FAQs

Our therapists working with children and families are focused on enabling children to reach their full potential and participate to the best of their ability. We focus on skills for learning, developing independence and interacting with friends within the community. You can learn more about how our therapists help specific age groups below:

• Early Childhood
• School Aged Children
• Kids with Complex Needs
• Kids in Care

You may find an assessment useful if:

• You are seeking more information about your child’s abilities and ways in which they can be supported to develop
• Your child’s school or paediatrician has requested an assessment, or needs particular documentation to enable them to develop a support plan
• Paperwork is needed for an application (e.g. NDIS)

There are typically three components to assessments at OCC Therapy.

Initial appointment

The aim of the initial appointment is to gather as much information as possible relevant to the request. This might include:

• Discussions with parents, carers or teachers
• Standardised assessments with your child
• Observations of your child doing the relevant tasks
• Completion of questionnaires

Written assessment report

A comprehensive assessment report and recommendations are written, specific to your child.

Assessment result discussion

A second appointment is held to discuss the results of the assessment, any recommended intervention or support, and to develop the intervention plan.  This can be done in person, by phone or at school. At times, this assessment process is not the best fit for a particular child or situation.  This can be modified as needed, such as spending a session or two building a relationship and observing the child first.

At OCC Therapy, we believe in tailoring therapy to your child.  This means there is no set ‘program’ to commit to.  Some children attend only one appointment to tweak some strategies, and others are part of the OCC Therapy family for extended periods.  We work with our parents and carers to develop a plan to best suit your goals, and collaboratively decide on the approach.

Our clinic is in Chapel Hill, in the western suburbs of Brisbane (near Indooroopilly). You can also find us in homes, schools and kindergartens across Brisbane, Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley.

The best location for therapy is where you will get the best outcomes efficiently and effectively.  

• School or kindy is the best place for a child struggling to participate in necessary routines, or to support proactive teachers.
• School is best for children who need assistance with specific tasks or social interaction.
• The clinic is best for children who are worried about peer reactions or children who need a private, quiet place to concentrate while they are learning a new skill

This might be for meetings, one-on-one interventions, or assessments.

It is a privilege for us to visit a home, school or kindergarten. This is the best way for us to understand what is working or not working, and to ensure our support is relevant.  A visit might include observations, meeting with the teachers or discussing a strategy, assisting to set up part of the environment (e.g. desk and chair set up), one-on-one time with the child to work on a specific skill, or assisting with the implementation of a strategy in the classroom or playground.  Parents and carers will always be kept informed of the discussions and events of the visit.

Your role is the most important in the whole process. You know your child and their circumstances better than anyone and you are there to support them every day.  You can help by:

• Sharing your child’s interests, strengths, and successes with us so we can build on them too
• Tell us about what is working and what isn’t working.  We want to problem solve with you, and sometimes our strategies need a tweak!
• Keep us informed of changes
• Ask questions and tell us if you need more information or a different explanation
• Share your ideas – our parents are smart, creative and intuitive!
• Help guide the language around therapy.  There is absolutely no shame or judgement around seeing an OT, as we’re here to help children lead their best lives.

We are delighted to offer telehealth or online support.  One of the ways we can better support our families who are remote or have difficulty attending appointments in person is to use our online service.  At OCC Therapy, we adhere to the same standards of care during telehealth as in face-to-face therapy.

Starting school is a big step, and the beginning of a new chapter in your child’s life.  Your child’s “readiness” to start Prep includes:

• Social and emotional maturity and skills
• Independence in self care, such as dressing and toileting
• Attention and focus
• Fine motor skills including drawing, cutting, and writing their name
• Gross motor skills, such as throwing, catching, and hopping
• Ability to learn as part of a group
• Play and creativity

At OCC Therapy, we can help use your child’s interests and strengths to prepare them for starting school.