A dynamic allied health centre (NDIS registered provider) providing OT, Speech Pathology & Psychology
18/02/2026
Happy Lunar New Year! š§”
First Choice Allied Health wish all who celebrate (and their loved ones) good health, fortune, and prosperity as we welcome in the Year of the Horse. šš„
The First Choice Team celebrated the day with a delicious Vietnamese banquet provided by Mai and Hong. In the spirit of tradition, each staff member received a red envelope with a small amount of money to bring good luck. š¤
It was wonderful to have the team eat, talk and laugh together. Now, let's gallop into the Year of the Horse. š
17/02/2026
The most common conditions that people have alongside ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression, learning difficulties, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder. According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), many individuals with ADHD experience additional mental health or developmental challenges which can affect diagnosis and treatment.
Anxiety and mood disorders frequently co-occur with ADHD, influencing emotional regulation and overall functioning. Learning difficulties may impact academic achievement despite normal or above-average intelligence. Behavioral conditions such as ODD involve patterns of defiant or oppositional behavior that often coexist with ADHD symptoms.
Identifying these co-occurring conditions is crucial because they require tailored interventions alongside ADHD management to provide comprehensive support.
If you suspect additional challenges beyond ADHD in yourself or your child, consulting healthcare professionals for thorough assessment and integrated care is recommended.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
Supporting a child with ADHD in the classroom involves tailored strategies that address their unique challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), effective support includes creating structured and predictable learning environments, using clear instructions, and providing opportunities for movement breaks.
Teachers can help by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and using visual aids or checklists to guide your child through activities. Seating arrangements that minimize distractionsāsuch as placing the child near the teacher or away from windowsācan improve focus.
Positive reinforcement for effort and appropriate behavior encourages motivation and self-esteem. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals is vital to develop individualized education plans or accommodations that suit your child's needs.
Additionally, teaching organizational skills and time management within the classroom supports your child's ability to manage schoolwork effectively.
With consistent support and understanding, children with ADHD can thrive academically and socially at school.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
In 2024, First Choice Allied Health were awarded a two-year grant to support culturally and linguistically diverse clients who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
One of the first initiatives using the grant was to conduct Free ADHD Screening to eligible individuals during 2025.
ADHD affects around 1 in 20 Australians and has a spectrum of symptoms, with severity levels mild, moderate and severe. Early identification can help families and individuals to seek appropriate support to manage symptoms and dramatically improve quality of life.
Five more ADHD Screening days have been scheduled for 2026. The dates are as follow:
ā Tuesday 17 March,
ā Friday 10 April,
ā Tuesday 14 April,
ā Tuesday 28 April, and
ā Friday 15 May.
Helping your child with ADHD become more organized at home involves creating structured routines, clear expectations, and supportive environments tailored to their needs. According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), practical strategies can significantly improve organization skills and reduce daily challenges.
Start by establishing consistent daily routines for activities such as homework, chores, and bedtime. Use visual schedules or checklists to help your child understand what tasks need to be done and in what order. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less overwhelming.
Designate specific places for commonly used items like school supplies, toys, and clothes to reduce clutter and make it easier for your child to find things. Encourage regular tidying up by setting short time limits or turning it into a game.
Positive reinforcement is also importantāpraise your childās efforts when they follow routines or organize their belongings well. Collaborate with teachers or therapists if needed to ensure consistency between home and school environments.
Remember that patience and flexibility are key; organizational skills develop over time with practice and support.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
ADHD medication is designed to help manage symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity by improving brain function related to attention and self-regulation. According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), these medications do not change a child's core personality but rather support their ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate activity levels.
Some parents may notice that their child seems calmer or more focused when taking medication, which can sometimes be mistaken for a personality change. However, this effect reflects improved symptom management rather than altering who the child fundamentally is.
It is important to monitor your child's response to medication closely with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Side effects can occur but are usually manageable. Open communication with your prescribing clinician will help ensure the treatment supports your child's well-being without unwanted changes.
Ultimately, ADHD medication aims to enhance functioning and quality of life while preserving your child's unique personality traits.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
We're excited to welcome Elisa Wei to the Speech Pathology team!
Elisa is a warm and compassionate graduate Speech Pathologist who is committed to providing empowering and person-centred support for clients and their families. She enjoys tailoring sessions to each personās strengths, interests and everyday needs. Elisa values open communication and works to ensure clients and families feel comfortable, respected and involved throughout their therapy journey.
Elisa completed her Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne and is a certified member of Speech Pathology Australia. Throughout her studies, she gained experience conducting assessments and delivering evidence-based therapy for both children and adults across a range of areas, including early intervention, speech, language, fluency and swallowing.
We're so lucky to have her on the First Choice Team! š
19/01/2026
To find out if your child has ADHD, the first step is to seek a comprehensive assessment by qualified healthcare professionals such as pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists experienced in neurodevelopmental disorders. According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), this assessment involves gathering detailed information about your child's behavior across different settings like home and school.
The evaluation process typically includes collecting developmental history, observations from parents and teachers or caregivers, and using standardized rating scales to measure symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The clinician will also consider other possible causes for the behaviors to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Early identification through this thorough assessment allows for appropriate support tailored to your child's needs, which may include behavioral strategies, educational adjustments, and sometimes medication.
