Outcomes Therapy

02/04/2026

We hope all our families and friends have a restful, safe and enjoyable Easter Break.

Our Office is now closed.
We will reopen on Tuesday 7th April, 2026.

16/03/2026

Amazing campaign by CoorDown and National Down Syndrome Society!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DiyCyZXdN/

09/02/2026

As always, Em from Neurowild nails this one - sitting still, or in a chair, is not a compulsory precursor or 'sign' of learning...

https://www.facebook.com/share/187hxboNMG/

19/12/2025

After a busy and productive 2025, our office is now closed until Monday, January 5th, 2026.

As we take this time to recharge and celebrate, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our clients, families, school and other educational partners, and team members for making this year a success! Your support means the world to us.

During this festive season, we hope you find joy and warmth with your loved ones, create beautiful memories, and embrace the spirit of giving. Let's take this time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new adventures in 2026!

We can't wait to reconnect and bring even more exciting projects to life in the new year. Until then, enjoy every moment of the holidays! 🎄🌟

05/12/2025

ADOS 2 – Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - what is it?

ADOS stands for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. ADOS is a standardised diagnostic test for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), originally published by Western Psychological Services (WPS) in 2000, and revised in 2012 to be the ADOS-2.

The ADOS-2 provides a highly accurate picture of current symptoms, unaffected by language. It is a standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviours in children and adult. It can be used to evaluate almost anyone suspected of having ASD—from 2-year-olds with no speech to adults who are verbally fluent, and is considered a gold-standard diagnostic tool.

The ADOS-2 is not required to make a diagnosis of autism; however the ADOS-2 can be a very useful means of identifying key features and traits of Autism that may not be observable within a brief session at the Paediatrician’s office. The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) governs the criteria for making an autism spectrum diagnosis, which any Paediatrician or Psychiatrist can do using whatever methods they find effective.

Looking to undertake the process? Connect with us today!

Visit us at https://bit.ly/41ePoC8

27/11/2025

Christmas Season is upon us in the Clinic. The decoration stage has begun, including our new-for-2025 masterpiece - The Wreath.

What is your favourite Christmas decoration?

16/11/2025

Early intervention gives children the tools they need to explore, learn, and grow — setting the stage for lifelong success. 🌟

When we provide support at the earliest stages of development, we empower our children to reach their full potential. This proactive approach helps them build essential skills that not only facilitate learning but also boost their confidence and resilience.

Small steps today lead to big leaps tomorrow. Let's invest in our children's futures by ensuring they have the resources and guidance they need to thrive! 💪✨

10/11/2025

🚨 Time for Action on the Proposed Support Needs Assessments (SNA) 🚨

NOTE - This tool and format is currently proposed for the over-16 population on NDIS, not children HOWEVER - Their lack of insight is concerning for what they will propose for the under-16's also, in time.

Following the recent NDIA & DoHAC webinar on the new Support Needs Assessment process, many of us in the allied health and disability sector are deeply concerned.

The SNA is being promoted as whole-of-person, trauma-informed, and participant-led - HOWEVER - there are some serious red flags that can’t be ignored:

🔴 The same agency that conducts the assessment will also use it to determine the participant’s budget — that is a pretty clear conflict of interest.

🔴 Participants reportedly cannot appeal the assessment itself, only the resulting budget. If the underlying assessment is flawed, any appeal starts from a compromised foundation.

🔴 The assessment will NOT be conducted by an allied health professional — despite covering complex functional, environmental, and support needs. This risks losing the clinical reasoning and nuance needed for accurate, person-centred recommendations.

🔴 It’s unclear how essential supports like Assistive Technology, Home Modifications, or specialist therapy will be identified or quantified when the I-CAN tool (currently referenced) doesn’t assess therapy type or hours.

🔴 Describing it as “just a conversation” risks oversimplifying what, for many participants, are deeply complex and multifactorial support needs. This phrasing has the very real likelihood of 'downplaying' the significance of the discussion, for the actual $$ budget the individual will receive.

These issues raise significant fairness, transparency, and rights-based concerns for participants and the professionals supporting them.

🟣 There’s now a petition calling for a parliamentary inquiry into these new assessments.
If you share these concerns, please take a moment to read and sign here:
https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN8570

As OTs, we have an important role to ensure that:

1️⃣ Assessments and budget-setting remain independent.

2️⃣ Participants can review and correct their own assessment report.

3️⃣ Allied health and clinical evidence continues to inform funding decisions.

4️⃣ The system doesn’t become a cost-containment mechanism at the expense of participant outcomes.

Let’s keep the focus where it belongs — on people, their goals, and the supports that make participation possible.

e-petitions

10/11/2025

Delays aren’t always a phase. Some children need extra support to build the skills others develop naturally

Our team of dedicated professionals is ready to guide you through the process of understanding and supporting your child's unique needs. Whether it's through personalised assessments, tailored intervention plans, or simply providing a listening ear through parent coaching, we're committed to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.

Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference, and you're not alone on this journey. Let's work together to create a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

07/11/2025

A sensory assessment enables individuals to feel: ❤️ Safe, 👀 Seen, 🌿 Soothed, 🔑 Secure.

Recognising sensory needs empowers them to thrive, not just survive.

Understanding and addressing our sensory needs can transform our daily experiences. When we feel safe, we can express ourselves freely. When we are seen, our voices matter. Finding ways to soothe ourselves during stressful moments helps us maintain balance. And when we feel secure, we can take on the world with confidence!

Let’s embrace the journey of self-discovery and support one another in recognising our unique sensory needs. Together, we can create a community where everyone thrives! 💪✨

👉 Ask your Occupational Therapist about completing a Sensory Profile-2 or SPM-2.

05/11/2025

At Outcomes Therapy we support children with physical disabilities, global delays, and genetic conditions — not just autism or ADHD!🌟

Our team is dedicated to working across the full spectrum of neurodevelopmental and physical differences that affect early childhood and school-age kids. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their individual challenges. 💪

From providing tailored support to fostering an inclusive environment, we are here to help children reach their full potential. Let's celebrate the diversity and unique abilities of all children together! ❤️