About

The Little OT Co is a contemporary occupational therapy practice established by occupational therapist Ellen McIlwain.

We are a strengths-based practice and implement a playful and child-led approach. We encourage choice, collaboration and learning tasks that are meaningful to young children based on their individual passions and interests. This contemporary and affirming approach enables our clients to discover new skills, achieve their goals, and engage in their daily occupations with purpose and confidence across environments.

We support families accessing occupational therapy services through NDIS Funding (both self-managed and plan-managed) or privately funded by families.

Meet Ellen

Hello! I’m Ellen, I create joyful and engaging family-centred occupational therapy at The Little OT Co. I love being a strengths-based occupational therapist, and I implement a child-led approach to support children to explore their creativity and imagination to achieve their goals and engage in their daily occupations with confidence.

I have a special interest in early years development, making mealtimes fun and pretend play. My goal is to always create a happy and positive environment to support your child to be the best they can be. I am experienced in delivering early years occupational therapy intervention (children 0-7 years) which is evidence-based, individualised for your child’s needs and supports your family’s values.

I am a member of Occupational Therapy Australia, and I hold a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor of Design (Interior Design). I am trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, DIR/Floortime, Learn to Play and CO-OP Approach, and I have completed additional training in strengths-based autism interventions, early childhood development, bimanual upper limb therapy and key word sign.

I look forward to welcoming your family to The Little OT Co.

x Ellen

Our Way

Passionate about early intervention (0-7 years) and supporting young children of all abilities to engage in their daily occupations

Delivering paediatric occupational therapy at our studio in Carina or mobile at your child’s kindy, school or home environment.

Experience delivering goal directed supports to children with a range of physical, intellectual, genetic and neurological conditions. This includes a diagnosis of developmental delay, autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Supporting families accessing occupational therapy services through NDIS Funding (both self-managed and plan-managed) or privately funded.