Is Function Focus Allied Health a registered NDIS provider?

Yes — Function Focus Allied Health is a registered NDIS provider, approved to deliver Participate Community, Therapeutic Supports, Group/Centre Activities, Early Childhood Supports and Innov Community Participation. You can use NDIS funding for eligible supports.

What services does Function Focus Allied Health provide?

Function Focus Allied Health provides Occupational Therapy, Autism Assessment and ADHD Assessment.

Which areas does Function Focus Allied Health cover?

Function Focus Allied Health is based in Geelong, VIC.

How do I connect with Function Focus Allied Health?

You can call +61 461 330 690 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Function Focus Allied Health work with?

Function Focus works with children, youth, and adults, with a primary focus on paediatrics.

What does a paediatric OT actually help with?

Common areas include handwriting and fine-motor skills, sensory sensitivities, daily routines (dressing, eating, sleep), coordination, and self-regulation.

Do we need a referral?

Not to see an OT privately. A GP referral and care plan are required only to access Medicare rebates or certain funded pathways.

Can OT be funded by the NDIS?

Yes, typically under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living when it aligns with your child's plan goals.

How is OT different from physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy focuses on gross-motor movement and physical function; OT focuses on participation in everyday tasks, including fine-motor, sensory, and self-care skills.

Function Focus Allied Health · Occupational Therapy · Geelon…

What Function helps with

Developmental assessments and interventions

Paediatric assessments and tailored interventions for developmental support.

Sensory processing disorder support

Specialised therapy for children with sensory processing difficulties.

Autism spectrum disorder assessments and support

Assessments and interventions for children on the autism spectrum.

Fine motor skills development

Therapy to enhance fine motor control and coordination.

Gross motor skills development

Therapy to improve gross motor skills and physical coordination.

Handwriting difficulties support

Targeted intervention for children experiencing handwriting challenges.

Gross Motor Group Program

Group program for children and adolescents designed to enhance social skills through engaging physical activities.

Functional capacity assessments

A comprehensive assessment — typically conducted by an occupational therapist or allied health professional — that evaluates how a person's disability or health condition affects their ability to carry out daily tasks. The report is used to determine NDIS funding needs and plan appropriate supports.

Workplace assessments

Assessments for workplace suitability and accommodation.

Rehabilitation following injury or surgery

Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation support.

Pain management

A multidisciplinary approach to reducing and managing persistent pain, combining psychological strategies, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and education. The goal is to improve quality of life and daily functioning, not just to reduce pain intensity.

Stroke recovery

Rehabilitation and support following stroke.

Wheelchair assessment

Assessment and recommendations for wheelchair suitability.

Home safety assessments

Assessment and recommendations for changes to the home environment — such as ramps, grab rails and bathroom modifications — to improve safety and independence for people with disability or reduced mobility. Usually carried out by an occupational therapist.

Fall prevention programs

Programs designed to reduce fall risk.

Adaptive equipment recommendations and training

Recommendations and training for adaptive equipment use.

Our approach

At Function Focus Allied Health, occupational therapy sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and joyful. The team uses a strengths-based, client-centred approach that tailors interventions to each child's unique interests, needs, and goals. Sessions are collaborative and evidence-informed, focusing on meaningful participation and skill development across home, school, and community settings. Therapists work closely with families to develop practical strategies that fit into everyday life, and they believe that building strong, trusting relationships greatly enhances positive outcomes.

Working with families

Function Focus Allied Health emphasises open communication and collaboration with families and carers at every stage of care. Therapists work closely with parents, educators, and other professionals to develop practical strategies that fit into the family's everyday life. The provider values ensuring families have their voices heard and feel understood, and they maintain clear, timely communication about goals, processes, and outcomes. Family involvement is central to achieving meaningful outcomes and supporting participation in daily activities.

Meet the team

The team includes Joel Wickman, a Senior Occupational Therapist with a Master's degree and expertise in autism assessment; Paddy Brice, who specialises in paediatric occupational therapy for ages 1-12; Sophie Milsome, who has experience across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings; David Rittinger, with over 30 years of paediatrics and disability experience; and several other qualified occupational therapists including Lucy Rimmer, Lily Stacey, Sarah Smek, and Abbey Macdonald. All team members are registered with AHPRA and bring collaborative, strengths-based, and client-centred approaches to their practice.

Function Focus Allied Health

What families say

About Function Focus Allied Health