Services

ASSESSMENT

The best place to start is with a comprehensive assessment so we can determine your child’s strengths and areas of need. Alternatively if there is one area of concern, we may offer to conduct a shorter appointment to screen your child’s abilities.

What does an assessment or screen include?

Depending on the age of the student, it will include discussion about areas of concern/need and observation of their performance of occupational roles they are struggling with. (Eg: writing, cutting, colouring, drawing, finger activities, matching shapes/pictures, ball skills, movement skills). A comprehensive assessment takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Information from a parent questionnaire is also considered when preparing the detailed assessment report. A home and child care/school program that includes strategies/activities for implementation in the child’s familiar environments is included in the assessment package.

What does the OT look for?

The OT is not just interested in the end result but also looks at how the student goes about the task (E.g. approach to the task, where the movement comes from).

Common reasons for referral to Occupational Therapy

• No established hand preference

• Poor tool use (E.g. pencil, scissors)

• Reluctant to do art/craft/drawing/colouring in

• Untidy handwriting/slow handwriting speed

• Difficulty copying from the board

• Unable to do puzzles

• Poor throwing and catching skills

• Sensory processing difficulties (E.g. Seeks out sensory input, avoids certain sensory experiences)

• Poor motor planning or executive functioning

TOTS IS AT CAPACITY FOR TERM 1 2024, IF YOU ARE A NEW ENQUIRY YOU ARE INVITED TO CONTACT US AT 8:30AM ON TUESDAY 16TH APRIL 2024 WHEN WE WILL HAVE AN INDICATION OF OUR AVAILABILITY TO TAKE ON NEW CLIENTS IN TERM 2 2024.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY/INTERVENTION

The need for further OT intervention will be discussed with you at the end of the assessment appointment. Alternatively, parents may choose to arrange further sessions after they have received and considered the Assessment report.

The duration and frequency of OT intervention is flexible. (E.g. 30 minute session, 45 minute session, fortnightly, monthly). Many families choose to attend 45 minute sessions once a fortnight. We endeavour to arrange a convenient and consistent time for children and their families.

COLLABORATION WITH TEACHERS, OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, ETC

TOTS strongly believes in the value and importance of collaborating with the child’s relevant carers and/or therapists. This is only done with the consent of parents.

Our OT’s have regular contact with other allied health professionals including speech pathologists, physiotherapists and psychologists as we embrace a multidisciplinary and consultative model of intervention.

HOME/SCHOOL/CHILD CARE VISITS

TOTS can conduct visits to your child’s day care or school to meet with staff to observe your child in this natural environment and provide appropriate suggestions/recommendations to support the child’s engagement within that environment.

SCHOOL BASED INTERVENTION

We have experience working within local schools offering assessments, screens, group programs and individual intervention to identified students

EDUCATION SESSIONS

We are available to provide education/information events or activities to parent groups, teaching staff and other groups