Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Get to know Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy

From Newcastle Paediatric Occupational Therapy's website.

• Our approach

  Sessions use engaging, child-centred activities designed to develop motor, sensory, and self-care skills in a fun and stimulating environment. Treatment strategies are tailored to help children overcome barriers to learning and participation, with focus on essential developmental milestones. The practice emphasises a collaborative, family-centred approach that works holistically with children and their healthcare team. Early intervention is prioritised as the cornerstone of achieving positive outcomes. A welcoming and inclusive environment is carefully designed to inspire confidence and support each child's overall well-being.

• Working with families

  Parents and caregivers are central to every child's developmental journey and receive practical strategies and tools to support their child's progress at home. Communication includes tailored guidance on managing sensory needs, daily routines, fostering independence, and behaviour regulation that can be integrated into everyday family life. The practice actively engages with parents and caregivers to create strategies that work seamlessly in daily routines, and also offers caregiver education programs to equip families with knowledge to assist their child. Collaboration forms the foundation of the work, with ongoing support to help families feel empowered and equipped to nurture their child's growth.

• Meet the team

  Melanie Ward, the registered occupational therapist and founder, holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy with extensive further education and experience. She has been registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia since 2012 and is especially skilled in detecting muscle tone disorders, treating very young infants with developmental delays, and working with children with joint hypermobility syndromes, developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy, and motor dyspraxia. She works holistically as part of each child's broader treatment team, maintaining close collaborations with paediatric podiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, and GPs.

• Your first visit

  An initial appointment includes a comprehensive assessment using standardised tools, observations, and insights to evaluate your child's development and identify strengths and challenges. The therapist will assess areas such as motor skills, sensory processing, and cognitive abilities relevant to your child's needs. Based on findings, personalised strategies and a tailored treatment plan are created to address identified issues. The assessment process helps identify the specific problem your child is experiencing and forms the foundation for ongoing therapy sessions.