Living with autism means navigating a world that was not designed with your neurology in mind. Occupational therapy (OT) can help you build practical strategies, develop daily living skills, and participate more fully in the life you want - on your own terms.
At Flourish Health Australia, our AHPRA-registered occupational therapists deliver NDIS-funded OT for autistic adults and people of all ages across Melbourne. All sessions are delivered in-home or via telehealth, so you can work on your goals in the environment where they matter most.
What Does Occupational Therapy for Autism Look Like?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping you participate in the activities that are meaningful to you. For autistic people, this often looks quite different from what many expect. Rather than trying to change who you are, a neurodiversity-affirming OT works with your strengths to find practical solutions for everyday challenges.
Our occupational therapists support autistic adults and NDIS participants with:
- Daily living skills - Developing routines and strategies for self-care, meal preparation, household management, and personal organisation
- Sensory regulation - Understanding your sensory profile and building a personalised toolkit of strategies to manage sensory overwhelm, including environmental modifications
- Executive function - Breaking down complex tasks, time management, planning and prioritisation, and building sustainable habits
- Social participation - Navigating social situations, building communication strategies that work for you, and developing confidence in community settings
- Vocational and study support - Strategies for managing workplace or educational environments, including adjustments and assistive technology
- Home modifications and assistive technology - Identifying practical tools and environmental changes that reduce barriers in your home
Who We Work With
We support autistic adults who want to build independence and engage more fully in everyday life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have been navigating autism for decades, or are supporting a family member, our OTs take a person-centred, strengths-based approach.
We also work with:
- NDIS participants (plan-managed and self-managed - we are an NDIS-aligned provider)
- Private clients
- Home Care Package recipients
No GP referral is required to get started.
How NDIS Funds OT for Autism
If you have an NDIS plan that includes Capacity Building - Daily Activities or Capacity Building - Support Coordination, occupational therapy can typically be funded under your plan.
Our services are billed at the NDIS standard allied health rate. We are an NDIS-aligned provider (not registered), which means we work with plan-managed and self-managed participants only.
If you’re unsure whether your plan includes OT funding, your plan manager or support coordinator can help clarify. You can also call us directly and we’ll talk it through with you.
Where We Deliver Services
We provide in-home occupational therapy across Melbourne metro and surrounding suburbs. Telehealth OT is available across all of Victoria.
Common areas we service include Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, southeastern corridor, and inner-city areas - though our team covers a broad geographic range. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.
Why Neurodiversity-Affirming OT Matters
Not all occupational therapy is the same. A neurodiversity-affirming approach means we:
- Treat autism as a natural variation in human neurology, not something to be corrected
- Work with your strengths and existing coping strategies rather than trying to eliminate autistic traits
- Collaborate with you on goals that are meaningful to your life, not a standardised checklist
- Recognise that communication and support needs vary widely - and adapt accordingly
- Respect your autonomy in choosing how and where you receive support
This isn’t just a philosophical stance. It’s also clinically better. Goals that are self-determined and strengths-based lead to stronger outcomes.
Getting Started
Ready to get started or have questions? You can:
- Make a referral - for yourself, a family member, or a client
- Call us - (03) 7043 7778
- Email us - admin@flourishhealth.com.au
We typically see new clients within one to two weeks. No referral is required.
