NSW Archives | Page 2 of 2 | South West Kids Clinic

Picton's Leading Paediatric Physiotherapy Clinic

Understanding How We Help

At South West Kids Clinic, we provide world-class paediatric physiotherapy for children aged 0-18, helping them achieve mobility, strength, and independence.

Conveniently located on the corner of Margaret & Colden Street in Picton, our clinic is renowned for delivering innovative, evidence-based care designed to meet the unique needs of every child.

Our physiotherapists are leaders in their field, with extensive experience treating conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

We combine advanced techniques with a compassionate approach, ensuring your child receives the best possible care in a supportive, family-friendly environment.

If you’re seeking expert physiotherapy for your child in Wollondilly, give us a call on (02) 4640 5090 or via our online contact form today to discover see why so many families trust us to transform their child’s movement and confidence.

How Our Physiotherapists Empower Your Child's Growth

we believe every child deserves the opportunity to move freely, grow confidently, and enjoy life to the fullest. Our experienced paediatric physiotherapists are dedicated to helping children overcome physical challenges and build the strength and skills they need to thrive. Through personalised care and a collaborative approach, we ensure every child is supported on their journey to achieving their goals. Here is how we can help:

Facilitate Gross Motor Development

We focus on enhancing major body movements such as crawling and walking. Our team uses engaging activities that naturally encourage children to develop these vital skills, supporting their overall physical growth in a fun and nurturing setting.

Stretching and Strengthening Programs

Our tailored programs are designed to improve muscle flexibility and strength, crucial for healthy growth and development. These exercises are adapted to each child’s capabilities and delivered through age-appropriate, fun, and interactive play settings.

Postural Retraining and Motor Control

We help children learn how to control their movements and maintain proper posture, which is essential for daily activities. Our team may trial supportive equipment to improve motor control and posture. This helps to support better coordination and balance, which is vital for play.

Improve Physical Skills

We assist children in refining their physical skills, which are essential for everyday tasks and sports. Whether jumping, running, or throwing, our Physiotherapists make learning these skills enjoyable and rewarding. Our team focuses on developing essential mobility skills, allowing children to navigate their environments more effectively and confidently.

Task Specific Training

Our Physiotherapists provide specialised training for specific physical tasks that a child may find challenging. They break down the task into minor, achievable actions and develop engaging methods of refining these skills. This focused approach helps children master the skills necessary for independence in daily activities.

Trial and Prescribe Mobility Aids and Equipment

We evaluate and recommend the best mobility aids and equipment to enhance each child’s independence. This includes walkers, wheelchairs, or standing frames tailored to meet individual needs and improve independence.

Prescription of AFOs and Orthotics

Our therapists are skilled in prescribing orthotic insoles, supra malleolar orthoses (SMOs), ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and other orthotic devices that support proper alignment and improve function. These devices are crucial for children with specific physical needs, providing their growing bodies with the support they require to enhance mobility and stability.

Serial Casting and Splinting Services

We utilise serial casting and splinting techniques to correct or improve muscle and joint function, facilitating better alignment and movement in their legs and feet affected by tight, shortened muscles. Serial casting is a technique used to gradually stretch stiff muscles to improve the range of movement at the foot, ankle or knee. We mould splints, such as Turtlebrace, that can be used during activities or at nighttime to help maintain specific joints in a more ideal and functional position.

Support to Participate in Sport and Leisure Activities

We encourage children to engage in sports and leisure activities, adapting activities to their capabilities. Our therapists collaborate with your child’s educators and coaches to improve their physical health and social interactions.

Task Modification

Our team expertly modifies tasks to make daily activities more accessible for children with physical challenges across their everyday environments. This adaptation helps them achieve success and boosts their confidence.

Parent Coaching and Education

We provide parents with the knowledge and skills they need to support their child’s development at home. Coaching includes practical tips on handling physical care needs and encouraging active participation.

