FAQs
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
If your child is experiencing challenges such as difficulties with motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, self-care tasks, or concerns raised by a teacher or educator, an assessment with an occupational therapist may be beneficial. Early intervention can help strengthen their skills in daily activities, play, and overall development.
What is your approach to therapy?
At Family First Therapy, we take a neurodiversity-affirming, play-based, and collaborative approach. Our sessions are engaging, individualised, and designed to align with your child's interests while incorporating evidence-based strategies. We work closely with families to support each child's unique strengths and challenges.
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What types of challenges can occupational therapy help with?
Occupational therapy can support children with a range of challenges, including difficulty with fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, social interactions, handwriting, self-care tasks (like dressing or eating), and daily activities. Therapy is tailored to your child’s unique needs and focuses on building skills that are essential for their development and everyday life.
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What is the difference between occupational therapy and other therapies?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills needed to participate in daily activities (also called “occupations”), such as self-care, play, learning, and social interactions. Unlike physical therapy, which mainly focuses on physical mobility, or speech therapy, which addresses communication issues, occupational therapy looks at the whole child and works on improving their functional skills across different environments (home, school, community).
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How do I know if my child is making progress in therapy?
Progress in therapy is typically measured by improvements in your child’s skills and ability to participate in everyday activities. We will regularly communicate with you about your child’s progress, and we encourage open discussion about goals, challenges, and achievements. Parent feedback and at-home practice are crucial to reinforcing skills learned during therapy sessions.
How long will my child need therapy?
Every child's therapy journey is unique. Progress depends on their individual needs, consistency of therapy, and continued support at home. Occupational therapy focuses on skill-building over time rather than providing a quick fix. Our goal is to offer meaningful, ongoing support that benefits both the child and their family.
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How do I support my child’s therapy at home?
We believe therapy should extend beyond the session. After each session, we may provide suggestions for home activities or strategies to support your child’s progress. Parent involvement is key in reinforcing the skills your child is working on, and we encourage you to ask for guidance on how to incorporate therapy techniques into daily routines.
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Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No referral is required for most cases. However, if your child is not funded by NDIS, you can request a Medicare plan from your GP for rebate-eligible sessions. You can also contact us directly to schedule a session.
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How long are sessions, and what are the costs?
Session durations and fees vary depending on the type of support your child requires. We provide individual therapy sessions, assessments, and parent consultations. Please get in touch to discuss your child’s needs, and we can provide more detailed information.
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Do you accept NDIS, Medicare, or private health insurance?
We accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Medicare rebates may be available with a GP referral under specific plans, and some private health insurance policies may cover therapy services. We recommend confirming coverage details with your provider.
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Do you work with schools or other professionals?
Yes, at Family First Therapy, we collaborate with schools, teachers, and other professionals involved in your child’s care to ensure a holistic approach. We may share strategies or recommendations with these teams to help your child succeed across different environments. We also encourage ongoing communication with other therapists or support workers if needed.