Children’s Services
Thrive Health Therapies provides occupational therapy and speech pathology for children and teenagers across metropolitan Adelaide. Our children’s services are available at our accessible Findon clinic, as well as in homes, schools, kindergartens and other community locations. Our occupational therapists and speech pathologists provide individualised, family-centred and neuroaffirming support based on each child’s strengths, needs and goals.
Our Children’s Therapy Services
-
Occupational Therapy
Our paediatric occupational therapists support children and teenagers who experience difficulties participating in everyday activities at home, kindergarten, school or in the community.
-
Speech Pathology
Our paediatric speech pathologists support children and teenagers with speech, language, literacy, social communication, feeding and swallowing, helping them participate more confidently at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.
Where We Provide Children’s Services
Our Findon Clinic
Our paediatric spaces include engaging therapy equipment and resources that can be adapted to different ages, interests and therapy goals. Clinic appointments may be helpful for children who benefit from access to specialised equipment or a consistent therapy environment.
Your home
Our occupational therapists and speech pathologists provide home-based therapy across metropolitan Adelaide. Home visits allow children to practise everyday skills and routines in a familiar environment using the equipment and spaces available to them.
Mobile therapy across Adelaide
Our occupational therapists and speech pathologists provide therapy in homes, schools, kindergartens and community settings across metropolitan Adelaide. This allows children to practise strategies within their everyday environments.
Via telehealth
Where clinically appropriate, appointments can be provided by secure video call. Telehealth may be useful for exercise reviews, education, symptom-management advice, carer guidance and follow-up when an in-person appointment is not required.
Our Approach to Children’s Therapy
Every child communicates, learns, moves and experiences the world differently. Our therapists take the time to understand each child’s strengths, interests, communication preferences, needs and priorities.
Therapy focuses on practical and meaningful goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all program. Depending on the child, sessions may involve play, movement, structured activities, skill development, environmental changes, visual supports, communication systems or parent coaching.
Our approach is:
Individualised: Therapy reflects the child’s particular strengths, needs and goals.
Family-centred: Parents and carers are involved in decisions and provided with practical strategies.
Neuroaffirming: We respect different ways of thinking, communicating, learning and experiencing the world.
Strengths-based: We build on what the child can already do and the interests that motivate them.
Practical: Strategies are designed to work within everyday activities and routines.
Collaborative: With consent, therapists can work with educators, support workers and other health professionals.
Inclusive: We welcome children, teenagers and families of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures and abilities.
Our goal is to support each child’s participation, wellbeing, autonomy and confidence without asking them to hide or change who they are.
Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology Together
Some children benefit from support from both an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist.
For example, a child may need support with sensory regulation and daily routines as well as language and communication. Another child may have feeding needs involving both the physical, sensory and functional aspects of mealtimes.
When a child accesses more than one Thrive service, our therapists can collaborate with the family’s consent. This can help ensure goals and strategies complement one another and remain practical for the child, family and educators.
Children do not need to access both services. Each referral is considered individually according to the child’s needs and the family’s priorities.
Children’s Assessments and Reports
Depending on your child’s needs and funding requirements, our occupational therapists and speech pathologists may provide:
Initial occupational therapy assessments
Speech and language assessments
Fine motor and visual motor assessments
Daily living and self-care assessments
Social communication assessments
Literacy and phonological awareness assessments
Home, school and kindergarten observations
Progress reports
NDIS reports
Not every child requires a formal or standardised assessment. Your therapist will discuss the most appropriate approach before proceeding.
Who Do Our Children’s Therapists Support?
Our occupational therapists and speech pathologists work with children and teenagers with a broad range of developmental, communication, sensory, physical and functional needs.
This may include children with:
Autism
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Developmental delay
Developmental language disorder
Speech sound difficulties
Intellectual disability
Learning difficulties
Developmental coordination disorder
Cerebral palsy
Down syndrome and other genetic conditions
Physical or neurological conditions
Sensory processing differences
Complex communication needs
Feeding or swallowing difficulties
A child does not always need a diagnosis to access therapy. Families can contact us directly if they have concerns about their child’s communication, development, sensory experiences or participation in everyday activities.
Funding for Children’s Services
Thrive Health Therapies welcomes children accessing occupational therapy and speech pathology through:
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Private health insurance
Private funding
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)
Funding availability depends on your individual plan, policy or eligibility.
A GP referral is not required for NDIS-funded or privately funded services. An appropriate GP referral and care plan are required to claim eligible Medicare rebates through a GPCCMP.
Why Families Choose Thrive Health Therapies
Occupational therapy and speech pathology: Families can access both services through one Adelaide allied health provider.
Flexible appointment locations: Services are available at our Findon clinic, at home, in schools, kindergartens and community settings, and via telehealth where appropriate.
Dedicated children’s therapy spaces: Our Findon clinic includes engaging equipment and flexible spaces for different therapy goals.
Individualised support: Therapy is based on each child’s strengths, needs, interests and goals.
Neuroaffirming practice: We respect different communication styles, sensory experiences and ways of engaging with the world.
Family-centred care: Parents and carers are included in planning and supported with practical strategies.
Collaboration: With consent, our therapists can work with educators and other health professionals.
Inclusive services: We welcome and value children and families of all backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Services
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
-
Thrive Health Therapies provides occupational therapy and speech pathology for children and teenagers across Adelaide. Services include assessments, individual therapy, parent coaching, school and kindergarten consultation, reports and practical strategies for everyday activities.
-
Appointments are available at our Findon clinic and in homes, schools, kindergartens and community settings across metropolitan Adelaide. Telehealth may also be available where clinically appropriate.
-
No. A child does not always need a formal diagnosis to benefit from occupational therapy or speech pathology. Funding providers may have separate eligibility requirements.
-
Occupational therapy may be appropriate when sensory processing, emotional regulation, movement, self-care, play, learning or everyday routines are difficult.
Speech pathology may be appropriate when a child has difficulty with speech, language, communication, literacy, fluency, feeding or swallowing.
If you are unsure, contact our team and tell us about your concerns. We can help direct your referral to the most appropriate service.
-
Yes. Some children access both services, while others only need support from one discipline. With your consent, Thrive’s occupational therapists and speech pathologists can collaborate when this would benefit your child.
-
Yes, where appropriate. School and kindergarten appointments depend on the therapist’s availability, your location and approval from the education provider.
-
Yes. Telehealth occupational therapy and speech pathology may be available where clinically appropriate. It can be particularly useful for parent coaching, program reviews, consultation and some therapy activities.
-
Yes. We provide occupational therapy and speech pathology to NDIS participants when the requested service relates to the child’s needs, goals and available funding.
-
A referral is not usually required for privately funded or NDIS-funded services. Families can refer their child directly. A GP referral and care plan are required to claim eligible Medicare rebates.
-
Parents, carers, support coordinators and health professionals can complete our online paediatric referral form. If you would prefer to discuss your child’s needs first, call us on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
Ready to get started?
It’s easy!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
