When it comes to our children, only the best will do, and ensuring that they have all of the help and support they need to thrive in life is invariably at the top of the list. For some children, this means finding them an expert in sensory processing, self care and fine motor skills, and an occupational therapist is often best-placed to help.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides some of the best and most experienced therapists in the field, who can help to enhance and improve your offspring’s quality of life – but how do you ensure you’re choosing the right one to suit their needs?
Here, we take a look at all you need to know to find the perfect match.
Consider the location and teletherapy options
Having an NDIS occupational therapist who is based within a reasonable distance from your home is important to ensure that attending appointments is simple and stress-free, so before you start to look for the top occupational therapists in the country, make sure that they are conveniently located to avoid disappointment later on. The skills learned from an occupational therapist need to constantly be built and improved upon, so finding someone close can make a huge difference to your child’s progress.
If travel is going to prove a challenge, then you might like to consider teletherapy, which will allow your child to get the support they need from the comfort of their own home via video call. Ask your short-listed NDIS occupational therapists if they provide teletherapy as an option for treatment, as this may also prove helpful should you or your child fall ill and be unable to attend on occasion in person.
Consider areas of specialism
Most NDIS occupational therapists tend to specialise in a particular area, so if your offspring is dealing with any specific injuries or particular conditions they need help with, then be sure to hunt for someone who is experienced in these areas. In doing so, you’ll ensure you’re getting an occupational therapist who can offer the most suitable treatment plan to help them develop and improve at the best possible pace, and that your child feels instantly comfortable and understood from the start.
Find a therapist who loves working with children
While some NDIS occupational therapists work with people of all ages, others are accustomed to working with children in particular. If you can, seek out a children’s specialist, as they will be best placed to put your child at ease and work with them in a way that is tailored to their young needs.
Check a therapist’s reviews online to gauge the types of clients they primarily service and the feedback that has been given on their approach. If you can find someone who isn’t just experienced in working with children, but who loves doing so, then you’ll likely be onto a winner.
If you can, ask if you can go in and see their office space and observe the way they work before bringing your child to meet them so that you can ensure they are a good match.
Check credentials
Checking the credentials of candidates is crucial before making your final decision on who you’d like your child to work with for NDIS occupational therapy. Ensuring they have the relevant degrees and that they have spent some time working in the field already will ensure that you are placing your child’s development in safe hands, giving you peace of mind that they are the right person to help them.
The bottom line
Searching for the perfect occupational therapist for your child can feel like a nerve-wracking and sometimes, stressful experience – but finding the right match for them could be easier than you think with these simple steps. A good therapist will have your child’s best interests at heart in just the same way that you do, so be sure to do your research and you can rest safe in the knowledge that you’ve made an informed choice who could help improve your youngster’s life for the better.
