- When should I refer a child to Occupational Therapy?
- Is there a multi-disciplinary team at Kid Sense?
- Do I need a referral to attend Kid Sense?
- What happens at an Assessment?
- What should I tell my child about the Assessment?
- What should I bring to an assessment
- Do parents attend the session(s)?
- Do I need to tell others that I have attended Kid Sense?
- Is there communication with the child’s Teacher and/or Allied Health Professionals?
- How will I know if my child requires further treatment?
- How long will treatment last, and do I need to commit long term?
- Am I tied to a block of treatment?
- How much will it cost?
- Are home or school observation visits available?
- Are group sessions available?
- Can I use a Medicare or FaHCSIA program?
When should I refer a child to Occupational Therapy?
When you are concerned that development of age appropriate skills (in the areas outlined in the Self assessment) not being met, or self esteem is being limited. Some diagnoses will indicate that developmental challenges are anticipated also. The most prudent course of action is to seek the expert advice of an Occupational Therapist, recognizing that early intervention is the key to rapid change, less self esteem impact and less expense required to meet the child’s potential.
Click here to do to Self Assessment
Is there a multi-disciplinary team at Kid Sense?
Yes. Kid Sense currently offers Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology and we are actively seeking clinical partners in the areas of Physiotherapy and Psychology. We also have a solid network of external professionals we work with to allow an effective informal multi-disciplinary approach to children’s additional needs.
Do I need a referral to attend Kid Sense?
No. Parents can simply make an appointment by calling our Guest Coordinator on 1300 660 067.
What happens at an Assessment?
The session format varies for each child according to the concerns that have brought the child to Kid Sense. Upon entering the centre, you are directed to the Guest Lounge which has a play room for the children, a selection of gourmet teas and espresso coffee, comfortable couches and the latest newspaper and magazines for parents.
The assessing therapist (known by their first name) will meet you in the waiting room, outline with both the child and their parents the plan for the session based upon the concerns they have, and direct the child (and possibly their parents) to a room to undertake table top activities. The child is tested either using a series of either standardised (formal) tests such as copying designs, threading beads, spot the difference in patterns as examples or informal (play based activities) according to the issues of concern raised. Results of formal tests are statistically compared with a large test base of similarly aged children.
After these are completed, it is possible that some whole body activities are undertaken (such as running and jumping, hopping and skipping) (which again may be formal or informal) and perhaps later play in the sensory (play) room. Preliminary results and observations are verbally explained to parents during and at the conclusion of the assessment. Upon leaving, a document summarizing some of the feedback provided and subsequent recommendations is provided. A written report is then forwarded to parents and any other professionals working with the child, if requested.
What should I tell my child about the Assessment?
All interactions at Kid Sense are designed to be as fun as possible, with the aim to minimize discomfort with an unfamiliar environment and therapist and maximise the often low self-esteem of the visiting child. The extent to which you tell your child the purpose of the visit is obviously very personal.
Some parents find it helpful to tell their children that the therapist is hoping to see “how clever you are at ..writing, running (or whatever the issues are) and to see if we can make you even better at it/make this even easier for you”. For other children just outlining what is going to happen is enough, so suggesting that “we are going to go and play some sitting down games/activities and some running around playing games/activities” is helpful. If your child benefits from more information, you might like to arrange a ‘come and have a look’ visit before your child’s appointment.
What should I bring to an assessment?
Kid Sense Paperwork (if not mailed back previously)
Copies of Allied Health Professionals or school/pre-school reports in the last 12 months
Copies of handwriting/pencil skills, if this is an area of concern
Specifically enjoyed games to play while parents talk with the therapist
Reading glasses if applicable
Specific information from the teacher, if applicable
Siblings can attend, but due to the amount of parent involvement encouraged in assessments siblings may be better suited to attending treatment sessions
Does the parent attend the session(s)?
As accurate assessment is reliant upon parent information to some degree, attendance is strongly recommended at the assessment. As the child’s progress in treatment is very dependent upon undertaking home program recommendations, parent (or another carers involvement) is highly recommended in order to learn these and then instruct them at home. However, the degree of involvement in the sessions varies hugely. Some parents attend all the session, some only part of it (influenced by the child’s response to their parent in the session). When parents do not attend during the session itself, verbal feedback and written home recommendations are provided at the end of session.
Do I need to tell others that I have attended Kid Sense?
No. Under the privacy law, you can decline giving Kid Sense permission to speak to or send others information about your child.
Is there communication with the child’s teacher and/or Allied Health Professionals?
Yes. Kid Sense therapists recognise that a child’s performance and behaviour at home and school/preschool/child care can be quite different. Subsequently, our therapists communicate with the teachers or Allied Health Professionals either after the assessment and/or throughout the course of treatment (issues dependent).
How will I know if my child requires further treatment?
At the conclusion of the assessment, the Occupational Therapist will make a recommendation based on the results of the assessment.
How long will treatment last?
Treatment sessions are typically 45 minutes or 1 hour (facility dependent). The therapist will set therapy goals at the outset of treatment in conjunction with the parents to address the common concerns. Progress towards these goals will be monitored and treatment will be concluded when age appropriate skills have been developed.
The frequency of treatment sessions varies according to your child’s issues, your urgency to resolve these issues, what works for your family commitments as well as recommendations by your therapist. The frequency may well reduce once the initial improvements have begun. The duration of treatment varies hugely according to the issues of concern and the degree to which Home Program Recommendation are undertaken at home (or in some cases at child care, preschool or school).
Am I tied to a block of treatment?
No. You are not committed to any number of sessions. You can simply book one session at a time, or if you wish to take advantage of our discounted rate for block booking of 4 sessions you can do so (facility dependent).
How much will therapy cost?
This depends on the course of assessment and treatment required. You chose (after recommendation by the therapist) how long the assessment will take, and where or not you require a written report. The course of treatment required will vary according to the assessment findings, but the options will be discussed with you before you commence treatment sessions. If you would like more details contact us directly.
Are home or school observations visits available?
Yes, home and school visits are available on a one off basis only where a special issue warrants this. Cost of travel time and onsite time resulting in these being significantly more costly than regular treatment sessions. In many situations, phone consultation negates the need for this.
As the purpose built facilities allows the therapists to deliver the highest quality treatment (with all possible resources accessible in the moment), home and school treatment session are not available as they are not considered as productive.
Are group sessions available?
No. Group treatment sessions are not currently available.
Can I use a Medicare or FaHCSIA program? (EPC, FPS, PDD)?
Yes. You can use the Medicare program (Enhanced Primary Care, PDD, FPS) (facility dependent) and the FaHCSIA.