How frequent are sessions?
After your initial assessment the therapist will advise either weekly or fortnightly therapy will best suit your needs and desired outcomes. We attempt to be flexible with your family needs when scheduling regular appointments.
How long are the sessions?
Standard sessions have 50 mins of direct contact time, along with 25 mins of non-direct time (planning, note writing, co-ordination with other services or teachers). The length of time can be adjusted to meet the needs of each client, some days your child may not be up for the full session. The level of indirect time is gauged by the complexity of the client and session.
Group sessions run for 1.25 hours to allow time for the children to further develop their skills and for the therapists to see the interaction between the children. Non direct time for a group session involves input from both the Occupational Therapist and the Allied Health Assistants.
Do I need to stay when my child is in a session?
This will depend on your child. Some children engage in the session better without their parents (often this is more the case for teenagers) however in this situation it is important that you stay within the waiting room so that your child knows you are close by. For most therapy sessions we encourage parents to be in the room and a part of the sessions as the changes are much more likely and speedy if the therapeutic approaches and activities are also integrated into everyday life.
Can I bring siblings with me to a session?
It is preferential that you do not bring siblings to the session, unless this is arranged in advance with goals such as sibling play or sharing space. We do understand that there will be times where it is unavoidable, it is our preference that you and the sibling remain in the waiting area.
How will I know what my OT will be working on?
Your OT will work in partnership with you and your child’s team. It is really important that we have a shared purpose and goals for our work together – this is like a road map for what we will be doing together. It provides clarity and ensures we are on the same page.
Do I need to provide documentation and reports from other health professionals?
Previous and current documents and reports regarding your child assist our therapists in building an understanding of the path you have traveled prior to coming to MOTA. They may help build strategies and set goals that assist you and your child.
Will I receive any written notes about sessions from my child’s therapist?
Typically if you attend the session with your child we won’t then also send through the progress notes unless you make this request. If you do not attend the session, for example if your child is seen at a school, then you will be emailed the progress notes from each session. We also have the option for a 15 min check in call to discuss how your child is progressing, and we request that all families have a parent consultation without the child present at least once each term.
Will my child need a GP or pediatrician referral to access your service?
No! You are able to access occupational therapy services without a referral. Your child may be eligible for a Medicare plan, which entitles you to a rebate. You will need to discuss this with your GP.
We are waiting for my child’s NDIS plan to be approved. Can we use a Medicare referral or private health insurance while we wait for the NDIS funding to come through?
Yes! You are able to use a Medicare referral and / or private health insurance while you wait for your NDIS funding to be approved. Please check your private health insurance policy for your extra’s inclusion.
Please note that you can ONLY Medicare OR private health insurance per appointment NOT BOTH