Child Sense occupational therapy logo for Child Sense
Contact us

Individual Services

Child on sensory swing with therapist by Child Sense

Goal Setting

Child Sense works towards the functional goals identified by the individual, carers, educational settings and other support networks. Where possible children and teens are key participants in the goal setting and direction of therapy to ensure meaningful outcomes for every participant.

In order to establish the best context to assess a child or adolescent’s functioning Child Sense will conduct an initial interview. The initial interview normally lasts up to an hour. This is an extended discussion just between the therapist and carer and/or participant (if older) which can be conducted online, in person or on the phone. This allows the therapist to:

  • Hear the expectations from the carers or participant of the assessment process

  • Develop goal areas for therapy

  • Gather some historical and background information about the participant

  • Discuss the assessment plan with the carer

Comprehensive assessments

Child Sense conducts a range of occupational therapy assessments around functional areas such as activities of daily living, self care, school skills, self organisation, self regulation, play engagement and social participation. Extensive and thorough assessments using standardised and non-standardised assessment tools are used with each referral to Child Sense. New service participants can choose from: 

 

Standard Occupational Therapy Assessment: This is a dynamic assessment process that is individualised to your child. This process includes:

  • An initial interview goal setting meeting with the carers and/or child if they are able to be part of the process (e.g. teens).
  • Direct observation of your child in the clinic and/or community setting depending on the discussions in the initial interview.
  • Scoring and reviewing questionnaires and assessment results. 
  • A formal report or short summary of findings depending on the participant’s need.
  • A feedback meeting to discuss results and plan ongoing service delivery if required.

 

Evaluation of Ayres’ Sensory Integration (EASI)

Child Sense offers EASI assessments focused on assessing key sensory integration functions. The process is similar to the above however the administration time of this assessment can range from 1.5-3.5 hours so can be broken up into multiple assessment times if required. Your therapist will advise how many sessions are required after meeting your child. 

 

Dynamic Assessment

This form of assessment typically occurs over a number of weeks and is suitable for participants who may not be appropriate for standardised testing, or those who benefit from prioritising rapport building and connection at the beginning of therapy. Dynamic assessment is also appropriate for participants with highly specific goal areas, such as learning to tie shoelaces or developing a particular daily living skill. 

 

Functional Capacity Assessment

A functional capacity assessment is a broad and in-depth assessment of a person’s ability to participate in everyday life activities. The report needs to identify the support needs of the person, identify opportunities for capacity building, make recommendations on supports required and cover all areas of function. Functional Capacity Assessments require an estimated 10-15 hours and includes:

  • An interview with the carer or participant
  • Administration and scoring of home questionnaires 
  • Functional observation whether in clinic or in the home (or both) 
  • Reviewing other providers reports and discussion with other providers
  • Report writing and feedback with the participant

Intervention in the school, home or clinic environments

Principles of consultation, monitoring and direct intervention form the basis of the Child Sense intervention programmes. Side by side learning is encouraged during therapy sessions whether it be with teachers, learning support staff, parents or relevant others. This ensures strategies can be carried over to other environments.

Sessions are usually 50 minutes in length with an additional 10minutes charged for written communication or feedback. Sessions are tailored to meet your child’s needs and focus on the functional difficulties for your child. Intervention may use a range of techniques including sensory integration, cognitive training, motor and functional skills training, systematic instruction, environmental adaptation and coping strategies.

Child Sense therapists have training in a wide variety of intervention approaches including  but not restricted to Ayres Sensory Integration, MORE Approach, Safe n Sound Protocol, Therapeutic Listening, DIR Floortime, Zones Of Regulation, Alert Programme, Handwriting Without Tears and the CO-OP approach.