Frequently Asked Questions
What is paediatric Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists collaborate closely with children, young people, and their families to enhance health and wellbeing through meaningful activities. They support children in performing the tasks they need or want to do, while also encouraging their engagement in various life roles and situations within their everyday environments. The focus of paediatric occupational therapy is on the occupations that matter most to children, including play, self-care, education, leisure, sleep, and social participation, among others.
What is Child Development Therapy?
ND Collective Child Development Therapists are dedicated early childhood intervention professionals who serve as the main support for young children experiencing neurodivergence or developmental delays. With qualifications in allied health or education, Child Development Therapists lead the way in providing therapeutic interventions tailored to help children reach their goals. They embed a holistic and family-centred approach to support children and their developmental needs such as; school readiness and participation, play skills, emotional and sensory regulation, behavioural challenges, self-care, and much more.
What is neuro-affirming practice?
Here at ND Collective, we subscribe passionately to neuro-affirming practice and service delivery. This approach acknowledges that all neurotypes have unique strengths, interests, and support needs. We recognise that neurodivergence itself, such as being autistic, is not just a set of traits, it is a valid lived identity. We focus on a strengths and rights-based approach to developmental differences and aim to provide support and interventions that affirm each child’s neurodivergent identity.
Does my child have to have NDIS funding to see an ND Collective therapist?
Whilst most ND Collective clients are NDIS funded, we may be able to service clients via alternative funding pathways. Please contact us on 0422102441 to discuss your options.
What happens at my child’s first appointment?
An ND Collective therapist will attend either your home or complete the appointment via a secure telehealth platform. During the appointment, they will discuss your child’s strengths and areas where you would like to see your little one develop. Your therapist will work with you to set functional goals to work towards whilst accessing therapies. Sometimes these goals driven by your child’s NDIS plan, and other times the goals are parent/caregiver led. ND Collective use a variety of measurement tools for tracking progress.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an initial session for your child with an ND Collective OT or Child Development Therapist, you can complete our ND Collective Referral Form or contact 0422102441 for more information. We provide face-to-face therapies in the Cairns and surrounding areas (QLD), as well as in the Albany and surrounding areas (WA) via our mobile service. Consultations and are also available via our Telehealth services across Australia.
Can therapies take place at school, kindy, daycare or at home?
Yes! As a mobile therapy provider, your sessions can take place at various locations to suit your child and families individual needs. Please contact your child’s school to confirm if it is possible for external providers to complete a therapy session within the school environment.
Is there anything I can do at home to help my child in-between sessions?
There sure is! Research indicates that having a parent engaged and involved in therapy sessions results in the child achieving their goals nearly twice as fast as they would without parental involvement (Lin, Lin, & Yu, 2018). Your ND Collective therapist will give you suggestions of activities and strategies you can put into place during your child’s regular routine. This will ensure they are continuously working towards achieving their goals. We also recommend implementing some of our Therapy@Home programs as part of your child’s therapy program. View packs
How much do therapies cost?
We follow the NDIS guidelines, ensuring that our therapists charge for time spent working with you or your child, including both face-to-face and non face-to-face activities. In addition to the standard session fee, you can expect a small charge for session preparation and post-session documentation. We will always discuss any additional charges with you beforehand to ensure transparency and clarity. Typical session times consist of 45min face-to-face and 15 minutes preparation and follow-up.
Do you charge travel fees?
Yes, all travel fees are in line with NDIS policy. You can expect to be charged for up to 30 minutes (MMM1-3) for travel to your appointment, and up to 60 minutes (MMM4-5). Where possible, therapists will endeavour to cluster clients together to allow for reduced travel fees. The ND Collective admin team will provide you with the specific travel charges that apply to your situation.
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a 2-business day cancellation policy, whereby you will be charged 100% of the planned session fee if you cancel within this time. Your therapist may discuss any exceptional individual circumstances with their team leader where exceptions may need to apply.