Occupational Therapy
Paediatric occupational therapy services in Perth
At iThrive Health in West Leederville, Perth, we specialise in paediatric occupational therapy, focusing on assessing, diagnosing, and supporting children aged 3-17 living with learning or developmental difficulty.. We aim to ensure that no child is hindered by their unique difficulties and challenges, paving the way for better opportunities in later life.
Supporting children’s growth with expert paediatric occupational therapy
Supporting children’s growth with expert paediatric Occupational Therapy
At iThrive Health, we specialise in helping children navigate learning, developmental, and sensory challenges through tailored occupational therapy. Our experienced therapists provide personalised support to enhance fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, literacy, emotional regulation, and concentration. By addressing each child’s unique needs, we empower them to build confidence, succeed in school, and develop essential life skills for a bright future.
Our paediatric occupational therapy services
Handwriting
We help children improve pencil grip, letter formation, and writing fluency for more precise, confident handwriting.
Fine Motor
Our therapy strengthens hand muscles, coordination, and dexterity to support everyday tasks like writing and dressing.
Gross Motor
We develop balance, coordination, and posture, helping children move confidently in play and daily activities.
Motor Dysgraphia
We focus on hand strength, motor control, and letter formation to improve writing clarity and ease.
Emotional Regulation
Our therapists teach self-awareness and coping strategies to help children manage emotions effectively.
Behaviour Support
We provide strategies to help children self-regulate, improve focus, and develop positive behaviours.
Sensory Processing
We assist children in sensory integration and adaptive responses to improve daily experiences.
Attention Difficulty
Our therapy enhances focus, impulse control, and executive functioning for better learning and engagement.
ADHD
We support children with ADHD through self-regulation, organisation, and attention-building strategies.
Autism (ASD)
Our team helps children with ASD develop social, communication, and sensory processing skills.
Social Skills & Play
We guide children in turn-taking, communication, and friendship skills to foster positive interactions.
Executive Functioning
We help children improve planning, organisation, and problem-solving for better daily independence.
Meet our occupational therapists
Meet our experienced and caring occupational therapists dedicated to helping children build confidence, develop essential skills, and reach their full potential in learning, play, and daily life.
Some other helpful Paediatric occupational therapy resources
Understanding the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds and supports individuals with disabilities, including eligible children. This program helps families access necessary therapies and services, ensuring children receive early intervention and long-term support.
Who is eligible?
Children may qualify for NDIS funding if they have a permanent and significant disability that affects daily activities. This includes neurodevelopment conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, and Down Syndrome. Physical disabilities like Cerebral Palsy, sensory processing disorders, and communication difficulties may also be covered. For children under seven, support is provided through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach, which focuses on early intervention to maximise developmental outcomes.
What support does the NDIS cover?
NDIS funding is flexible, allowing families to access services tailored to their child’s needs. Occupational therapy helps children develop essential life skills, including motor coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Speech therapy supports children with communication challenges, including delayed speech and social interaction difficulties. Physiotherapy focuses on improving movement and function, while psychology and behavioural support help manage emotional and behavioural difficulties. The NDIS may also fund assistive technology and equipment to aid daily activities and enhance independence.
How to apply for NDIS support
Families interested in NDIS support should determine eligibility by contacting the NDIS or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They must submit an Access Request, providing supporting documentation from healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, paediatricians, or psychologists if eligible. Once approved, families will attend an NDIS planning meeting to develop a personalised support plan for their child. This plan outlines therapy and intervention needs and is reviewed regularly to ensure continued effectiveness.
Getting started with NDIS services
Once a child has an approved plan, families can select registered NDIS providers to deliver therapy and support services. The NDIS allows families to choose the best professionals to meet their child’s needs, ensuring they receive high-quality, individualised care. Regular plan reviews help adjust the level of support as a child progresses, ensuring continued growth and development.
