Occupational Therapists support individuals in gaining greater independence and fulfilment in everyday activities. By assessing the unique presentation of each individual, our therapists are able to provide treatment, advice, and support that is specific and right for the clients needs.
At First Choice Allied Health we have a team of experienced Occupational Therapists who work with children, teenagers and adults to develop skills that will make a wide range of life tasks easier.
Many people misunderstand the work that an Occupational Therapist (OT) does. ‘Occupation’ is anything that you do throughout the day that ‘occupies’ your time. The diagram below groups these ‘occupations’ into 9 areas and to help understand the breadth of the work OTs perform.
Who can benefit from our Occupational Therapy services
Our team of Occupational Therapists have extensive experience working with clients with the following conditions and disorders, including:
Autism
Intellectual Disability
Down Syndrome
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Developmental Delays
Stroke or Cerebrovascular Accident – in a function and participational setting
Acquired Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Those with Mental Health needs
Our therapists work closely with clients, their families and caregivers, and other allied health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
How Occupational Therapy can help
Our Occupational Therapists support children and teenagers in the development of important life skills, building confidence, and in reaching their developmental milestones and personal goals.
We can support children, adolescents and families in the following areas:
Fine motor skills development
Gross motor coordination and strength
Sensory processing and modulation - how we take in and interpret sensory information from our environment
Visual perceptual processing - how we make sense of what we are seeing
Proprioception - our awareness of our body and it how it moves
Self-care skills (daily living including toileting, dressing, toothbrushing etc...)
Emotional regulation
Play and social skills
Confidence and self-esteem
Environmental and equipment recommendations
Organisation and time management
Life skills (e.g. personal hygiene, meal preparation, using public transport)
Stress management and resilience
Social thinking and communication in teen contexts
Study skills and school participation
Work and routine preparation to aid the transition to adulthood
Our OT’s support adults in managing everyday tasks and maintaining independence.
We support adults with:
Daily Living & Self-Care
Personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and meal prep
Household & Community Tasks (IADLs)
Budgeting, shopping, transport, and home management
Health and Wellness
Managing chronic conditions, medication routines, and emotional regulation
Work and Employment Support
Return-to-work planning, ergonomic advice, skill development
Social and Community Participation
Building confidence, managing anxiety, improving communication
Leisure and Meaningful Activities
Reconnecting with hobbies, activities, and personal interests
Education & Learning
Study support, cognitive strategies, organisation, and focus
Sleep and Rest
Establishing healthy routines and managing barriers to restful sleep
Home Environment Modifications
Equipment recommendations, accessibility changes, and safety support
Our therapists also support parents by helping them identify ways to support their child's strengths, adapting to different environments and reducing barriers at home and within the community.
Our therapy approach is tailored to the individual, using developmentally and age-appropriate methods such as play-based for younger children, and goal-directed, practical strategies for teenagers.
Our OT team provides extensive services
Conduct functional assessments and functional capacity assessments
Prepare reports and recommendations for school and home
Conduct school visits and observations
Organise multidisciplinary team meetings with relevant professionals
Undertake one-on-one therapy sessions
Conduct group programs
Provide parent coaching and education
Provide 1:1 therapy based on a client's needs
Sessions often include hands-on activities, games, conversations, equipment, visuals, and tools linked to the child or teen’s interests, to encourage engagement and meaningful progress.
Our Occupational Therapy Facilities
We provide a safe, warm and welcoming space, with private consulting rooms, and a range of equipment to offer our occupational therapy clients. This setting enables our team of expert therapists to provide you with exceptional and personalised care.
Areas We Service
First Choice Allied Health is focused on providing expert Occupational Therapy services within Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Flemington, Travancore, Maribyrnong, Aberfeldie, and Kensington.
We also have a focus on the wider community and surrounding areas, including:
Footscray
Brunswick
Coburg
Pascoe Vale
Parkville
North Melbourne
Carlton
West Melbourne
Docklands
South Melbourne
Yarraville
Sunshine
Albion
Thornbury
Preston
Northcote
Richmond
South Yarra
Port Melbourne
Williamstown
Tullamarine
Keilor
Oak Park
Fawkner