Convenient & Expert Paediatric Occupational Therapy Services
Community Therapy provides mobile paediatric occupational therapy (OT) services with a dedicated and expert team of allied health professionals. We collaborate with individuals, local providers and coordinators of supports to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care to children from 0 – 18 years of age.
As accredited providers under the NDIS, we are certified by SAI Global.
Our OT services are mobile and available across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Hunter, Port Stephens, and the Central Coast
What Our Occupational Therapists Do
Community Therapy Occupational Therapists (OT’s) are registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and are supported by our large and experienced clinical leadership team. Our clinicians are dedicated to the well-being of children and supporting their families, with current public and professional indemnity insurance, as well as valid criminal record checks and working with children checks.
Our OT’s work with each child and their caregivers to provide interventions to enable children’s participation in age appropriate activities in their homes, schools and communities. They are experienced in supporting children to reach their goals by assisting kids to develop skills such as:
- Play skills
- Motor skills
- Self-care skills
- Sensory regulation
- Social skills
They can also help to modify tasks or the environment to allow each child to be independent.
Our Occupational Therapists are also able to conduct formalised assessments including functional capacity assessments. Our team is passionate in providing family-centred care. This means they focus on activities which are unique and meaningful to the child and their family.
Who We Work With
We provide paediatric services that are mobile and evidence-based, and that means we visit children and their families in their own environment. This can mean their home, school, pre-school or daycare.
Our team is composed of experienced professionals who specialise in paediatric services. We pride ourselves on attracting clinicians who have strong clinical backgrounds, great communication skills, and a genuine passion for their work.
Our dedicated team takes great joy in collaborating with children, their families and dozens of local disability service providers to assist them in pursuing and achieving their meaningful goals.
Measuring the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy
Our experienced and evidence-based team of clinicians know the importance of objective assessments to best guide, educate and support a child’s journey. Firstly, thorough initial assessments establish baseline capabilities, ensuring that therapy goals are tailored to the child’s unique needs. Progress is then regularly tracked through various quantitative and qualitative measures, and many of these same measures can be used as functional assessments to guide the direction and collaboration of the wider multi-disciplinary team.
This may include various screening tools, assessments of fine and gross motor development, sensory regulation, self-care, social emotional development, and emotional regulation skills. Equally important is the child and family members’ feedback, providing valuable insights into their daily life and functional improvements.
This holistic approach ensures that therapy remains family-centered and adaptable, fostering a collaborative environment where each individual child and their milestones are celebrated, and treatment plans are continually refined to support each child’s growth and development.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy FAQs
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What is paediatric Occupational Therapy?
Paediatric Occupational therapy is a specalised field of Occupational Therapy which focuses on supporting children and young people to do the everyday activities or “occupations’ ‘ that they want or are expected to do. Paediatric Occupational Therapists use a play based approach to therapy, as play is the major occupation of childhood.
Play is how children learn and practice important skills, build relationships and learn about the world around them. For children, occupations mainly centre around self-care, activities of daily living, play, social participation and rest. Paediatric Occupational Therapists work with children and their families to achieve their goals and support them to thrive in their homes, schools and communities.
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What conditions can be treated with paediatric Occupational therapy?
Paediatric Occupational Therapists can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Children and young people with challenges with performing or participating in everyday activities that they want, need or are required to do.
- Children with conditions which impact on their development such as Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Brain Injury, or other congenital conditions.
- Sensory processing challenges
- Self-regulation difficulties
- Clumsiness or poor coordination
- Weak core muscles/ upper body strength
- Fine and gross motor delays(such as dressing, throwing/catching)
- Having difficulty attending and focusing in school
- Difficulty relating to peers or making friends
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Short attention span
- Problems with expressing feelings and emotions
- Poor or limited eye contact
- Tantrums, stubborn and uncooperative behaviour
- Tires easily or hyperactive behaviours
- Difficulty with planning and sequencing play ideas and/or movements
- Transitioning between activities and events
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How can Occupational Therapy benefit my child?
Paediatric Occupational Therapy can help in many ways, including:
- Improving fine motor skills (handwriting, speed, fluency, spatial orientation)
- Increasing gross motor skills and coordination
- Sensory processing/integration difficulties
- Improving attention and concentration
- Assisting with daily activities/self care skills (dressing, eating, personal hygiene)
- Enhancing a child’s ability to participate in play
- Building confidence and self-esteem
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At what age can a child start paediatric Occupational Therapy?
Paediatric Occupational Therapy can be beneficial for children from infancy to adolescents. Early childhood is an important time in children’s lives and can impact on their growth and development, early intervention can promote optimal development and prevent long term complications
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How is paediatric Occupational therapy different from adult Occupational therapy?
Children are not mini adults, their bodies are physiologically and anatomically different which needs careful consideration when assessing and treating. Paediatric Occupational Therapy is specialised to address these unique needs of children. It involves play-based activities, age-appropriate exercises, and family involvement to enhance the child’s participation and engagement in therapy to maximise their ability to participate in their community.
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What does a paediatric Occupational Therapy session involve?
Sessions are tailored to the individual child and the caregivers’ concerns. Our Occupational Therapists will take the time to listen and understand your child and family concerns. Depending on the nature of the appointment, the Occupational Therapist may conduct a series of formalised tests. They will make some general observations, play with your child and work on building up their trust. Treatment sessions may involve play based exercises, activities to improve skills,and strategies to enhance functional abilities.
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How long does a paediatric Occupational Therapy session last?
Session duration can vary depending on the child’s age, condition, and treatment goals. Sessions typically last between 30-60 minutes.
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How often should a child attend paediatric Occupational Therapy?
The frequency of treatment will vary depending on your child’s individual needs. Some children may only need to see a Occupational Therapist once or twice, while others may need ongoing therapy.
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Do parents / caregivers participate in pediatric Occupational Therapy sessions?
Yes, parental involvement is critical, parents/caregivers are experts in their children and know them best. Parents / caregivers may be taught exercises and activities to continue at home, and their participation is crucial for the child’s progress.
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Can paediatric Occupational Therapy help with developmental delays?
Paediatric Occupational Therapists are able to help children who experience developmental delays. They can use activities and games to promote the skills needed to improve your child’s development.
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What happens if my child doesn't like going to Occupational Therapy?
Paediatric Occupational Therapists are skilled at working with children and making therapy fun and engaging. They may use toys, games, and other activities to help your child participate in treatment. Sessions are also tailored to your child’s interests and preferences.
