Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Therapy
What is Neurodevelopmental Therapy?
Neurodevelopmental therapy refers to physiotherapy for children who are experiencing movement difficulties or developmental concerns due to a range of diagnoses. Movement difficulties can arise due to several bodily systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, developmental, visual, posture and balance, and sensory-motor systems.
At Developmental Therapies, our neurodevelopmental approach is evidence-based, goal-directed, and family-centred, aiming to help your child achieve their best possible outcome.
The delivery and goals of therapy are individualised to each child and are constantly adjusted based on their progress and interests, ensuring a unique path for everyone. We understand the value in supporting your child’s participation and engagement in meaningful ways, across a wide range of settings.
Who is Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Therapy for?
We provide assessment and therapy for children with a wide range of neurodevelopmental conditions. This service is suitable for children diagnosed with:
- Neurological Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Acquired Brain Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury.
- Genetic Conditions: we have experience with many rare, low incidence genetic presentations and understand every child is unique
- Medically complex + Palliative Diagnoses
- Developmental Conditions: Global Developmental Delay, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), ASD, and Sensory Processing Disorders.
What Does the Service Involve?
Neurodevelopmental Assessment involves an appointment where your physiotherapist will observe your child through play based, child led assessment, to gain a thorough understanding of their presentation and the impact it has on their movement. This requires a full assessment of your all aspects of your child’s function, including:
- Gross Motor
- Fine Motor
- Musculo-skeletal
- Neurological
- Posture and Balance including Vestibular
- Sensory -Motor including vision and hearing
There is a combination of hands off observation + hands on assessment, however we work at your child’s pace to ensure they are settled during the assessment, to best assess their function.
From there, your physiotherapist will work with you and your child to set some goals and an ongoing therapy plan, relating to these. We often focus on 1-2 goal areas at a time, which are relevant to your child’s current level of function. We can link these goals with your other therapy providers as needed also.
In Neurodevelopmental assessment + the ongoing therapy we deliver, we focus on supporting and using strategies to develop child initiated movements. We know from the evidence that if children use all developmental areas to motor plan their OWN movement, (rather than us doing this for them), therapy outcomes are more meaningful + long lasting. We know many children require support to help initiate their own movement and we can help to break down what may be needed for them to achieve this! We all move for a purpose and when motivated by what is meaningful to us.
Collaborative and Comprehensive Support
We offer a range of comprehensive services that may be appropriate for your child, including:
Neurodevelopmental Physiotherapy
sessions in the clinic or community
Day Care / School
education and training
Group Physiotherapy Interventions
and individual or Group Intensive programs
Hydrotherapy
sessions at two Sunshine Coast locations
Equipment/assistive technology prescription
e.g., seating systems, walking aides, standing frames, and wheelchairs
Advice regarding Botox and tone/contracture management
including serial casting
Advice regarding orthotic prescription
We also liaise closely with other members of your child’s team, including their GP, Paediatrician, and other members of their Allied Health Team. This collaboration through report writing, case conferences, and email ensures we reach the best outcomes for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often will my child need therapy?
A: The frequency of therapy is highly individualised and depends on your child’s goals, progress, and the specific condition. Your physiotherapist will discuss this with you after the initial assessment.
This can also change over time depending on your child’s progress, goals and muti-disciplinary therapy needs. We know that more therapy is not always better but that making therapy responsive to goals / needs is evidence based. We will work with you and your team, to design therapy that supports your child’s needs and create balance for your family also.
Q: Can therapy be delivered in a group setting?
A: Yes, we offer a range of Group Physiotherapy Interventions and Group Intensive programs that may be appropriate for your child.
Q: Do you assist with equipment funding applications?
A: Yes, we assist with equipment/assistive technology prescription which includes devices like walking aids, standing frames, and wheelchairs, and can provide advice regarding necessary documentation.
How to make an appointment
- Call us on 0422 229 971 or fill in the enquiry form below.
- Our team will arrange an initial chat.
- We’ll book your first session and welcome your child to Developmental Therapies
WE'RE CREATIVE
WE'RE PASIONATE
WE CARE
Contact us
Call Us
Our Location
Suite 1/66 Jessica Boulevard
MINYAMA QLD 4575
(In shared rooms with Orthotic Solutions)
Open Hours
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am – 5pm
Thursday 8am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 12noon