How can Occupational Therapy help my child?

Occupational Therapists help to improve your child’s motor, behavioural, cognitive, sensory processing, play skills and independence. At Firm Foundations we help to promote development, reduce the potential for developmental delay, and work together with families to meet the needs of their little ones. See our list of services for more information or feel free to contact us for a chat about how we can help your child.

Can I use my funding for Occupational Therapy with Firm Foundations?

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Families who are Self Managed or Plan Managed with the NDIS can use their funding to access OT services.

Medicare funding options - Firm Foundations is a registered Medicare provider

The Chronic Disease Management Plan (previously Enhanced Primary Care Plan)

The Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) is a Medicare-rebated funding program for people who have chronic medical conditions, classified as a condition that has been present for a minimum of 6 months. It consists of a maximum of 5 rebates per calendar year for Allied Health services, including Occupational Therapy.

Helping Children with Autism - Diagnosis and Treatment

The Helping Children with Autism Medicare plan provides 4 appointments for private diagnosis when referred by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist to an Occupational therapist, Psychologist or Speech pathologist.

You can then access 20 sessions for intervention with allied health providers, including Occupational therapy. These plans can only be used once in a child’s life. They must commence before their 13th birthday and be used by their 15th birthday. A Paediatrician or Psychiatrist referral is required to access this Medicare plan.

My child doesn’t have a diagnosis. Can they still see an Occupational therapist?

Your child may or may not be diagnosed. We see children who just need a little practice in one area as well as those who have a formal diagnosis and may need more support across multiple areas of development. Many children never require or receive a diagnosis. They may just need some support and a little more time than their same-age peers to reach their current developmental milestones or ‘catch up’. Other young children are yet to be diagnosed so Occupational therapy can be a great way to support your child to progress while they are being monitored by a Paediatrician.