Occupational Therapy Paediatric Services

Get to know Occupational Therapy Paediatric Services

From Occupational Therapy Paediatric Services's website.

• Our approach

  Occupational therapy sessions focus on helping children develop skills for everyday activities like dressing, eating, writing, and playing through fun and supportive methods that build strength, coordination, focus and confidence. Therapists assess what each child finds difficult and create personalised strategies tailored to their needs. The practice uses a family-centred approach with evidence-based methods, and all staff continually update their skills to provide the highest quality care. Working collaboratively with parents, educators and other supporters is central to achieving the best outcomes for each child.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are present for all therapy appointments (except in preschools/schools) as part of the family-centred approach. The practice prioritises collaboration with families, schools and other supporters to ensure consistency of care and works closely with educators to build their capacity to support children beyond therapy sessions. Non-face-to-face support includes communicating with other therapists, attending meetings, contacting teachers, and creating resources for home and school use. This collaborative model ensures families are active partners in their child's therapy journey.

• Meet the team

  The team includes the owner and Principal Occupational Therapist Olivia Jackson, who has over 30 years of paediatric experience, a Masters qualification and is a PhD candidate specialising in developmental disability. Multiple Senior Occupational Therapists (Lisa Celi, Dayna Davidson, Lynda Borzycki and Claire Dickson) bring diverse expertise including school collaboration, behavioural support, neurodiversity-affirming practice and animal-assisted therapy. Additional qualified Occupational Therapists and allied health assistants support the team, along with a Speech Pathologist. All staff use evidence-based approaches and many have additional specialist qualifications and mentoring roles.

• Your first visit

  At the initial assessment appointment, parents or carers discuss their concerns and goals for their child with the therapist. The therapist then assesses the child using a range of assessment tools and observations during the session. Following this initial meeting, the frequency of ongoing sessions is discussed and agreed upon with parents and carers. This appointment establishes a collaborative foundation, with parents present for all appointments (except in preschools/schools) as part of the family-centred approach.