Occupational Therapy

 

Occupational Therapy helps kids to develop the physical skills they need to learn, play and manage their everyday lives.

If your child has difficulty with:

  • Fine motor skills, such as handwriting , cutting, puzzle completion and construction
  • Gross motor skills, involving balance, endurance, posture or sporting competencies
  • Self organisation, like planning and sequencing tasks or managing personal belongings like hats, lunchboxes and homework
  • Self care skills, such as toileting, eating and getting ready for school
  • Attention and concentration because of ineffective processing of sensory information in the environment around them
  • Learning challenges presented by conditions like Autism Spectrum disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, Global Developmental Delay , Dyspraxia / Developmental Co-ordination Disorder or Specific Learning Difficulties

The early intervention of Kids First’s professional Occupational Therapists could make a real difference to your child’s self esteem and learning success.

 

Occupational Therapy at Kids First

Kids First’s paediatric Occupational Therapists are experienced professionals who specialise in meeting the needs of children with motor coordination and sensory difficulties.

They devise creative, relevant and positive therapy programs for children and work in partnership with families to support and encourage kids aged 2-18.

At Kids First, our Occupational Therapists will provide your family with:

  • A comprehensive assessment of your child’s motor coordination and sensory needs
  • Engaging individual and small group therapy sessions that are enjoyable and fun for kids
  • A detailed report and professional recommendations to help improve your child’s ability to develop successful play, learning and self care skill
  • An individual support plan that will address your child’s needs efficiently and effectively
  • Collaboration with other relevant professionals to provide your child with consistent, informed support

Write Away - Handwriting Groups

For children with untidy, difficult to read handwriting, classwork, homework, assignments and exams often pose significant challenges. 

In fact, recent research indicates that because these kids often spend a disproportionate amount of time and energy trying to write neatly, they are sometimes unable to simultaneously engage the higher order planning and composition skills that are needed to write successful stories and essays.

Write Away is an affordable new Occupational Therapy program that helps kids to improve their fine motor skills so that they can write more neatly. It helps kids to develop their speed, clarity and legibility so that their written work reflects their true ability and meaning.

Exclusive to Kids First, Write Away is a fun small group program led by expert paediartic Occupational Therapists,

Groups for left handed and right handed children are available.

For more information, call Kids First Children's Services on 9938 5419

 

Medicare and Health fund rebates

A medical referral is not necessary for children to access Occupational Therapy services at Kids First, however, rebates may be available through Medicare if appropriate referral is made by your family doctor or paediatrician. Many health funds also provide cover for Occupational Therapy services – please check with your health fund for the specifics of your policy.

Occupational Therapy services at Kids First are also provided to children eligible for funding support through FAHCSIA’s Helping Children with Autism Early Intervention program. For additional information about rebates and funding, click here.