Our Therapy Process in action - equipment for mealtimes

What can I expect in the therapy process? 

At Kids + Co.Lab we can acknowledge that starting therapy with a service provider for the first time, or to start with a new therapist, can be daunting and feel unknown. We thought we would let you know what to expect to help you and your child prepare for the process. 

Your initial point of contact will be to make an enquiry on our website and we’ll be in touch for a discussion about whether we’re the right fit for you. This will enable us to match you with a therapist for an initial appointment.  

Our appointments will differ depending on your goals and family context, however typically our first appointment will be meeting with your therapist and will focus on gathering information and setting goals with the parent or carer. We will ask questions about your child’s strengths, daily routine, current challenges and who the key people are in your child’s life. This may include kindergartens, schools or other therapists. It may take us a couple of sessions to get to know you and your child, complete some assessments and work together to make a plan to achieve your child’s goals. 

Therapy appointments will be collaborative interventions working on your individualised therapy plan. This may happen through a range of modalities including parent or carer coaching, direct therapy, assistive technology prescription, and/or working with other service providers. 

At the end of the agreed therapy block, we will meet again to discuss progress and the next steps. New therapy goals may be set, we may refer you to another service or discharge you once you’ve reached your goals. 

Example 

Jason’s* dad has made an enquiry and booked an initial appointment. Jason is 4 years old with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. 

During the initial appointment with Jason’s mum and dad, we find out that Jason loves Paw Patrol, playing at the beach and digging in his sandpit. He goes to Kindy, sees a physiotherapist once per fortnight and has not seen an occupational therapist before. Jason has been wanting to learn to feed himself his yoghurt and his parents are eager for him to develop this independence.  

At his second appointment, his occupational therapist assesses him feeding himself during his usual afternoon tea of yoghurt and fruit. They notice he doesn’t have enough supports in his seat to enable this and his grip doesn’t allow him to hold his cutlery for long periods. This is discussed with the parents, some extra cushioning and thicker grips are recommended as interim options while exploring assistive technology.  

Following trials of different seating systems and cutlery, Jason’s occupational therapist applies for these through NDIS funding. Once it arrives, the occupational therapist ensures it’s fitted appropriately, demonstrates safe use of the seat and provides direct therapy to improve use of the built-up cutlery.  

At the end of the block, Jason’s parents and his occupational therapist meet to review his goals and determine if there are other goals. There are! And the process begins again. 

*Not real name