Kid Sense Child Development (North East)

Get to know Kid Sense Child Development (North East)

From Kid Sense Child Development (North East)'s website.

• Our approach

  Therapy at Kid Sense focuses on improving daily functional skills through playful, engaging sessions tailored to each child's unique needs. The approach is holistic, integrating therapy seamlessly into daily life with support for areas like fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, communication, and learning. Sessions are delivered across multiple settings—in clinic at six state-of-the-art centres, via video call, in the home, school, preschool, or community—so families can choose what works best for them. The underlying philosophy emphasises making each day functionally easier, with regular professional development ensuring clinicians stay current with the latest techniques. Parents, carers and educators receive education and guidance to support developmental progress between appointments, making therapy a meaningful part of everyday life rather than an isolated activity.

• Working with families

  Communication and collaboration with families is central to the approach. Parents and carers receive education and guidance to support their child's development, and the focus is on understanding each family's goals and priorities for their child. The therapy approach aims to integrate seamlessly into daily life with tailored home and education setting recommendations to support progress between appointments. For NDIS-funded families, the service helps coordinate multiple services where appropriate, assists families in planning for NDIS meetings, and helps families consider and articulate their goals for their child. The organisation emphasises a holistic, inclusive approach where families feel supported and confident in delivering child-centred support in their own context.

• Meet the team

  The team comprises over 40 experienced occupational therapists and speech pathologists across six metropolitan clinics, led by Founder and Executive Director Joanna Buttfield (Occupational Therapist) and Clinical Director Tayla Manuel (Occupational Therapist). All clinicians are highly qualified, with clinical leaders providing mentoring and supervision to ensure clinical excellence and consistent high standards. The organisation has structured employment streams including Career Change, Return to Work, and Graduate Programs, each offering tailored training and supervision. Regular professional development and quality control measures are embedded in the culture, ensuring clinicians stay at the forefront of the latest techniques, therapies and evidence-based practice. Team members are trained in key areas including sensory processing, regulation, AAC support, speech and language, and executive function.