We can help with...
Child Development
Our team have broad knowledge of child development from birth, through the early years and into adolescence.
We will work with you and your child to identify strengths and difficulties and develop an intervention plan to support their development.
Disability
Our team has experience working with children with a range of disabilities, from mild to complex and severe.
We will work with you, your child and their broader team to meet their functional participation goals in their daily lives.
This may include equipment prescription, splinting and therapy provision.
School and Kindy Participation
Our team recognise the importance of kindy and school in children’s lives.
We work with children, families and educators to support student transition and inclusion.
We support children to become more independent in their learning environments and to engage more fully in the educational curriculum.
Independence Skills
At ValleyKids we believe that all children have the right to be as independent as possible in their daily lives.
We work with families to help their children participate in activities that are meaningful to them and appropriate for their life stage.
Behaviour
Some children have challenging and complex behaviours that impact on their relationships and daily lives.
We work with children, families, and other team members to identify the factors influencing the behaviour.
We can provide assessment and therapy strategies to reduce the impact of challenging behaviours and improve children’s health and wellbeing.
Sensory
Coping with sensory information (sensory processing) can be challenging for many children.
This can have an impact on their development, wellbeing, and family function.
Our team are experts at assessing and developing targeted intervention plans.
These plans provide strategies for the child, their family and other people in their lives to support their sensory needs.
Coordination
Many children have difficulties with coordination, and this can impact on every part of their lives, from fundamental movement skills through to independence, self-esteem, and participation in daily activities at school and home.
Our team can work with you to assess your child’s coordination and provide targeted interventions to improve their skills.
Equipment
Access to the right equipment, at the right time, can have a profound impact on a child’s life.
We work with children, families, and other team members to assess equipment needs and source the best product for your child.
Whether your child needs equipment to help with their mobility, positioning, daily living skills or education, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Orthopaedic Management
Our team’s knowledge and understanding of body systems ensures that they can assist children with a variety of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal concerns. Your therapist will provide assessment, treatment, and advice regarding your child’s presentation, including for:
- Genetic orthopaedic conditions.
- Pre-operative and/or post-operative care.
- Post-fracture rehabilitation.
- Biomechanical concerns (flat feet, intoeing, hip dysplasia, head shape).
- Other conditions such as joint hypermobility syndrome, juvenile arthritis, limb deficiency or amputation and other conditions affecting the muscles, bones, and joints.
Sleep
Good quality sleep is essential for children to grow, learn and develop.
At ValleyKids we work with children and their families who have trouble going to bed, getting to sleep and/or staying asleep.
We will provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a sleep plan with you to improve sleep outcomes for the whole family.
Mealtimes and Fussy Eating
Mealtimes can be stressful with children!
ValleyKids staff can support you to identify factors impacting mealtimes.
This may include difficulties with coordination, sensory processing, attention, and behaviour.
Together we will develop a mealtime plan to support your child’s specific needs.
We can work with other members of your team such as your speech pathologist, psychologist and dietitian.
Mental Health
Many children experience difficulties with their mental health at different times of their life.
Our team can support you and your child to identify factors affecting their mental health and provide strategies to assist them to live happier and more connected day to day lives.
Mental health supports are provided for many of our clients, either alongside other supports or as a standalone service.
We accept children who have a GP Mental Health Care Plan through the Better Access to Mental Health Program.
Toe Walking
The ValleyKids team recognise toe walking as a genuine gait disorder, which can have underlying neurological, sensory and/or musculoskeletal causes.
While toe walking in young children can be a normal part of development, persistent toe walking, or toe walking in older children is of concern.
Our team will work with you and your child to identify contributing factors to a toe walking pattern.
Together we will develop a treatment plan to manage toe walking for improved walking efficiency and the protection of lower limb joints over time.
Toileting and Continence
At ValleyKids we recognise the impact that toileting concerns can have on children and families.
We complete a comprehensive assessment to identify factors affecting toileting and continence and can guide you and your child to achieve improved toileting outcomes.
Your child’s assessment will include a thorough history taking and review of medical needs, assessment of physical, sensory, and cognitive needs, consideration of environment and equipment, and recommendations for any further supports required.
Together with you and your child, we will set continence goals and develop a management plan to work towards improving your child’s independence.
We can also provide continence care plans for school or other care locations.