Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on supporting children and their families in developing the everyday skills needed to thrive and engage meaningfully in all stages of life. OT interventions are tailored to each child’s unique strengths and challenges, promoting independence and participation in activities that are important to them.

Does my child need OT?

Occupational Therapy can be beneficial if your child is experiencing challenges in everyday activities compared to similar-age peers. Here are some indicators that your child may benefit from OT support:

Infant/Toddler

• Has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Startles easily

• Appears uncomfortable in certain clothing or during dressing

• May not react strongly to pain or show delayed responses

• Displays low muscle tone

• Experiences delays in developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, or standing

• Struggles to self-soothe using pacifiers, toys, or a caregiver’s voice

• May resist being held or cuddled

• Dislikes baths

• Is very active, constantly moving their body or limbs

Preschool-aged

• Has difficulty slowing down and frequently shifts between activities

• Avoids fine motor tasks like using crayons or buttons

• Appears clumsy and frequently bumps into objects or people

• Finds it hard to judge their body’s position in space

• Often says ‘I can’t’ or ‘I won’t’ to age-appropriate tasks

• Dislikes bathing, hugs, or haircuts

• Has strong reactions to touch, taste, sounds, or smells

• Experiences difficulties in making friends or has sudden mood changes

School-aged

• Easily distracted or fidgety in the classroom

• Finds it challenging to pay attention or follow instructions

• Appears clumsy, stumbles often, or slouches

• May not enjoy activities like jumping or swinging

• Needs more practice to learn new skills compared to peers

• Reacts strongly to touch, taste, sounds, or smells

• Has difficulty making friends or shows low self-esteem

• May confuse similar-sounding words or misunderstand questions

Diagnosed Conditions

Occupational Therapy can support children with neurodivergent conditions, sensory processing variations, and other developmental differences, empowering them to navigate everyday activities with greater confidence and independence.

A comprehensive assessment with one of our Occupational Therapists can help identify your child’s strengths and areas where they may need support, exploring the underlying factors contributing to their experiences.

If you would like to learn more about how OT can support your child, please contact us at 02 9418 9995 or email us at info@kidsworldtherapy.com.au. One of our therapists will be happy to discuss your child’s needs and how we can help.

The DIR®/Floortime® approach is a highly effective, child-centred model that emphasises the importance of meaningful interactions between children and their parents or caregivers. This approach focuses on understanding each child’s unique developmental profile and individual differences, and using these insights to support their growth and development through play and relationship-based interactions.

DIR®/Floortime® encourages parents and caregivers to engage with children in a way that fosters attention, regulation, and mutual engagement. Through purposeful and playful interactions, this approach helps children develop communication skills, solve problems, and build connections between ideas. It is particularly beneficial for children who may have difficulties in any of these areas, but it can also be a wonderful philosophy for interacting with all children.

The approach acknowledges that every child has unique strengths and ways of processing the world, which are influenced by their individual sensory, motor, emotional, and communication profiles. It highlights the significance of nurturing relationships in promoting each child’s growth and development.

The DIR® Framework Explained:

• D = Developmental: This aspect focuses on a child’s functional emotional development, considering how various developmental areas, such as emotional and sensory experiences, work together with the environment to shape a child’s growth.

• I = Individual Differences: Every child has a unique way of interacting with the world. This includes their sensory preferences, communication styles, motor abilities, and emotional needs, forming an individual profile that guides how they experience and respond to their environment.

• R = Relationship-Based: The quality of the relationship between the child and their caregiver is essential in supporting development. DIR®/Floortime® focuses on building strong, trusting relationships that are tailored to the child’s unique needs and abilities.

Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and a multidisciplinary team of experts, DIR®/Floortime® uses a play-based, flexible approach that meets each child where they are, creating a supportive environment for exploration and growth. It is a collaborative and dynamic model that encourages families and therapists to work together in understanding and responding to a child’s individual needs.

For more information on the DIR®/Floortime® approach and to stay updated on news and resources, please visit: Profectum.

The first step is to reach out to us by phone at 02 9418 9995 or by email at info@kidsworldtherapy.com.au. Our office staff will provide you with an information pack, which can be sent by mail or email. This pack includes details about our practice, the DIR®/Floortime® approach, and some questionnaires to help us learn more about your child.

After you complete and return the questionnaires, we will match your child with a therapist who best fits their needs. We will then work with you to schedule an initial assessment and, if needed, regular therapy appointments.

You don’t need a referral to make an appointment with us. However, if you are considering a Medicare Health Care Plan, you may wish to consult your GP or Paediatrician. A Medicare Health Care Plan can help you access Medicare rebates for some of your sessions. For more information on funding options, please visit our funding page.

