Waverley Kids Therapy is a small, nurturing paediatric Occupational Therapy practice based in Melbourne. We are located in Vermont (3133) and Dandenong (3175) and also provide therapy sessions at school, Kindergarten, Daycare and in the community.
We are dedicated to helping children develop the skills they need for everyday activities, discover their strengths and interests, and realise their potential.
About Us
Join us at a 'Stay and Play Session' at Nunawading Toy Library - Monthly on Mondays. Check out NTL Facebook page for dates.
Shereen volunteers to facilitate these sessions to provide an inclusive and supportive space for children of all abilities and their parents/caregivers.
​Shereen, our lead Occupational Therapist, established the practice in 2014 after working in reputable Early Intervention Services in Melbourne and the NHS in London, UK.
​
Shereen has over 15 years of experience working as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist and loves that she is able to team up with children and their families to build skills and capacity to participate in goals and activities that are meaningful for their young person.
​
Shereen has engaged in further training and professional development over the years, and continues to do so to ensure that the supports she provides is evidence-based and Neuroaffirming. She has a special interest in working with non-speaking children using AAC.
​​
-
Ross Greene CPS Model
-
Social Stencil (Facilitator training)
-
Sensory Integration- Sensory Integration Training (Module 1) in the UK
-
DIR/Floortime Model
-
Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP)- Certified therapist
-
The Alert Program-How does my engine run?
-
​Hanan training for non-Speech Therapists
-
Keyworker Model
-
Infant Mental Health Training
-
Certificate in Adolescent Health (Melbourne University, Coursera)
-
LAMP Words for Life (AAC training)
​​
​​​​​
What is Occupational Therapy?
In occupational therapy, occupations refer to the everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life.
For children, these occupations include playing, learning, moving, feeding themselves, dressing, relating or connecting with others.
​
For Teens, these occupations may include hanging out with friends, playing a sport, taking public transport, time management and money management, or improving their employment skills,
Occupational Therapists can help with:
-
Attention and concentration- helping your child learn about what their body and brain needs to effectively learn, following instructions, organisation skills, attempting challenging tasks
-
​Fine- motor skills- handwriting, drawing, cutting with scissors, playing with toys, developing hand dominance.
-
​Gross motor skills-, ball skills, posture and core strength, playing on playground equipment, carrying out physical tasks, balance. ​
​
-
Sensory Processing- understanding their unique sensory profile (preferences and needs) to help them to participate in occupations, helping the people around the child's sensory needs.
​
-
​Independence and self-care skills- dressing, toilet-training, using cutlery for mealtimes, brushing teeth, tying shoelaces, cooking, taking public transport.​
​
-
Challenging behaviours- regulating emotions and behaviours to participate in activities, strategies for regulation, working with families to understand behaviours and co-regulation. ​
​
-
Play and social skills- engaging with others in play, playing with toys, turn-taking, sharing, working in a group, developing and extending their interests, sharing their ideas and advocating for supports and accommodations.
Our Services
Individual therapy sessions
We offer individual 1:1 therapy sessions across different environments; clinic rooms, home, kindergarten, school and in the community.
We believe in the effectiveness of parent coaching and collaborating with parents and educators in supporting children to develop their skills.
Parent Coaching Consultations
Parent coaching sessions are available for families who are on waitlists and would benefit from having a consultation while waiting to access therapy.
Groups
We run groups organically as the needs and interests arise and currently have a Teens Boys Group running monthly.
​
Get in touch if you would be interested in joining a group.
"The most interesting people you'll find are ones that don't fit into your average cardboard box. They'll make what they need, they'll make their own boxes."
- Dr Temple Grandin
Funding Options
-
Medicare Plans- Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care EPC plan) or/and Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan
​
-
Helping Children with Autism Plan- Your child's Paediatrician needs to write this referral and it needs to be written before your child's 13th birthday.
​
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Funding- We are only able to work with Plan Managed and Self-Managed NDIS Participants.
​​
-
Privately funded - Check with your Private Health Insurer if OT is covered.
​​