KidsRISE

Get to know KidsRISE

From KidsRISE's website.

• Our approach

  At KidsRISE, therapy is guided by a developmental, play-based approach using the Developmental Individual differences Relationships-based model (DIR/Floortime). Sessions involve parent-child play interactions where the therapist helps parents tailor their approach to their child's individual learning profile. The therapist and parent work together to offer 'just right' challenges that allow children to progress developmentally. Parents are active participants throughout, as the focus is on building parental skills and confidence to support their child's development at home through everyday interactions. This holistic, family-centred approach combines Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy expertise.

• Working with families

  Parents are active participants in all therapy sessions and are considered best placed to facilitate their child's development. The main focus of therapy is building parental skills and confidence so parents can support their child's development at home. Telehealth sessions include parent coaching to review videos of play sessions, discussion of everyday challenges, and support for parents to feel more empowered in their interactions with their child. Communication occurs through the initial parent report measures, detailed feedback sessions, and ongoing parent coaching throughout therapy.

• Meet the team

  KidsRISE was established by Miranda Van Styn, a Speech Pathologist, and Cara Sheekey, an Occupational Therapist. Both therapists conduct initial assessments together to provide an interdisciplinary perspective on your child's development. The team brings combined expertise in Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, working within the DIR/Floortime framework to support children with complex developmental needs including autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing difficulties.

• Your first visit

  An initial assessment involves a consultation with both the Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary overview of your child's development. The process includes completion of parent report measures and questionnaires via email, followed by a 45-minute in-clinic play-based assessment session with both therapists and you and your child. You'll then have a 60-minute telehealth-based parent session to discuss your concerns in detail and receive feedback from the clinic consultation. Finally, a written report outlining assessment results and recommendations is provided to help you make informed therapy choices.