Pain Management

We offer strategies and therapies to manage pain effectively, ensuring each child can participate in activities comfortably and joyfully.

Techniques We Use to Support Your Child’s Development

Our team utilises advanced physiotherapy techniques to provide the highest standard of care for children in Wollondilly. Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of paediatric physiotherapy, ensuring every child benefits from innovative, evidence-based treatments tailored to their needs.

Some of the specialised techniques we offer include:

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI):

DMI is an innovative therapy technique that uses dynamic movement sequences to improve motor control and neurological function in children facing developmental challenges. Our therapists guide your child through exercises designed to challenge their body and provoke movement responses to specific positions.

Pediasuit:

Pediasuit therapy is offered at South West Kids Clinic by our trained Physiotherapists, and it is particularly effective for children with neurological and developmental conditions to improve their motor skills and physical function. Pediasuit is a soft, dynamic orthotic comprising a vest, shorts, knee pads, and shoes, all connected by elastic bands. This suit provides proprioceptive input and resistance, promoting proper posture, alignment, and muscle activation during therapy exercises. When wearing the Pediasuit, your child will engage in intensive, repetitive movements that enhance strength, coordination, balance, and functional abilities.

Spider-Cage Therapy:

Spider-cage therapy is offered by our team of experienced Physiotherapists. It is a therapy tool designed to improve your child’s motor skills and overall physical function. The therapy involves using a specialised “spider cage” frame with elastic bungee cords. These cords provide support and resistance, helping children perform various exercises and movements in a controlled environment. The therapy aims to enhance strength, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness, making it particularly beneficial for children with neurological and developmental conditions. Using the spider cage, your therapist can tailor exercises to your child’s needs, facilitating progress safely and engagingly.

Hydrotherapy:

In a heated pool, hydrotherapy uses water’s properties to help your child achieve better mobility, strength, and balance. It is especially effective for children with neurological conditions, low muscle tone, developmental delays, and chronic pain.

Garment Therapy:

Garments including Theratogs, Spiral Skins and Dynamic Movement Orthosis (DMO) are used and trialled by our Physiotherapists to enhance body awareness, improve alignment, and support motor learning in children with postural and movement challenges. The customisable garments and strapping provide targeted support and encourage optimal movement patterns. These garments are strategically applied to your child’s body to improve posture, muscle activation and overall function.

Whole Body Vibration:

Utilising a vibrating platform, whole body vibration therapy helps improve muscle tone, strength, circulation, and bone density, supporting better overall physical function. This therapy tool is combined with various other therapy interventions to enhance the overall effectiveness and outcomes that these interventions would achieve independently.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS):

Task-specific muscle stimulation uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions, helping to strengthen muscles and restore functionality in children with neurological impairments. Our therapy team is experienced in applying EMS to your child’s body during active movements, such as walking, squatting, or sitting-to-stands.

Pre- and Post-Botox Interventions:

Our therapists are skilled in providing targeted Physiotherapy that complements pre- and post-Botox interventions, including strengthening, stretching, casting, and monitoring. Our team collaborates closely with the rehabilitation teams at the children’s hospitals throughout the process to maximise the outcomes achieved following Botox and to assist in planning future treatment pathways.

Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:

We offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to prepare children for surgery and support an effective recovery. Our strong partnerships with children’s hospitals and other local hospitals enable us to provide these services. Our client’s success in achieving exceptional outcomes has earned us recognition and trust within the medical community. Through these connections, we ensure continuous support for children and their families, promoting optimal recovery and continuity of care.

Our Picton Clinic – Accessible and Purpose-Built for Your Child's Care

Our clinic offers easy access without the stress of navigating the busy city centre.

With ample onsite parking, including dedicated disability parking right at our doorstep, we ensure a smooth and convenient experience for you and your child.

Our clinic also features accessible amenities designed to accommodate children and carers using mobility aids, ensuring comfort and ease during your visit.

