Not sure why your child needs OT (Occupational Therapy)? Did someone suggest it to you? Did someone mention sensory issues and tell you to see an OT? Was it put in your funding plan and you don't know what to do with it?
Let's start with WHAT is an OT?
Occupational Therapy Australia (the peak body for OT's here is Australia) states "Occupational therapists are qualified health professionals who work with all people to do the things they need and want to in all aspects of life". The things you need and want to do - they are 'occupations'. That means that OTs can support you in pretty much all areas of your life - work, self-care and leisure. Or - for children - school, self-care and play.
WHY might you see an OT?
In short, you might see an OT if you are not doing the things you want or need to do to the best of your ability. That could be due to injury, illness, disability or another reason impacting your skills or development. OTs are experts in the relationships between what people do, their health, and their well-being (OTA).
HOW can an OT help?
Now this is the interesting part. How an OT can help you depends on a number of factors including:
Your stage of life - infant, child, young adult, parent, adult, elder
The factors impacting your participation or "doing"- injury, illness, disability, development, diversity - or just you being YOU!
Your physical environment and context - where you live, your school, or work, or places you go
Your relationships - who you live or work with, who supports or cares for you
Whilst there are lots of similarities between OTs, there are also differences in approaches, knowledge, types of services, personalities and experiences. All of these factors can change how an OT can help you, what their support looks like, how they interact with you and what they recommend. Finding the best fit for you is key.
So... WHO am I an an OT?
I am an OT who specifically works with children and those who love and support them. The children families and educators I support are often on journey of disability, diagnosis or developmental delay; dealing with challenging behaviours; or have difficulties with self-regulation or sensory processing. Or a combination of all of these things.
I offer mobile services where I come to you, or meet you in your community, or education setting in the Newcastle or Lake Macquarie areas. I also offer online services, which can work really well for busy parents and educators, or those who aren't in my local area. I provide individualised intervention, as well as consultation for educational services, and professional development sessions.
My support focuses on how self-regulation, sensory processing and relationships impact the things we do and the ways we behave. I love working with and coaching the adults who love and support children, as I strongly believe that if you can understand what is happening for a chid, you are better able to support them. I love working with kids through play too!
My ultimate goal is to support children and those who love them to live more peacefully, more playfully and with more presence each and every day.
Wondering if I can support you? Reach out via the contact tab!
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