travel fee applies.

Practice between sessions. Our Therapy Assistants can practise your child’s goals at home, at childcare or out in the community, following a plan written by their Occupational Therapist.

Which therapist your child will see

An Occupational Therapist, a Psychologist, or both. Occupational Therapists look at how your child’s body takes in and responds to sensory input, and at practical strategies for home and school. Our Psychologist works with emotional wellbeing, anxiety, worry, big feelings, meltdowns or shutdowns, and coping with change or transitions. You do not need to choose: our Directors match your child with a therapist suited to their needs. Our Occupational Therapists and our Psychologist are registered with Ahpra.

Our team works under one roof at Burleigh Waters, and our Psychologist works closely with our Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Dietetics teams where appropriate. See Occupational Therapy and Psychology for everything each team works on.

What a first visit looks like

Send a referral through our contact form, call 07 5559 9888 or come in and see reception. You do not need a letter from a GP.
We send you an intake form about your child, what support they may need, and their strengths and interests.
Our Directors read it and match your child with a therapist suited to their needs. Some families have an intake meeting with a Director first to set goals together. Depending on waitlists, your child is booked in or placed on the waiting list.

Your first appointment. The first Occupational Therapy appointment is a little longer, so your therapist can get to know your child: 60 minutes face to face, plus time afterwards for notes, follow up and therapy planning. The first Psychology session is for parents only, so you can share your child’s history freely without worrying your child; its length depends on your child’s needs. You know your child well, so your goals shape the plan. Prices are on Therapist Fees.

What it costs and how funding can help

Fees. The first Occupational Therapy appointment is $290.70 (60 minutes face to face, plus 30 minutes for notes and planning), then $209.95 for a standard session (65 minutes billed: 50 face to face, plus 15 for planning, preparation, notes and session summaries). The first Psychology session, for parents only, is $252.99 per hour plus 15 minutes for notes and planning; the time depends on your child’s needs. A standard Psychology session is then $316.23 (75 minutes). Therapy Assistants are $56.16 or $86.79 per hour, depending on the level of support (Therapy Assistant Fees).

NDIS. If therapy is in your child’s NDIS plan, the cost may be covered by the plan. We see self-managed and plan-managed clients, not NDIA-managed plans.

Medicare. For Psychology, with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare pays back part of the fee for a set number of sessions each calendar year. With a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, Medicare pays back approximately $63.40 per session (as of 1 July 2026) for up to 5 sessions a calendar year. Your GP decides whether your child is eligible. You can claim eligible rebates on the spot at reception.

Private health. With extras cover that includes therapy, you may be eligible for a rebate. The amount depends on your cover, so check with your fund.

For a worked example and an estimate calculator, see What will I pay?. NDIS, Medicare or private health explains each option.

Group programs that fit

This term (Term 4 2026) our current group is the Prep Readiness Group, for children getting ready to start school: see Getting ready for Prep. Our summer school holiday programs are being finalised. See Workshops and Groups for what is on, or call 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au to register interest.

Questions families ask

Can an Occupational Therapist help with emotional regulation?

Yes. Occupational Therapists help children notice how their body feels, understand their sensory preferences and learn calming and alerting strategies that work at home and at school. They also look at changes to your child’s surroundings that can make the day easier.

Should we see an Occupational Therapist or a Psychologist?

You do not need to decide. Tell us what you are noticing on the intake form, and our Directors match your child with a therapist suited to their needs. Some children see both, and the two work together on shared goals. Psychology is at Burleigh Waters and by telehealth.

Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?

No. You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to start therapy with us: you can refer your child yourself, and most families do. A referral, such as a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate. See Funding. For Psychology, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (often called a Mental Health Care Plan) means Medicare pays back part of the fee; ask your GP whether your child is eligible.

Can we use NDIS, Medicare or private health?

We see NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. Medicare rebates may apply with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, and eligible rebates can be claimed on the spot at reception. Families with private health extras cover may be able to claim a rebate. For a worked example, see What will I pay?

Talk to our team

Burleigh Waters and Hope Island, 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Phone 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au.