A Space Designed for Comprehensive Care

Currently under construction, our purpose-built Picton clinic is designed to provide the highest level of care for children with diverse needs. Key features include:

23 Individual Treatment Rooms: Designed for different types of therapy to suit your child’s needs.
Therapy Kitchen: Our kitchen, designed with lower bench heights, allows children using wheelchairs to fully participate in therapy sessions.
Scales and Height Measuring Equipment
Accessible and Modern Facilities: From bathroom amenities to our child-friendly atmosphere, we ensure a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment.

This purpose-built space prioritises accessibility, innovation, and comfort to ensure therapy is effective and enjoyable for every child and their family.

Supporting Wollondilly Children Through Evidence Based Occupational Therapy

Understanding How We Help

At South West Kids Clinic, we specialise in providing expert paediatric occupational therapy for children aged 0-18, helping them develop the skills needed to thrive in their daily lives.

Conveniently located on the corner of Margaret & Colden Street in Picton, our dedicated team works closely with with families to create personalised therapy plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and challenges.

Our mission is to empower children to achieve greater independence, build essential motor and sensory skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. through evidence-based therapy techniques.

If you’re looking for a professional and compassionate occupational therapist in the Wollondilly area, give us a call on (02) 4640 5090 or via our online contact form today to discover how we can help your child develop essential skills and thrive with confidence.

How Our Paediatric Occupational Therapists Support Your Child

About our Occupational Therapy services

South West Kids Clinic offers a wide range of occupational therapy services to help children build independence and confidence in everyday tasks. Our approach is designed to address developmental, motor, and sensory challenges while empowering families to support their child’s progress.

Here is how we can help:

Support to participate in daily activities:

We support children’s essential day-to-day activities, encompassing self-care, play and recreation, and learning. Our Occupational Therapy services are designed to enhance participation in these vital areas, ensuring each child can experience life to the fullest.

Development of underlying skills:

Our Occupational Therapists focus on the crucial development of fundamental underlying skills for learning tasks, self-care routines, and play activities. These underlying areas may be strength, coordination, reach and grasping, attention and concentration, or motor planning. We use innovative techniques and the latest therapeutic equipment to support children in becoming more independent and confident in their daily interactions.

Task-specific training:

We provide targeted training for specific daily tasks such as grooming, dressing, simple meal preparation, and self-organisation. This technique is also used for developing academic tasks such as handwriting and learning to use scissors. These practical skills are taught in a supportive and structured manner, enabling children to perform them with greater ease and independence.

Advanced Equipment Solutions:

Our team is skilled in researching, trialling, and prescribing the right equipment to enhance functional participation. This includes mobility aids like wheelchairs, specialised seating, sleep systems, toileting aids, bathing equipment, disability-specific car seats, adaptive bicycles, and assistive technology devices to support daily living skills, enabling children to have a more engaged and fulfilled life with their families and friends.

Task modification and adaptation:

Our expert team of Occupational Therapists work to modify tasks to suit the individual capabilities of each child. Whether it’s adjusting the environmental set-up of a task, customising materials for easier handling, or adapting activities to increase inclusive participation, our goal is to enable children to participate as fully as possible in their daily lives.

Splinting and casting services:

We use splinting and casting techniques to help children with tightness in their arms and hands achieve better movement. We create custom splints to support children during activities and provide nighttime splints to help maintain good wrist, hand, and finger positioning while they sleep. Additionally, we use serial casting to increase movement gradually for children experiencing stiffness and reduced range of motion.

Environmental assessments:

Our team conducts thorough environmental assessments to promote accessibility and participation at home, in school, and within the community for minor modifications.

Vehicle modifications:

Our team is experienced in assessing, trialling and making application recommendations for vehicle modifications to assist families in transporting children safely and comfortably whilst travelling in wheelchairs, enabling children with disabilities and their families to maintain an active lifestyle.

Development of home programs:

We develop personalised home programs focusing on building strength, coordination, and other vital skills. These programs complement in-clinic therapy, ensuring continuous progress and development.

