WHAT WE DO
We make it easier for families in our community to access the support & services they need
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Koru Allied Occupational Therapy services are aimed at supporting children and their families to participate in activities they find meaningful. We target their personal growth, development and learning abilities whilst also forming and accessing stability in their community and every day environments.
Occupational therapy services may be aimed at:
- Early intervention to support skill acquisition.
- Development of skills to support their independence for tasks at school (eg. handwriting, self-organisation).
- Development of self care skills to support independence for mealtimes, bath times, toileting, etc.
- Development of skills to self-regulate their emotions including supporting families to recognise behaviours as communication and how to respond/set them up for success.
Koru Exercise Physiology services supports individuals to utilise physical activity as a means to increasing function and participation in a range of areas, including independent daily living, sport and recreation as well as specific school and vocational goals.
We believe that exercise should be available to all in our community, and our team are experts at working with individuals and their families to develop both a means and program to address their goals through safe and achievable physical activity.
Exercise can be utilised in many ways to support those living with a disability including:
- Increasing or maintaining stamina and endurance to participate activities of daily living and recreation.
- Increasing specific strength measures to support identified goals i.e. upper limb strength and coordination for handwriting, mobilising or self-care.
- Providing a means to assist in emotional and physical regulation.
- Mitigating against the development of lifestyle or comorbidities, frequently seen in disability populations.
Our Exercise Physiologist works to ensure exercise is not only addressing areas of focus (i.e. strength, endurance, gross motor coordination) but remains engaging and fun for the whole family, while understanding that every person and situation is unique!
Koru Allied Therapies offers Psychology Services currently via Registered Psychologist, Cherie McCafferty.
Paediatric Psychology specialises in the emotional, behavioral, and social development of children and adolescents. Psychologists hold expertise in understanding how young minds work and the challenges they might face throughout their growth.
Our psycholgiss provide the following services:
- Therapy: They provide various therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, or family therapy to address children’s emotional and behavioral issues.
- Consultation: They collaborate with parents, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive support plans for a child’s well-being.
- Education: They educate parents, caregivers, and teachers about child development, mental health, and effective parenting strategies.
Koru Allied Therapies is proud to offer Dietetic services via Fiona Gordon of Savouring Nutrition .
Paediatric dietitians are Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) who specialize in the nutritional needs of children from birth to adolescence. They play a crucial role in ensuring children receive proper nourishment for optimal growth and development.
Here’s a glimpse into their work:
- Assessment: They evaluate a child’s dietary intake, growth patterns, and any underlying medical conditions that might affect their nutritional needs.
- Nutrition Counselling: They provide personalized advice on healthy eating habits, portion control, and creating balanced meals tailored to a child’s age, preferences, and any allergies or intolerances.
- Management of Medical Conditions: They help children manage diet-related health issues like obesity, diabetes, food allergies, coeliac disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Feeding Difficulties: They address challenges like picky eating, fussy eaters, and sensory issues related to food, promoting positive mealtime experiences.
- Education and Support: They educate parents and caregivers on childhood nutrition, empowering them to make informed choices about their child’s diet
creative arts therapy /
dance movement therapy
What is Dance and Movement Therapy?
Dance movement therapists use dance and movement to promote cognitive, emotional, social and physical well-being.
Dance movement therapy is a recognised and evidence based therapeutic intervention that acknowledges the mind-body connection, recognising that change and growth in one supports change and growth in the other.
What does it involve?
Dance movement therapy does not focus on traditional dance skills. Rather, dance movement therapy sessions incorporate a range of creative and body-based methods, such as rhythm, mirroring, body awareness exercises, mindfulness, creative movement, imagery and metaphor, and the exploration of the sensory systems and movement qualities to work towards therapeutic goals and promote wellbeing.
A prioritisation of non-verbal communication within dance movement therapy can offer an alternative to verbal intervention
An Allied Health Assistant is a healthcare worker who has demonstrated competencies to provide person-centred, evidence-informed therapy and support to individuals and groups, to help protect, restore and maintain optimal function, and promote independence and well-being.
An Allied Health Assistant (AHA)works:
- Within a defined scope of practice and in a variety of settings, where they actively foster a safe and inclusive environment; and
- Under the delegation and supervision of an Allied Health Professional.
Our Exercise Physiologist works to ensure exercise is not only addressing areas of focus (i.e. strength, endurance, gross motor coordination) but remains engaging and fun for the whole family, while understanding that every person and situation is unique!
About Koru Allied Therapies
Koru Allied Therapies is a multi-disciplinary allied health hub where children and their familes can learn, grow and reach their goals. Our vision is to ensure that the families we support spend more time on accessing appropriate and professional care, and less time commuting between appointments across the Illawarra!
Using a client and family centred approach, we are passionate about empowering individuals and their families to take control of their own goal setting and achievements.
Resources for Families
We know how hard it can be to navigate all of the information out there, so we’ve compiled a selection resources for you. Whether you’re after interesting articles, checklists, or information on local service providers, we’ve got you covered.
