Jessie is demonstrating how she uses toys during a Paediatric Occupational Therapy session. She is seated near a Scooter Ramp.
Under the pressures faced by parents and the burnout experienced by teachers, ensuring that therapy positively impacts a child’s life across all environments can be challenging. However, therapists like Jessie play a crucial role in making this a reality. As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Jessie serves as a central support for families, working with educators to bridge gaps and ensure that therapy is effective both at home and in school.
“I work with children up to eighteen years old on a range of goals, primarily focusing on independence. I support children and their families at home, in school, and in the local community,” Jessie explains.
Occupational therapists like Jessie act as a link between home, school, and other health professionals, making recommendations and building connections between different areas of a child’s life. Success in one area can significantly impact another.
Jessie observes children struggling with everyday tasks and develops practical strategies to help them function more effectively and confidently. Some of the goals she works on include enhancing hand strength, body awareness skills, emotional regulation, and independent toileting. A key to her success is developing partnerships.
“I collaborate with other therapists to access extra information and understand their approach. I mostly work with speech therapists and include their recommendations in my sessions,” Jessie shares. “Information sharing is powerful as it ensures consistency across different touchpoints in a child’s life. For example, parents, teachers, Educational Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists all using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device,” she adds.
Theraputty, Pom Poms, Popping Dinosaur toy, and Animal Walk Cards.
Jessie’s ability to help teachers and parents navigate complex goals and break them down into manageable plans is crucial to her success. “I always feel proud when I can help a parent, educational assistant, or teacher better understand their role. I guide people through the process and reframe the demands placed on parents and educators. This advocacy is a big step in creating a more informed and inclusive society,” Jessie says.
“I take pride in seeing kids go from avoiding a task to mastering it. Finding a ‘just right challenge’ is key. The child may not complete the task exactly like their peers, but achieving it at a comfortable, graded level encourages functional improvement and motivation,” she said.
Jessie is seated in a therapy room at SensesWA Margaret River. She is seated in front of a Scooter Ramp and holds an Animal Walk Card and Fine Motor Dolly which are used for therapy purposes.
Jessie is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist at SensesWA Margaret River, working with a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals and support workers dedicated to improving the lives of people living with disabilities. To learn more about their therapy services, visit senseswa.org.au or call 1300 111 881.
