When you’re a parent of a young child, especially if you’re noticing developmental differences or challenges, understanding how to support your child can feel overwhelming. Accessing the right services, like occupational therapy through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), can make a world of difference in your child’s daily life. This guide will help you better understand NDIS occupational therapy services, what they offer, and how they can empower both you and your child.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps people engage in everyday activities that are meaningful to them. For children, this often includes tasks like playing, socialising, getting dressed, or using fine motor skills like holding a pencil. Paediatric occupational therapy is specifically designed to support children in developing these skills in ways that work best for their unique strengths and preferences.
Rather than focusing on “fixing” a child or assuming they need to change, OT works to remove barriers and create environments where children can thrive. This may include teaching new strategies, adapting tasks to suit their abilities, or using assistive technology to enhance independence.
How Does the NDIS Support Occupational Therapy for Children?
The NDIS provides funding for children with developmental differences or disabilities, ensuring access to essential supports like occupational therapy. NDIS occupational therapy services are designed to help children increase their functional skills and participation in everyday activities—whether at home, in school, or within the community.
With the NDIS, you and your child can access:
- Comprehensive OT assessments: These assessments help identify your child’s strengths, challenges, and areas where additional support might be beneficial.
- Individualised intervention plans: Occupational therapists work with you and your child to create a plan that supports their unique needs, focusing on goals that matter to your family.
- Assistive technology: If your child benefits from tools that support daily tasks, such as communication devices or sensory aids, the NDIS can help cover the cost.
- Parent and caregiver education: You play a critical role in your child’s development, and NDIS-funded OT services often include guidance on how you can continue supporting your child at home in a way that respects their autonomy.
What Can NDIS Occupational Therapy Look Like?
Occupational therapy is not a one-size-fits-all service. It is personalised to each child’s strengths, interests, and needs, and can be delivered in a variety of settings, including at home, school, in a clinic, or through telehealth consultations.
Examples of what OT can focus on include:
- Motor skills development: Helping children improve their coordination and strength for activities like handwriting, buttoning clothes, or riding a bike.
- Sensory processing: Supporting children who may be sensitive to certain textures, sounds, or lights, by introducing strategies that make sensory input more manageable.
- Social participation: Building confidence and skills in forming friendships, understanding social cues, and navigating group settings.
- Self-care: Promoting independence in daily tasks such as eating, brushing teeth, or getting dressed, in ways that feel comfortable for your child.
The Role of Occupational Therapists in the NDIS Process
When you access NDIS-funded OT services, you’ll collaborate closely with an occupational therapist to develop a plan tailored to your child. During the initial phase, the therapist will conduct a detailed occupational therapy assessment to understand your child’s specific abilities and needs. This might involve observing how your child interacts with their environment, assessing their motor and sensory processing skills, and discussing goals with you and your child.
Together, you and the therapist will create a plan based on your child’s strengths and preferences. This plan may include specific goals, such as developing play skills, improving coordination, or enhancing social participation. The therapist will also guide you on ways to support your child outside of sessions, ensuring strategies are adaptable and neuroaffirming.
Choosing the Right NDIS Occupational Therapy Provider
When deciding on an NDIS OT provider, it’s important to find a team that understands the unique strengths of your child and your family. Here are some factors to consider:
- Paediatric expertise: Look for a provider experienced in working with children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental differences.
- Telehealth services: If attending sessions in person is difficult, consider providers that offer telehealth consultations. These virtual sessions can be just as effective, providing flexibility for families who may have scheduling or location barriers.
- Local services: Finding providers near you, such as Kids OT in Blackburn Melbourne or Kids OT in Bundoora Melbourne, ensures easy access to support.
- NDIS registration: It’s important that your chosen provider is NDIS-registered, ensuring they meet national standards and can offer services funded through the scheme.
How NDIS Occupational Therapy Supports Your Child’s Development
Paediatric occupational therapy helps children with a wide range of developmental goals, focusing on empowering them to engage in everyday activities. Here’s how NDIS OT can support your child in ways that are affirming and respectful of their individuality:
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Some children may need support in developing the muscle coordination needed for tasks like writing, eating, or playing sports. OT provides child-led, fun activities that target these skills without causing frustration.
- Sensory Regulation: If your child experiences sensory overwhelm or seeks out certain sensory input, OT can introduce calming strategies, sensory tools, or sensory-friendly environments that respect their unique sensory needs.
- Social and Emotional Growth: Occupational therapists often focus on supporting children’s social interactions, helping them build positive relationships through activities that promote confidence and self-advocacy.
- Daily Life Skills: OT also works on practical, everyday skills—like brushing teeth, dressing, or using cutlery—in ways that suit your child’s pace and comfort. The goal is to foster independence without pushing children into tasks they’re not ready for.
Empowering Parents: The We Care™ Workshops
At times, it’s not just the child who needs support, but the family as a whole. We Care™ Workshops provide a space for parents and caregivers to understand their child’s developmental differences while focusing on family well-being.
These workshops offer practical guidance for navigating life post-diagnosis, with evidence-based strategies to help families adjust. Topics include understanding the NDIS, advocating for your child’s needs, and supporting your own well-being as a parent.
The upcoming workshops, held online via Zoom, are designed to be accessible and practical for busy parents. With sessions scheduled for October 2024 and February 2025 regularly throughout the year (please visit www.wecareworkshop.com.au for the current dates), these workshops provide the tools you need to create a supportive environment for your child—and improve the overall quality of life for your family.
Accessing NDIS Occupational Therapy: Your Next Steps
If you’re ready to explore NDIS-funded occupational therapy services for your child, the first step is connecting with a provider who aligns with your family’s values and goals. Whether through a local clinic or a telehealth provider, your occupational therapist will work with you to ensure the therapy plan is tailored to your child’s needs and affirming of their neurodiversity.
Finding the right occupational therapy for children can make all the difference in your child’s journey toward independence and well-being. Whether you’re located in Blackburn, Bundoora, or elsewhere in Melbourne, NDIS occupational therapy providers are available to help.
Call to Action: Start Your Child’s Journey Today
At Posity, we specialise in providing neuroaffirming occupational therapy services for children. Our team is committed to working with you and your child to create a personalised plan that builds on their strengths and supports their goals.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help your child thrive. With locations in Blackburn, Bundoora, and telehealth options, we are here to support your child’s unique journey.