+ What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a client centred health profession that supports individuals and groups to achieve health, well-being and a sense of self and community, through participation in meaningful activities and occupations.

Developmental occupational therapy is a field of occupational therapy that focusses on infants, children and adolescents and strives to support development through meaningful activities and occupations. A child’s work is play, so play becomes the child’s ‘occupation’. It is through play that we can connect with a child, meet them where they are at and get a window into their social emotional world. As a developmental occupational therapist, we love to play so you can expect our sessions to be playful, fun and engaging.

At ABC OT, we work very closely with the child and their family and /or support network to enhance a child’s development through education, coaching and individual treatment. As developmental OT’s we are concerned with meeting a child where they are at, rather than thinking about where they ‘should be’. When we meet a child where they are we can build a meaningful and trusting relationship and from there we can start to mobilise a child and their family up the developmental ladder.

+ Common reasons for referral

• Engagement challenges
• Regulatory challenges
• Attention challenges
• Sensory processing concerns
• Social emotional challenges
• Challenges with strength, coordination and or balance

+ What does a typical session look like?

Each child’s session is tailored to their individual profile and their needs. In each session, we use a combination of sensory, motor and symbolic toys. The therapy space is set up to encourage movement, play and creativity. Each child’s individual profile is considered when setting up the space for a session. Most often we involve the child in setting up the space as this is a great opportunity to practise planning, sequencing, two-way communication, sharing of ideas, problem solving and most of all…fun!

The therapy room is located at the back of the house so you will walk down the left side of the house to access the therapy space. Depending on your child’s goals we often use the bathroom and kitchen as needed. We welcome your child to explore the space as needed to familiarise themselves while they settle in. We believe that by having the therapy space within a home, helps to reduce the anxiety associated with going to new places, meeting new people and adapting to new expectations.

We have a very loving and often excitable dog called Sonny. He loves to meet new people, however, if you or your child do not like dogs we can arrange for Sonny to be inside the house.

+ What does the therapy space look like?

+ Do Parents/caregivers need to attend sessions?

Yes! we strongly encourage parents and caregivers to attend sessions as we use these sessions as opportunities for you to share your expert knowledge and experiences of your child and for therapists to coach and educate around the OT concepts or strategies relating to your child.

+ How do I pay for services?

You will receive an invoice via email after the sessions. Invoices are usually emailed out on the first Monday of each week. You can pay the invoice online. If you are NDIS funded, depending upon your management plan you will either be required to pay this yourself or if you have a plan manager we are happy to email the invoice directly to the plan manager for payment.

+ Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral to access our services. You may want to speak to your GP about a health care plan that will entitle you to a greater rebate through Medicare. These plans are referred to as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan or Chronic Disease Management Plan. Alternatively check with your private health insurance provider as they will be able to let you know if you are covered for OT and how much you should expect to get back from each session.

+ Is ABC OT a registered NDIS provider?

Yes, ABC OT is a registered NDIS provider for:

0118 Early Childhood Supports

0128 Therapeutic Supports