Functional Capacity Assessments
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) evaluates a child’s abilities, challenges, and support needs in daily activities. NDIS funding, plan reviews, or reassessments are often required to ensure the child receives appropriate support for their goals. The FCA provides a detailed picture of strengths, challenges, and areas for additional support. It helps guide NDIS decisions and therapy plans, improving the child’s independence and participation.
What is evaluated in an FCA?
An FCA assesses key areas such as self-care, motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention, and communication. It helps identify how these factors impact daily functioning, learning, and social interaction.
How the FCA supports NDIS funding
The FCA supports NDIS applications by outlining the child’s functional needs and justifying the need for services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and assistive equipment. It also helps determine the level of funding required to support independence and participation.
Who conducts an FCA?
A qualified pediatric occupational therapist performs the FCA. At iThrive Health, our team conducts thorough assessments, writes detailed reports aligned with NDIS requirements, and advocates for families during the NDIS planning process.
Why choose iThrive Health?
iThrive Health offers comprehensive, compassionate assessments tailored to your child’s needs. We ensure accurate reports and advocate for the right level of NDIS funding to support your child’s development and well-being.
Next steps
If your child needs an NDIS application or plan review, contact iThrive Health to book an FCA and secure the proper support for their independence and success.
School Screening Services
Our Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology team offers tailored school screening programs to support student success. Designed mainly for Kindergarten and Pre-Primary students, the program can be adjusted to fit your school’s curriculum and timeline, whether in Term 1 or later in the year.
Why conduct an OT and speech school screen?
Early intervention is crucial for academic, social, and emotional success. Our OT and Speech screenings provide insights that help teachers engage with parents about a child’s development, identifying students who may benefit from further OT and Speech support or monitoring throughout the year.
How and where are screens conducted?
Screenings are conducted onsite at the school to minimise disruption. Our team of 1-2 therapists and a dedicated assistant will transition students smoothly. Each screening lasts approximately 20 minutes, with schools of all sizes (15 to 60 students) able to participate.
Optimal screening age & timing
The screenings are ideal for Pre-Primary students (4.5-6 years old), but we also support Kindergarten screenings in the latter half of the year. Many schools prefer screenings in Term 1 to have insights before parent-teacher meetings.
Key focus areas
Our OT screen assesses fine motor, gross motor, visual motor skills, social & emotional development, attention & focus, and sensory processing. Our Speech screen assesses speech, language and communication development. Data is collected via child assessments and parent questionnaires to create a concise one-page report per child outlining findings and recommendations.
Class-wide insights & reporting
Along with individual reports, we provide class-wide developmental insights, including graphs and tables, to help teachers spot trends and focus areas. We also offer practical strategies for supporting students.
How to book a school screening
To organise an OT or Speech screening at your school, email or call us for pricing and availability.
Fees & Rebates
At iThrive Health, we are committed to making therapy accessible and affordable for all families. We provide guidance on Medicare rebates and NDIS funding to help cover therapy costs, ensuring financial concerns don’t interfere with quality care.
Therapy enrolment fees
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
Follow-up therapy blocks
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
Private health insurance
All private insurers cover our services, but coverage depends on your specific plan. Rebates vary, so we recommend contacting your insurer and quoting the code ‘200’ for a standard follow-up therapy session longer than 30 minutes or ‘250’ for HBF members. This will give you an idea of your rebate eligibility for one hour of therapy.
Medicare rebates
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
NDIS – ECEI Funding
If your child is under 6, they may be eligible for Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) funding under the NDIS, which can cover therapy fees until age 7. We encourage applying as soon as possible, as approval can take time, and funding is not guaranteed.
Questions?
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
Answers to the most commonly asked occupational therapy questions
Why has my child been referred to OT?
Your child may have been referred to occupational therapy if they’re experiencing challenges with daily tasks like play, learning, or self-care. Our OTs support children in developing the skills they need for these activities, helping them feel more confident and independent as they grow.
Do I need a referral for my child to access OT?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) evaluates a child’s abilities, challenges, and support needs in daily activities. NDIS funding, plan reviews, or reassessments are often required to ensure the child receives appropriate support for their goals. The FCA provides a detailed picture of strengths, challenges, and areas for additional support. It helps guide NDIS decisions and therapy plans, improving the child’s independence and participation.
