What is Occupational Therapy and how can Childworks assist my child?
“client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational Therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement”.
In other words, Occupational Therapists help people to do things. When working with children the activities they need to do include, attend and engage in school, participate in sport, play, social interactions and so on.
Childworks provides comprehensive Occupational therapy for children aged three through to the end of high school. Parents and carers are always involved and are part of the therapeutic process.
Childworks involves the use of therapeutic activities to improve the child’s sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills and abilities. For example, if a child has difficulty performing school work due to poor co-ordination, visual perception or poor ability to concentrate, Childworks may be of assistance. We also look at developmental activities and activities that improve a child’s independence. A child may have difficulty with dressing themselves. They may need cues to understand what step comes next, they may need modification of the activity such as something to help them manage zippers, they may need help to learn specific skills or they may need some other form of assistance. If your child has difficulty with activities they need to do in their everyday life, then Occupational Therapy at Childworks may help.
If you would like more information about how Occupational Therapy might help your child, please contact us on 9055 4692 or [email protected]
How is Childworks different?
Like all professionals, each practice has its own approach. Childworks focuses on a functional and neurodiversity affirming approach, that is, we emphasise practical aspects of your child’s life and help them to maximise their potential in those areas.
For example, if your morning routine is a problem we will analyse what is going on with that routine. We may modify the environment removing distractions for you child and adding prompts to help him or her with their independent self-care. We may help your child to develop specific skills in dressing or eating at an appropriate level, we may provide some guidance on how you as a parent, can modify the routine and use behavioural tools to overcome issues. Modification of the task, or the environment, from what is the standard, can often work well for children whose brains work a little differently.
We will identify a problem and use a number of interventions, including using your child’s own strengths, to overcome those issues. Clinical research supports this approach.
Childworks does not specialise in sensory processing disorder although we can help your child find ways of managing sensory issues. If you think your child has sensory processing disorder or needs access to a full sensory gym, we recommend you search for an alternative Occupational Therapy clinic on Occupational Therapy Australia’s Find an OT.
Do I need a referral? How do I refer my child to Childworks?
A formal or medical referral is not required to see an Occupational Therapist however a referral may be required to access specific types of funding.
If you or anyone involved in the care of your child (e.g. paediatrician, teacher, speech pathologist) is concerned about your child’s development or if your child is struggling performing daily activities (self-care, play, school tasks), contact Childworks. You can contact us on 9055 4692 or [email protected] to make an appointment. If you have further questions not answered on this site, contact us to arrange a free 10 minute consultation with an Occupational Therapist.
How much does treatment cost? How can I pay my fees? Can we claim under Medicare, Private health funds & the Government funding schemes?
Treatments are usually charged at $193.99 per hour. We use Stripe, a secure system, to process electronic payments via credit or debit card.
Payments are made after treatment. A receipt will be emailed to you straight after your appointment if you have paid at the appointment.
Private health fund – This depends on your level of cover. We recommend that you check with your health fund about what rebate you are entitled to. All health funds are different.
Medicare – Some clients are able to access under medicare. Eligibility for this plan is determined by your doctor. Five sessions may be claimable through Medicare with a referral from your GP.
NDIS – Childworks is registered to provide NDIS services and is a trusted provider of Occupational Therapy services.
Feel free to give us a call on 9055 4692 to discuss how we could help your child.
Other government funding schemes – Childworks is registered with schemes, such as FaHSCIA through the Better Start for Children with Disability, Helping Children with Autism and the Early Intervention Assistance Package.
How long is each session? What happens during a therapy session?
After the initial assessment, we then create a comprehensive programme based on your child’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the needs of the family. We implement this programme over a series of one-on-one sessions. Treatments can vary enormously! They may involve using toys, participating in daily activities, providing information to parents or caregivers or even a trip to the shops. We design an individual programme to help your child to achieve their full potential.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes long, which includes 45-50 minutes of face-to-face therapy and 10-15 minutes of documentation and analysis.
How long will intervention last? What results can I expect to see?
Treatment periods vary. Treatment is reviewed on a regular basis. This process will continue until the child’s therapy goals are met. Sometimes children benefit from a break from therapy.
Results from Occupational Therapy will depend on the individual profile of your child and what you are hoping to achieve by attending Childworks. The frequency and intensity of the therapy will also determine the gains made and the outcome of the therapy. Being involved in your child’s therapy sessions and assisting the therapist with implementation at home can help lead to better outcomes.
Are sessions held in a clinic? Will the OT attend my child’s school, day-care or home?
Childworks provides services in a range of settings including at our Dural clinic, in schools, preschools and day care centres, in the community and in homes. We also use Telehealth to provide services. Where and how a service is delivered depends on the needs of child and the family.
Can you see my child for regular appointments at school or at home?
In some cases school therapy is a suitable alternative to attending the clinic. It can assist in generalising skills and also improves communication between the child and the therapist. Many parents find this is a convenient way to ensure their child attends regular therapy. Parents will need to arrange full approval of the school and an appropriate time and location to work with the child.
Childworks can work with children in their own home environment when the need arises. For many children the practical skills they need are better mastered in the context they will use these skills. There may be other reasons treatment at home is preferable, for example some parents with small children, may find it difficult getting out of the house.
Home or school therapy is not suitable for every child so feel free to discuss your needs.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth involves the parent or another adult working with the child while the therapist provides advice and direction via video conferencing or telephone. Childworks is dedicated to making Occupational Therapy Services accessible for everyone. If you don’t live nearby, you may be able to access our services online. Telehealth is a great option for when you can’t physically attend a therapy session. Every situation is different but feel free to have a chat about how we go about this.
From what suburbs does Childworks see children?
Childworks is located in Dural in North Western Sydney. We see children from all surrounding suburbs, including Annangrove, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Galston, Glenhaven, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Kenthurst, North Kellyville, Pennant Hills, Riverstone, Rouse Hill, Schofields, The Ponds, West Pennant Hills, Winston Hills.
How do I provide feedback or make a complaint?
We welcome all forms of feedback, even complaints, as we want to know how we can make our service even better. If you would like to provide feedback, you can email us on [email protected]