If you have concerns about your child's attention or activity levels affecting their daily life, it is important to discuss these with a healthcare professional who can guide you through the diagnostic process.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
Having a child with ADHD does increase the likelihood that a parent may also have ADHD, as the condition has strong genetic and neurobiological factors. According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), ADHD often runs in families, meaning it can be inherited from parents to children.
However, not every parent of a child with ADHD will necessarily have the condition themselves. Symptoms can vary widely between individuals, and some adults may have undiagnosed or milder forms of ADHD that were not recognized during childhood.
If you notice signs of ADHD in yourselfāsuch as difficulties with attention, impulsivity, restlessness, or organizational challengesāit may be helpful to seek assessment from a healthcare professional experienced in adult ADHD. Identifying and understanding your own symptoms can lead to better management strategies and support for both you and your child.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
ADHD brains differ from those without ADHD in several neurodevelopmental aspects that affect attention, impulse control, and activity regulation. According to the Australian ADHD Guideline (AADPA, 2022), individuals with ADHD have differences in brain structure, function, and neurochemistry compared to those without the condition.
Key differences include variations in areas of the brain responsible for executive functions such as the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in planning, organizing, sustaining attention, and inhibiting impulses. These brain regions may develop differently or operate less efficiently in people with ADHD.
Additionally, neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine (which facilitate communication between nerve cells) are involved differently in ADHD brains. Altered activity of these chemicals can impact how signals are transmitted within the brain, contributing to symptoms like difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Understanding these neurological differences helps explain why people with ADHD experience challenges with self-regulation but also highlights that these differences are part of natural human variation. With appropriate support including behavioral strategies and sometimes medication, individuals with ADHD can manage their symptoms effectively and succeed.
Sources:
Australian ADHD Guideline Development Group. (2022). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Melbourne: Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.
Disclaimer:
This information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or medical professional for specific advice.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often more complex than most people realise. Just like much of an iceberg lies below the surface, many behaviours and difficulties connected to ADHD are not always obvious.
Understanding and support from family, friends, educators and employers can make a substantial difference to the quality of life of an individual with ADHD.
First Choice Allied Health are proud to have created an App that answers many of the questions individuals with ADHD and their family members have. Register now and ask as many questions as you like. The answers are psychologist-reviewed and up-to-date.
The topics covered are wide-ranging and insightful. š”
šUnderstanding ADHD Fundamentals
šGenetics and Family Patterns
šDiagnosis and Assessment
šMedication and Treatment
šParenting and Home Management
šEducational and Classroom Support
šComorbidity and Complex Presentations
šUnderstanding Adult ADHD
šMedicare, Costs, and System Navigation
šSocial, Legal, and Disclosure
šEvidence Base and References https://chatadhd.au/en?utm_content=sked_69657d2f095d3c75f1b85cd0&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook
11/01/2026
The long holiday period is something many families look forward to ā but it can also feel daunting. Our final tip is to reach out to your therapists and trusted organisations if you're really not coping over the period.
š Tip 7: Reach Out for Support, If Needed
If the holidays feel particularly challenging, youāre not alone. Many families benefit from additional support during this time. Therapy sessions can help children work on regulation, communication, or coping strategies and can also support parents with practical tools and reassurance. Some clinics even offer group holiday sessions or programs where skills are developed alongside peers, and parents have the opportunity for a short break. š
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Whether your lifestyle is athletic or sedentary, foot pain is always undesirable. Thatās why we are here to help you to rejuvenate you by eliminating all foot-related ailments.
We are one of the best podiatrists in your area. Equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and sports medicine supplies, our sprawling centre has dedicated facility for children, sportspersons and senior citizens. Our experienced and authorized staffs (podiatrists, orthotic and footwear technicians) are always ready to provide the best podiatric services at affordable cost.
We treat general podiatric conditions such as nails surgeries, corns, callous, plantar warts, ingrown nails, heel pain, ingrown toenails and fungal infections. We also treat chronic and acute foot, ankle, shin, knee, hip and lower back pain. We are expert in treating conditions. We provide high-quality podiatry foot care including life. Apart from childrenās clumsiness, tripping, pigeon toe, out the toe, heel pain, knee pain, gait anomalies (unusual walking/running styles) and plantar fasciitis conditions. We provide high-quality podiatry foot care including video/computerize gait analysis, orthotics, podiatric assessments (both sports and general), footwear recommendation, and laboratory on site.
Apart from podiatric services, we also provide required advice regarding foot care.
We all offer several physiotherapy services which include ā Acute Sports injury services, Balance & Proprioception, Biomechanical Analysis, BPPV ā Vertigo Treatment, Core Exercises, Electrotherapy, Gait Analysis, Joint Mobilisation, Kinesiology Taping, Massage, Neurodynamics, Physiotherapy Instrument Mobilisation, Posture Correction, Real-Time Ultrasound, Resistance Band, Exercises, Soft Tissue Injury Care, Strength Exercises, Stretching Exercises, Swiss Ball Exercises, TENS Machine, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Vestibular Physio.
Further, we are experts in massage services like Remedial Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Acupuncture services. Please find more details in corresponding sections.
Most foot problems are treatable.
Be assured.
Your feet are in good hands.
By our premium services, we reduce your discomfort before it compromises your quality of life. Apart from podiatric services, we also provide required advice regarding foot care.
WHY CHOOSE US
Team of experienced podiatrists, physiotherapist, massage therapists, and acupuncturist.
Fare and transparent pricing
Ultra modern facility with all requisite tools
Dedicated facilities for sportspersons, children and senior citizens/VTA