What do OTs do, and what can they do for my child?
Chiropractic care centres on aligning the spine and joints to support your body’s natural ability to heal itself . Through specific hands-on spinal adjustments and manipulations, our chiropractors can reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension – often alleviating common issues like lower back pain, neck pain, and even certain headaches . In fact, visiting a chiropractor may improve your posture and provide relief for chronic back pain and tension headaches . Many patients also report better mobility and reduced discomfort after regular chiropractic adjustments, as proper alignment helps decrease inflammation and strain on muscles and joints. Overall, chiropractic treatment offers a safe, non-invasive approach to pain relief for musculoskeletal conditions.
What does the assessment involve?
Remedial massage therapy is a targeted form of massage that aims to treat muscle tension, pain, and injuries at their source. One of the primary benefits of remedial massage is the immediate relief it provides from tight or knotted muscles, which helps alleviate pain and improve mobility . This therapy also boosts circulation and aids in repairing damaged tissues, speeding up recovery after muscle strains or sports injuries . Studies have found that massage therapy can reduce stress and muscle tightness, promote relaxation, and even enhance immune function . Overall, regular remedial massage sessions can help correct muscular imbalances, prevent future injuries, and contribute to better overall physical and mental well-being .
What happens after my child has been assessed?
Remedial massage therapy is a targeted form of massage that aims to treat muscle tension, pain, and injuries at their source. One of the primary benefits of remedial massage is the immediate relief it provides from tight or knotted muscles, which helps alleviate pain and improve mobility . This therapy also boosts circulation and aids in repairing damaged tissues, speeding up recovery after muscle strains or sports injuries . Studies have found that massage therapy can reduce stress and muscle tightness, promote relaxation, and even enhance immune function . Overall, regular remedial massage sessions can help correct muscular imbalances, prevent future injuries, and contribute to better overall physical and mental well-being .
What does a therapy session consist of?
Depending on the child’s age and the targeted challenges, the sessions will consist of 30 minutes of structured work and 15 minutes of gym time (gross motor strength and coordination). As the gross motor gym is equipped with swings, a zip line, scooter boards and a range of other equipment, the time in the gym can also serve as a motivational tool to assist in completing their structured work.
How long is a course of therapy?
Remedial massage therapy is a targeted form of massage that aims to treat muscle tension, pain, and injuries at their source. One of the primary benefits of remedial massage is the immediate relief it provides from tight or knotted muscles, which helps alleviate pain and improve mobility . This therapy also boosts circulation and aids in repairing damaged tissues, speeding up recovery after muscle strains or sports injuries . Studies have found that massage therapy can reduce stress and muscle tightness, promote relaxation, and even enhance immune function . Overall, regular remedial massage sessions can help correct muscular imbalances, prevent future injuries, and contribute to better overall physical and mental well-being .
What are the costs involved, covered by private health coverage or Medicare?
Remedial massage therapy is a targeted form of massage that aims to treat muscle tension, pain, and injuries at their source. One of the primary benefits of remedial massage is the immediate relief it provides from tight or knotted muscles, which helps alleviate pain and improve mobility . This therapy also boosts circulation and aids in repairing damaged tissues, speeding up recovery after muscle strains or sports injuries . Studies have found that massage therapy can reduce stress and muscle tightness, promote relaxation, and even enhance immune function . Overall, regular remedial massage sessions can help correct muscular imbalances, prevent future injuries, and contribute to better overall physical and mental well-being .
Does my child need to have an assessment if they have been assessed before?
Generally, yes. Occupational therapy assessments help develop a tailored treatment plan, track progress, and identify ongoing needs. In rare cases, if a child has severe anxiety or prior psychometric testing, the assessment load can be reduced. If another therapist has assessed a child within the last three months, an alternative plan can be discussed, often based on the previous therapist’s report.