We are here to support you and your child throughout this process. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

For the most up-to-date information on fees for our services, including assessments, individual sessions, group sessions, school visits, and parent workshops, please contact our main office at 02 9418 9995.

We provide services for NDIS Plan Managed and Self Managed participants. To check if you are eligible for NDIS funding, please visit the NDIS website.

You do not need a referral to access our services if you are using private health insurance or self-funding. However, we recommend contacting your private health insurer to confirm what rebates are available for occupational therapy services.

If you are considering additional funding support, you may wish to speak to your GP or Paediatrician about a Care Plan, such as:

• Chronic Disease Management or Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan Provides Medicare rebates for chronic health conditions, including developmental concerns.

• Better Access to Mental Health Initiative (Mental Health Care Plan) Offers Medicare rebates for mental health support.

• Complex neurodevelopmental disorder Health Care Plan Requires a referral from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist and provides access to Medicare rebates for early intervention services.

Helpful links for funding information:

• NDIS

• Medicare

• Medicare Chronic Disease Management or Enhanced Primary Care Plan

• Complex neurodevelopmental disorder

• Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan

If you have any questions or need further assistance with funding options, feel free to contact us. We are here to help guide you through the process.

The duration of therapy varies depending on your child’s unique needs and developmental profile. Our therapists regularly review your child’s progress and work closely with you to ensure that therapy is meeting your child’s goals. Open communication and collaboration with you as a parent are essential parts of this process.

Some children may begin with individual sessions and then transition to group sessions as they gain confidence and skills. The length of therapy is tailored to each child and is based on their progress and readiness. Our goal is to support your child’s growth and development in a way that feels right for them and your family.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s therapy plan, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to support you and your child throughout their therapeutic journey.

For most children, we recommend attending one one-hour session per week to maintain a consistent level of support and ensure steady progress. Regular sessions help reinforce the skills and strategies learned in therapy. Attending less frequently may lead to slower or more gradual gains.

However, we understand that every child and family is unique. During your child’s assessment, your therapist will discuss their specific recommendations based on your child’s needs and your family’s circumstances. We are committed to working with you to find a schedule that supports your child’s development in a way that suits your family.

If you have any questions or concerns about scheduling, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to support you.

The progress your child makes in therapy will depend on their unique profile and needs. We work closely with families to set and achieve meaningful goals that are tailored to your child. These goals are first discussed during the initial assessment and are regularly reviewed and updated throughout the therapy process.

Research shows that consistent and intensive therapy can lead to better outcomes. To support this, our therapists coach parents during sessions, providing you with the tools and strategies to continue practising and reinforcing skills at home. This collaborative approach helps create a supportive environment for your child’s development both in and outside of therapy.

Choosing the best therapeutic approach for your child is an important decision that involves time and commitment. We encourage you to explore and review information about various approaches to determine what aligns best with your child’s needs and your family’s values.

If you’re unsure or have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 02 9418 9995 or email us at info@kidsworldtherapy.com.au. One of our therapists will be happy to answer your questions and help determine if this approach is a good fit for your child and family. We are here to support you in making an informed choice for your child’s development and well-being.

We focus on understanding the underlying factors that may be affecting your child’s handwriting skills, such as fine motor coordination, sensory processing, and attention. By addressing these foundational areas first, we support your child in building the skills needed for effective handwriting.

We also provide guidance and activities that you can use at home to reinforce these skills, ensuring consistent support for your child’s development.

Yes, we can help. All of our treatment rooms are designed as sensory-friendly spaces, and our therapists are trained to understand and support each child’s unique Individual Profile. We tailor our approach to address your child’s specific sensory needs, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for their growth and development.

Yes, we can help. Our therapists are experienced in supporting children with a range of feeding challenges, from limited diets and picky eating to improving the mechanics of feeding, such as chewing and swallowing. We take an individualised approach to address your child’s specific needs and work closely with you to develop strategies that can be continued at home.

Yes, we can help. Our therapists are trained to understand and address a variety of sleep challenges. We work with families to identify and manage the underlying factors that may be affecting your child’s sleep, such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or bedtime routines, and provide personalised strategies to promote better sleep habits.

Yes, we can help. Our therapists are trained to support families in addressing a range of toileting challenges. We work with you to understand your child’s individual needs, whether it’s difficulty with toilet training, sensory sensitivities, or anxiety around toileting, and provide strategies to help your child feel more comfortable and confident.

Yes, you can request a specific therapist. However, please note that this may result in a longer wait time, as it can limit our ability to match your preferred therapist’s availability with yours. Additionally, some of our therapists have limited working days or full schedules with existing clients. We will do our best to accommodate your request while keeping these factors in mind.

Yes, we require that at least one parent or carer attend each session. A significant part of our therapy involves coaching parents or carers and providing discussion and feedback to support your child’s progress at home.

