Find Answers to Common Therapy Questions
General Queries
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Speech Therapist do?
A Speech Therapist supports children with communication, including speech sounds, language development, literacy, social communication, and early feeding skills. At CHS&OT, our therapists use evidence-based and play-based approaches to help children develop clear, confident, and functional communication skills.
When should I be concerned about my child’s speech or language?
If your child is hard to understand, has limited words, struggles with sentences, finds it difficult to follow instructions, or shows frustration when communicating, an assessment may be helpful. Early support can make a significant difference.
What does an Occupational Therapist (OT) help with?
OTs support children in building the skills they need for everyday life. This includes fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, play, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention, and self-care routines such as dressing or feeding.
What is sensory processing and how do OTs help?
Sensory processing refers to how children interpret and respond to sensory information. Some children may become overwhelmed or under-responsive. Our OTs provide assessments and tailored strategies to help children regulate their bodies and participate in daily routines.
What does a Behaviour Therapist do?
Behaviour Therapists work with families to understand why certain behaviours occur and support children to develop safer, more functional alternatives. Using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), we focus on improving quality of life, reducing behaviours of concern, and teaching new skills in a respectful, child-centred way.
What is the difference between a Behaviour Practitioner and a PBS Therapist?
A PBS Therapist uses a holistic model that looks at the child’s needs across communication, sensory processing, routines, environment, and skill-building. A general behaviour practitioner may focus mainly on the behaviour itself.
Does my child need an assessment before starting therapy?
Not always. Our administrative team will help determine whether a full assessment is needed. If your child has a recent, detailed report, they may proceed directly to therapy. Otherwise, an assessment ensures we understand their strengths, needs, and goals.
How long does the assessment process take?
A comprehensive assessment typically takes 1.5–2 hours. A detailed written report is provided within four weeks and includes findings, recommendations, and guidance regarding therapy.
Does CHS&OT accept NDIS funding?
Yes. We accept Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS participants. We do not accept NDIA-Managed plans. Our team is experienced in supporting families to use their funding effectively.
How do I know which service—Speech, OT, or Behaviour—is right for my child?
Our admin team will help determine the most appropriate therapy stream. Because we are a multidisciplinary practice, children may benefit from a combination of services. Our therapists work together to create holistic, individualised plans.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Children may benefit from speech therapy if they have difficulty being understood, are late to talk, struggle to form sounds, have unclear speech, or have trouble following instructions. Our team can complete a comprehensive assessment to determine your child’s needs.
What is the difference between speech and language difficulties?
Speech refers to how clearly a child produces sounds, while language refers to how they understand and use words to communicate. A child may have challenges with one or both areas.
How long will it take for my child to make progress?
Progress varies by child and depends on the goals, therapy frequency, and home practice. Many children show improvements within the first term, while others require ongoing support.
What happens during a speech therapy session at CHS&OT?
Sessions are engaging, play-based, and tailored to your child’s goals. Activities may include games, literacy tasks, AAC support, sound practice, or early language play.
How can I support my child at home between sessions?
Your therapist will provide practical strategies to use during daily routines. Consistency between sessions helps children maximize their progress.
Speech Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Occupational Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What signs indicate my child may benefit from occupational therapy?
Children may benefit from OT if they have challenges with attention, fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory regulation, self-care skills, or emotional regulation.
How does OT support sensory processing challenges?
Our OTs help children understand their sensory needs and provide strategies to help them feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. This may include sensory diets, movement activities, or environmental adjustments.
What types of goals do OTs work on with children?
Common goals include strengthening fine motor skills, improving play skills, developing independence, supporting attention, regulating emotions, and increasing confidence.
Do sessions focus more on play or structured activities?
Therapy is play-based and engaging, with structured goals incorporated into meaningful and motivating activities.
How do OT assessments work and what can I expect in the report?
Assessments include parent interviews, structured tasks, play observation, and standardized testing. You will receive a detailed report summarizing your child’s strengths, challenges, and recommendations.
How do I know if my child needs behaviour support?
If your child is experiencing behaviours that impact daily life—such as aggression, self-injury, emotional dysregulation, difficulty following routines, or school challenges—behaviour support may be beneficial.
What is Positive Behaviour Support and how is it different from traditional behaviour therapy?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours, teaching new skills, and creating supportive environments. It is respectful, individualised, and evidence-based.
How do you manage behaviours of concern safely and respectfully?
We use person-centred, least-restrictive strategies that prioritise safety, dignity, and skill-building. Our approach focuses on prevention, communication development, and supportive routines.
What is my role as a parent during behaviour therapy?
Parents play a key role. We work closely with families to help them understand the behaviour, learn practical strategies, and implement consistent routines at home.
How long does it take to see progress in behaviour support?
Progress depends on the child’s needs and the consistency of strategies. Many families begin noticing changes within a few weeks, with ongoing support provided as needed.
Behaviour Support (PBS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child's feeding difficulties are typical or require therapy?
Feeding therapy may help if your child is highly selective, avoids certain textures, gags, refuses food, has a limited diet, or shows anxiety around eating.
What is the SOS Approach to Feeding and how does it help?
SOS is a structured, evidence-based approach that supports children to explore foods in a non-stressful, playful way. It focuses on building confidence, sensory comfort, and skills step-by-step.
Does feeding therapy involve trying new foods at every session?
Not always. Early sessions may focus on building trust, exploring foods through play, and reducing anxiety before expecting children to taste new foods.
Can you help children who are extremely selective or anxious around food?
Yes. We regularly work with children who have significant feeding challenges, sensory sensitivities, or strong anxiety around eating.
Do you offer individual, group, or intensive feeding programs?
We offer individual sessions, group therapy, holiday intensives, and parent training to support a wide range of feeding needs.
What does the autism assessment process involve at CHS&OT?
Our assessments use gold-standard tools including ADI-R, ADOS, CARS, and functional assessments. We also incorporate speech, OT, and behaviour evaluations when needed.
How long does the assessment take and who completes it?
The autism assessment takes place across 3 sessions and is completed by accredited clinicians—Mary Dionisatos (Clinical Director) and Behaviour Therapist Angelina Hanna.
What tools do you use and why are they considered the gold standard?
ADI-R and ADOS provide structured, reliable ways to identify autism characteristics across communication, behaviour, and social interaction. CARS and functional assessments give additional insights.
Will I receive a detailed report and recommendations?
Yes. Families receive a comprehensive autism assessment report, and if required, additional speech, OT, or behaviour reports.
If a diagnosis is required, what are the next steps and who can assist with that?
We do not diagnose, but we provide referrals to trusted paediatricians. Our assessments help guide the diagnostic process and support early access to services.
Autism Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions