Occupational Therapy
Welcome to Early Links Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapy Team has grown over the last few years and currently includes over thirty part and full-time registered occupational therapists, and allied health assistants. We are proud to have a diverse team and a mix of backgrounds and interests to draw experience from.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists help people meet their goals in terms of the functional activities and roles (also referred to as ‘occupations’) involved in their everyday lives. If that sounds broad, it is! We can find ourselves helping with toilet training, sleep, handwriting, sensory processing and regulation in the classroom, participating in family activities, leisure interests and even employment skills.
We do this by assessment, breaking down the activity into the various steps and skills involved and working on the components that often involve supported practice. Sometimes we adapt to make the task achievable. For this reason, occupational therapists are often involved in equipment prescription.
More information can be found at Occupational Therapy Australia, including a short video.
Who can our occupational therapists help?
While most of our clientele are children, many of our occupational therapists also work with teens and adults. As long as we have a suitably trained and skilled occupational therapist on the team that is available, we will see clients with any disability or diagnosis. We will refer you on where we feel another provider has more experience. These areas are complex home modifications, transport/vehicle modifications, hand splinting and specialised hand therapy, driving assessment and medico-legal reporting.
The majority of our clients have an NDIS plan, but we also accept referrals for people who are self-funded or partly funded by Medicare plans. Our Administration Team can provide further information regarding the fees and gaps for assessment, intervention and reporting in these circumstances.
Meet our friendly Occupational Therapy Leadership Team
Jen
Occupational Therapy Senior Leader
Steph
Occupational Therapy Senior Leader
Ashleigh
Occupational Therapy Senior Leader
Eliza
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Julia
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Maddi
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Maddie
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Michael
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Stacey
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Which areas do our occupational therapists cover?
Aberdeen, Abermain, Bellbird, Beresfield, Bolwarra, Branxton, Cessnock, Chisholm, Cliftleigh, Dungog, East Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Greta, Heddon Greta, Hinton, Kurri Kurri, Laguna, Lochinvar, Lorn, Maitland, Morpeth, Muswellbrook, Paterson, Raworth, Raymond Terrace, Rothbury, Rutherford, Singleton, Stroud, Tarro, Telarah, Tenambit, Thornton, Vacy, Windella, Wollombi, Woodberry and more.
Telehealth sessions are also an option if appropriate for the individual or group participants instead of face-to-face sessions.
How do I start occupational therapy with Early Links?
If you’re ready to get started or just want to find out more, you can use the form below to get in touch with us.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, explain what would be involved and tell you all about the support we can offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist?
Occupational therapists have a greater focus on functional skills. At Early Links, we cross over and work together for gross motor tasks and equipment needs. Physiotherapists have more training in the realm of movement and legs and feet.
Can occupational therapists diagnose?
No, we generally are not able to diagnose. We can, however, assess and provide information to other health professionals who diagnose. Some occupational therapists are trained to assess for autism; however, this is done in collaboration with other health professionals.
Can occupational therapists prescribe medicine?
No, we may not. At times the information we provide to those that can, for example how a child is functioning, may help inform them and guide prescription or changes to medication.
Who can occupational therapists work with?
Our clients are at the centre of what we do, and we work closely with their support people, such as family and carers. We work with all others who are involved in our client’s life, particularly where it relates to the goals we are working on. This could include working with teachers regarding regulation in the classroom, or working with a dance or music teacher for our client to be able to participate effectively in their chosen interests.
Can occupational therapists make referrals?
Yes, we can make referrals or provide supporting documentation to assist a referral made by another professional, such as providing a report to a general practitioner who may refer to a paediatrician.