Paediatric
occupational therapy
At BillyLids Therapy, our paediatric-focused occupational therapists spend every day helping children develop the skills they need to manage everyday activities more independently.
How occupational therapy can help
Occupational therapy
The everyday childhood joys of living, growing and playing are important for your child. We’re here to support them and make the tasks of daily life easier. Our therapists design a program specifically for your child – and they make it fun, interesting and engaging.
We help your child with:
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Emotional regulation
- Feeding skills
- Self care
- Play skills
- Visual motor skills
- Sensory processing
- Social skills
Everyone is welcome
Who we work with
As a paediatric clinic, we work with children under 10 years of age. Whether your child has a disability, you’re working towards a diagnosis or they simply need additional support or early intervention to address specific concern, our team is here to support you.
We often work with children who have been diagnosed with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder [levels 1,2, 3]
- ADHD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down’s Syndrome
- School readiness concerns
- Dyslexia
- Anxiety
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
If your child doesn’t have a formal diagnosis, that’s absolutely fine! Your child doesn’t need to have a disability or be working towards a diagnosis to see us at BillyLids Therapy – everyone is welcome.
Book a discovery callAssistive Technology for Children
Making Life Easier
Assistive technology is designed to make your child’s life safer and easier – and yours, too. If this is something you want to explore, we can offer advice and support to trial low-risk items, such as adapted cutlery, portable ramps and adaptive clothing.
Assessment, trial and application for more complex assistive technology and equipment, such vehicle modifications, hoists and bathing equipment is also available. With extensive experience working with children, our occupational therapists can offer expert advice and guidance if this is an area you want to explore.
Our approach to therapy
Therapy Through Play
Therapy through play is what BillyLids is all about. Our occupational therapists use fun activities to help your child learn new skills, techniques and methods to master daily tasks. Through engaging games, toys, books, and interactive resources, we apply effective therapeutic techniques that support your child’s development.
We will evaluate your child’s challenges and strengths, and design a program to help develop the skills and abilities that need support. Depending on your child’s goals, this might include self-regulation skills, physical skills, sensory-processing techniques or social and play skills.
Book a discovery callWe work in your world
Community visits
Seeing your child in their own environments is an incredibly important part of occupational therapy, which is why our team loves to get out and see children away from the clinic. Your occupational therapist can visit your home or conduct sessions at childcare, kindy or school.
We love working with teachers and educators to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for your child.
Funding and Fees
BillyLids Therapy welcomes all clients, including privately paying, NDIS-funded and Medicare-eligible children. Your child is able to access therapy in our clinic with or without a diagnosis or referral.
Book a Discovery Call
Let’s organise a time to chat through how our allied health specialists can support your child to shine.
Please note we only work with children under 10 years old.
contact
Chat to us
gday@billylidstherapy.com.auPhone
1300 424 559
Frequently asked questions
How do I pay for occupational therapy? Is there funding available?
Privately paying and funded clients are welcome at BillyLids Therapy. Our occupational therapists all have Medicare provider numbers for parents accessing therapy via Enhanced Primary Care Plans (EPC) or Chronic Disease Management Plans. We also provide therapy for NDIS clients who are plan managed or self managed. See our Fees & Funding page for more information.
What is the process to start at BillyLids Therapy?
While it can differ from child to child, our process generally looks like this:
1. A discovery call. We’ll arrange a 15 minute complimentary discovery call to discuss your child’s needs, match them with the right therapist and book in your appointment times. Most children benefit from routine, and visit us at the same time each week or each fortnight.
2. Parent/carer initial appointment. The first formal appointment will be between you, the parent or carer, and your child’s therapist. This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s needs in detail, review their development, reflect on any previous therapy and to set goals together. You’re welcome to visit us at the clinic or we can meet over Zoom.
3. Your child’s initial appointment. Our first appointment is all about building rapport and making your child feel comfortable in the clinic. We’ll observe and make non-formal assessments to guide our next appointments. The main goal here is for them to have fun with us and look forward to their next appointment!
4. Formal assessment. During appointments 3 to 5, we typically make our formal assessments. While there’s structure to these appointments, we still focus on making them fun for your child.
5. Intervention. Generally from appointment 5, we start our interventions. Our therapies support your child’s goals, including physical skills, social skills and help your child to master everyday tasks. While it sometimes looks like it’s all play, there’s always a well-planned therapeutic goal at the heart of everything we do. Our paediatric occupational therapists are experienced working with kids, so they’re constantly finding new ways to play and learn.
Can I see a speech pathologist and occupational therapist at BillyLids Therapy?
Absolutely – many of our clients do! One of our goals was to create a multidisciplinary clinic exclusively for kids. As mums and healthcare professionals, we know the challenges that can come with accessing care for children. We wanted to make it easier. We can discuss your needs during our initial discovery call.
Does my child need to have a diagnosis to see an occupational therapist?
No – many of our clients don’t have a formal diagnosis. Some may be working towards receiving a diagnosis and require formal reports, while others just need some additional support for sensory, social or physical challenges.
Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist?
A referral isn’t required to see an occupational therapist. However, if your child is eligible for a Medicare rebate, you will need to get a referral from your GP. A referral is not required to see an occupational therapist if you are privately paying or utilising NDIS funding. However, if your child is eligible for a Medicare rebate, you will need to get a referral from your GP.
Can my child receive bulk billed Occupational Therapy?
Your child may be eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care plan [EPC] which gives them access to up to five subsidised visits to allied health practitioners, such as Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, per calendar year. Please see your doctor or GP who will assess your child’s eligibility. For further information please see our blog post: Navigating Funding Options for Children’s Allied Health Services
Resources and Insights
We love sharing what we know. Our team of therapists regularly contribute articles, research and resources to help you support your child at home.
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