The exception is during peer group sessions, which are focused on therapist-supported peer interactions. In these sessions, parents are not involved in the main body of the session but are welcome to join for discussions after the session as needed.

Each therapy session is tailored to your child’s unique needs, which may vary from session to session. Activities could include equipment play, symbolic play with toys, sensory activities, or other therapeutic exercises designed to support your child’s development.

Your therapist will collaborate with you during these sessions, using discussion and cooperation to ensure that activities are both engaging and appropriately challenging for your child. We aim to address multiple developmental areas through creative and purposeful play, meeting your child’s needs in a holistic way.

To help prepare your child for their initial evaluation session, we provide a short social story. This will show them what the office, their therapist, and the therapy room look like, giving them a sense of what to expect.

Yes, a significant part of our therapy approach involves parent coaching. While we typically see your child for one hour per week, we focus on teaching you the skills to continue using these strategies at home and in the community. This helps ensure your child receives consistent support across all areas of their life.

We recommend setting aside blocks of 20 minutes throughout the week to engage in play using the Floortime approach. This consistency at home is key to maximising the benefits of therapy and supporting your child’s progress.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled session, we will try to reschedule you for another appointment within the same week. If rescheduling is not possible and we have not received at least 48 hours’ notice, a cancellation fee will apply.

We understand that illness can be unpredictable so if you or your child are unwell, no cancellation fee will be charged however we appreciate as much notice as possible in these situations.

Our regular sessions are held in our therapy offices. However, upon request, your therapist can visit your child’s school, preschool, or day care to observe and provide recommendations. These visits can be helpful in understanding your child’s needs in different environments and supporting their progress across various settings.

When your child is ready for peer group sessions, your therapist will carefully select a suitable peer partner or group based on your child’s needs and the right level of challenge for all children involved. We take great care in forming these groups and will only proceed when we are confident that the match is beneficial for everyone. Finding a suitable time that works for both families and the therapist is also essential.

The process begins with a trial session. If the children respond well and form a good connection, the peer group sessions will continue.

During peer group sessions, parents typically do not participate. However, you will be invited to join for a brief discussion during the last 5–10 minutes, where the therapist will provide feedback and insights. Your child will engage in play with their peer(s) in the therapy room, with the therapist facilitating the interaction rather than leading it. This approach helps your child develop social skills in a supportive and structured environment, preparing them for positive social interactions throughout their life.

School Holiday Program sessions are similar to extended peer group sessions but involve a larger group of children and run for two hours per day over the course of a week. During these sessions, therapists facilitate play and interactions, providing support as children navigate more complex social situations.

The program includes a variety of activities, such as snack time, outdoor play (weather permitting), and may also feature water play or crafts. These sessions offer a fun and structured environment for children to develop social skills, build confidence, and enjoy engaging experiences with peers.

The School Holiday Program is open to current clients and past clients who have had a recent review session.

If you would like your child to participate in the program, a few initial sessions with one of our therapists will be required. This will help us assess your child’s needs and determine the most suitable group for them.

Yes, our therapists are happy to collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care, at your request. We believe that coordinated care, flexibility, and the integration of different approaches can greatly benefit your child and family. Open communication among professionals helps ensure that your child receives consistent and comprehensive support.

Our sessions are available during business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Please note that the 3 pm and 4 pm sessions are in high demand and may have a waiting list. Many schools are flexible and may allow your child to arrive late or leave early one day a week to attend therapy, if needed.

We have three clinic locations, and your child’s appointment may be scheduled at any of the following:

1. Suite 103, Level 1, 79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove (Birdwood Lane side of Longueville Road) Parking: The best option is The Canopy car park, accessible via Rosenthal Avenue, with 500 spaces and the first 3 hours free on lower levels. Note: P1 parking is free for 1 hour only.
   

2. LG Suite 3, 102-104 Longueville Road, Lane Cove (Pottery Lane side of Longueville Road) Parking: Use the Little Lane car park opposite Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, which offers 300+ spaces and 3 hours free parking. Other parking options include: * Council parking near the swimming pool (48 Longueville Road) * Parking in Cox’s Lane * Woolworths parking
   

3. 469 Mowbray Road, Lane Cove Directions from the City: Take the Chatswood Pacific Highway exit, head north, and turn left onto Mowbray Road. The office is on the right before the convenience store. There is unlimited street parking available. Please park on the street and walk down the driveway to the office. Directions from the North: Take the loop around on the left before Mowbray Road to cross the Pacific Highway. The office is on the right. Directions from Epping Road: Head towards the city, turn left onto Mowbray Road or continue and turn left on Centennial Ave, then right onto Mowbray Road. The office will be on the left.
   

Public Transport: The Lane Cove Bus Interchange on Epping Road is a short walk to our Longueville Road offices.