What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way a person perceives and interacts with the world. It is characterised by differences in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour and sensory processing.
No two children on the autism spectrum are the same. The presentation and profile of each child is unique, which is why at Advance Occupational Therapy every assessment and intervention plan is individually tailored to the child and their family.
Occupational therapy plays an important role in supporting children with autism to participate as fully as possible in the everyday activities that matter to them — at home, at school, and in the community.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Autism
At Advance Occupational Therapy we use a collaborative approach with caregivers, teachers, and other important people in the child’s life to discuss areas of concern and goals to be achieved.
Assessments may involve standardised measures alongside play-based observational assessments, depending on what the areas of challenge are. Each client is individually tailored for with regard to intervention and goals set.
Based on all of this information, an intervention plan is derived which consists of individualised goals. These goals are reviewed so that outcomes of therapy are always monitored. We believe in being outcomes-based using the latest interventions.
Areas Occupational Therapy Addresses
For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, occupational therapy supports participation in the key areas of daily life. At Advance Occupational Therapy we assess and address the following occupational areas:
Self-Care
AOT intervention focuses on building independence in these essential everyday tasks in a way that is manageable and meaningful for the child.
Leisure
Advance Occupational Therapy helps children develop the skills to engage with peers, participate in play, and build social connections in environments that suit them.
Productivity
AOT supports the child and collaborates with educators to improve participation and outcomes at school.
Rest
Advance Occupational therapy can support the development of consistent sleep routines that contribute to better regulation, learning, and overall wellbeing during the day.
Sensory Processing and Autism
Children with autism often experience differences in how they process sensory information. A child may be over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory input such as touch, sound, movement, taste, or visual stimulation.
At Advance Occupational Therapy, sensory processing is considered as part of a comprehensive assessment. Where sensory difficulties are identified, they are incorporated into the child’s individualised intervention plan, including strategies for home and school environments.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our Assessment and Intervention Process
At Advance Occupational Therapy we take the time to understand each child fully. Here is what to expect:
- Initial Consultation
- Comprehensive Assessment
- Preschool and School Collaboration
- Individualised Intervention Plan
- Ongoing Review and Monitoring
WHY ADVANCE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
A Bespoke, Personalised Service
Advance Occupational Therapy is a bespoke occupational therapy service that considers each client’s requirements on an individual basis. You will be seen by the owner of Advance Occupational Therapy, Prarthna Bhuta, during your child’s sessions.
Parent education, and customised individualised OT programs for the various environments that the child interacts in, are some of the unique features of the service at Advance Occupational Therapy.
This makes OT sessions at Advance Occupational Therapy personalised and unique when compared to larger occupational therapy centres.
About Prarthna Bhuta
Prarthna graduated from Sydney University with a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) — her third degree. She also holds a Bachelors of Science (BSc) and a Masters of Public Health (MPH). After the birth of her first child she qualified as a Toddler Kindy Gymbaroo teacher, teaching parents and their babies and children the Gymbaroo program for eight years. While working at Gymbaroo, Prarthna developed a strong interest in the neurodevelopment of babies and children and believes strongly in the importance of early intervention and its benefits. She combines her Gymbaroo training to complement her occupational therapy skills to achieve the best outcomes for each client.
Credentials
- Registered NDIS Provider
- Registered Medicare Australia Provider
- Member, Occupational Therapy Australia
- Endorsed by Better Mental Health
- Meets yearly continuing professional development requirements
- Master of Occupational Therapy – Sydney University
FUNDING AND REBATES
How to Fund Occupational Therapy for Autism
NDIS
Prarthna is a registered NDIS Provider. Occupational therapy for children with autism can be funded through the NDIS under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget. Advance Occupational Therapy works with agency-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed NDIS participants.
Enhanced Primary Care Plan and Mental Health Care Plan
These two rebates require a referral from your GP. Prarthna is a registered provider with Medicare Australia.
Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance for Occupational Therapy, please speak with your private health insurance provider to find out whether you are eligible for a rebate.
Book an Appointment
No referral is needed. Please call (02) 9659 2666 or contact Prarthna directly to discuss your child’s needs and arrange an appointment.
