Occupational
Therapy

Telehealth occupational therapy works by connecting you or your child with a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) through a secure online video platform. Instead of travelling to a clinic, you can access therapy from the comfort of your home. Sessions often include:

• Assessment: The OT observes daily activities, asks questions, and may use online tools to understand strengths and challenges.

• Therapy sessions: Your OT will guide you (or your child) through activities, strategies, and exercises that build skills in independence, regulation, and participation in everyday life.

• Parent and carer involvement: Especially for children, telehealth allows parents or carers to be directly involved in sessions and learn strategies they can continue at home.

• Follow-up and resources: OTs can share digital worksheets, video demonstrations, and home programs to support ongoing progress.

This flexible format makes therapy more accessible, especially for families balancing busy schedules or living in rural or regional areas.

Yes. Telehealth occupational therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person sessions for many goals. Families often find that:

• Children engage well in their familiar home environment.

• Consistency improves, as there’s no need to cancel sessions due to travel, illness, or distance.

• Parents and carers feel more confident, because they’re actively involved in therapy and see how strategies apply directly to their home routines.

• Results are comparable to in-clinic therapy, with improvements in areas such as fine motor skills, emotional regulation, daily routines, and independence.

Research consistently supports telehealth as a safe, effective, and evidence-based way to deliver occupational therapy. Studies have shown that:

• Telehealth OT produces similar outcomes to face-to-face therapy in skill development, functional participation, and caregiver satisfaction.

• Families report high levels of satisfaction, often citing convenience and increased involvement as major benefits.

• Telehealth improves access to therapy for people in remote or underserved communities, ensuring no one misses out on care.

Professional bodies such as Occupational Therapy Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapistsrecognise telehealth as a valid and effective service model.

At Nourished Not Deprived (NND), our occupational therapy appointments are designed to be thorough and personalised to each client’s needs. Here’s how they work:

1. Initial Assessment: Our OT will gather information on the challenges and goals of the client through discussions with the client and their support system.
2. Observation: The OT observes the client in various activities, whether at home, school, or during play, to understand their abilities.
3. Standardized Assessments: If needed, we use standardized tools to evaluate motor skills, emotional regulation, or sensory integration.
4. Goal Setting: We collaborate with the client to set achievable therapy goals, guiding them through the process step-by-step.
5. Intervention: Our therapists provide evidence-based interventions, which may include task training, assistive technology, or environmental modifications to support independence and participation in daily activities.
6. Monitoring Progress: Periodic reassessments are done to ensure progress and adjust interventions as needed.

Each appointment is structured to be engaging, fun, and most importantly, tailored to the client’s specific needs, with the goal of fostering independence and improving quality of life. Whether it’s for young children or adults, we ensure that the therapy is both effective and supportive.

Telehealth OT can support children, teens, and adults with a wide range of needs — including autism, ADHD, developmental delays, sensory processing differences, mental health challenges, or difficulties with everyday activities. It’s also a great option for families who need flexible, accessible care.

At Nourished Not Deprived, our paediatric occupational therapy appointments are carefully structured to address the specific needs of children. Here’s how they work:

1. Initial Consultation: We meet with the child and their family to discuss goals and challenges.
2. Assessment: The OT observes the child’s daily activities, such as play, movement, or school tasks.
3. Goal Setting: Together, we create therapy goals focused on the child’s development.
4. Intervention: Engaging, evidence-based strategies are used to work on skills like motor development, emotional regulation, and sensory processing.
5. Review: We regularly reassess progress and adjust the therapy plan as needed.

Our approach is child and family-centered, making therapy sessions fun and tailored to each child’s unique needs!

All you need is a device with a camera (like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a quiet space. Your OT may recommend simple household items (toys, kitchen tools, stationery) for activities — no special equipment is usually required.

Yes. Telehealth occupational therapy is NDIS-funded, eligible under some Medicare rebates, and may be covered by private health insurance depending on your extras policy. Always check with your fund or coordinator to confirm your options.

Absolutely. Reputable providers like NND use secure, encrypted platforms to protect your privacy. Telehealth is also supported by national health guidelines as a safe way to deliver therapy.

At Nourished Not Deprived, our assessment process includes a Quality Control and Review Appointment to ensure the effectiveness of our therapy:

1. Initial Assessment: Gathering key information and observing the client’s tasks.
2. Standardised Testing: Administering formal assessments as needed.
3. Goal Setting: We collaboratively set therapy goals aligned with the client’s NDIS and/or personal objectives.
4. Quality Control Review: A comprehensive follow-up where our lead reviewer ensures the report is grammatically accurate, free of errors, and clinically sound, guaranteeing high standards are met before final submission.
5. Review Appointment: This appointment is designed to review the report with you, ensuring that it meets your expectations and addresses any concerns or adjustments you may need before it is finalised.

This ensures high-quality, consistent care for all clients.

Yes, in fact, research shows that parent-led therapy via telehealth can be highly effective for young children. Parents and carers become active partners, guided by the OT to use play and routines as therapy opportunities throughout the day.

At Nourished Not Deprived (NND), we empower parents to take an active role in their child’s therapy through parent-led programs.

• Our occupational therapists provide tailored strategies, tools, and guidance that can easily be integrated into everyday routines.
• This approach allows therapy to continue at home, promoting consistency and faster progress beyond formal sessions.
• Parents are supported with regular check-ins, training, and resources to help them feel confident in guiding their child.
• Parent-led therapy strengthens both the child’s development and the parents’ sense of empowerment in the care process.

Parent-led therapy is a great substitute for direct child therapy because it allows parents to play an active role in their child’s development. Since parents are always present in their child’s life, they can provide consistent therapeutic support throughout daily activities, reinforcing progress outside of formal sessions. This approach not only benefits the child but also empowers parents by giving them the tools and confidence to help their child grow. It also provides emotional support for parents, who often feel more involved and capable in their child’s care.