Collaboration with specialist teams:

Our approach is inherently collaborative. It involves various teams providing a holistic treatment plan for the best possible outcomes. This integrated approach ensures that all child development aspects are addressed.

Parent and carer coaching and education:

Understanding that parents and carers play a crucial role in therapy, we offer dedicated coaching and educational sessions to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support their child’s development. This empowerment enables parents and carers to participate actively in the therapeutic process, fostering better outcomes for the children in their care.

Our Paediatric Occupational Therapy Treatment Techniques

How We Help Assist Your Child

We go beyond standard practices by integrating both proven techniques and the latest advancements in paediatric occupational therapy. Our team continuously invests in professional development and cutting-edge tools, ensuring every child receives care that is exceptional, progressive, and perfectly suited to their unique needs.

Here are some of the specialised techniques we offer:

Goal-directed training

Goal-directed training involves setting specific functional goals, breaking them into achievable tasks, and engaging in repetitive practice with guidance and feedback to improve performance and adapt strategies. This helps your child learn new skills step by step, improving over time and using these skills in everyday situations. By focusing on activities that are meaningful to your child, we can help them develop the skills they need to participate more fully in daily life.

Bimanual therapy

Bimanual therapy is helpful for children who may have difficulty using both hands together due to conditions such as cerebral palsy or other neurological or developmental challenges. We identify and work on specific bimanual actions, facilitated by identifying particular toys and activities to target these actions, practise them with support and feedback, and gradually build up their ability to coordinate both hands in tasks like drawing, playing, and self-care.

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is where we encourage your child to use their affected arm. This helps your child become more confident and skilled in using both arms, especially if one is weaker due to conditions like cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries.

Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP Approach)

This client-centred approach empowers children by involving them in goal-setting and problem-solving, which enhances their participation and success in daily activities. In the CO-OP approach, we empower your child to actively choose goals and participate in finding solutions to challenges they encounter during activities. We provide guidance and encouragement as your child explores different strategies and support them in trying new approaches and problem-solving independently. By fostering this sense of autonomy and self-discovery, your child gains confidence in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals. This collaborative process also promotes a sense of ownership and pride in their accomplishments.

Theratogs

These wearable therapy garments provide improved postural control and feedback. Our team is trained in using Theratogs to address their clients’ individual musculoskeletal, postural, balance, or movement concerns and support your child with their movement and postural skills. These garments help enhance postural control and activate the somatosensory system. This results in improved trunk control and better use of the arms for functional tasks. Theratogs are designed to be comfortable and flexible, allowing your child to move freely while receiving the support they need to thrive.

Pre & Post Botox interventions

We work closely with the rehabilitation teams at the children’s hospitals to provide pre-and post-botox care, which can include measuring ranges, stretching, serial casting, and strengthening programs. Our close networks mean we can liaise directly with specialists to assist in future planning for your child’s rehabilitation needs.

Pre & Post surgery rehabilitation

We offer customised rehabilitation programs designed to prepare children for surgery and facilitate a quicker, more effective recovery. We have established close partnerships with Children’s hospitals and other local hospitals to offer pre and post-rehabilitation services for children undergoing surgery. Our close partnerships stem from our passion for seeing the success of our clients achieve exceptional outcomes, which has earned us recognition and trust within the medical community. Through this connection, we can provide comprehensive support to children and their families, ensuring continuity of care and optimal recovery outcomes.

Lusiomate

We offer the LusioMATE system to elevate rehabilitation experiences for children with movement goals. This innovative tool immerses children in motivating online gaming experiences that target movement goals and enhance motor skills. LusioMATE transforms therapy sessions into engaging experiences customised to each child’s rehabilitation journey.

Our Picton Clinic – Accessible and Purpose-Built for Your Child's Care

Our clinic offers easy access without the stress of navigating the busy city centre.

With ample onsite parking, including dedicated disability parking right at our doorstep, we ensure a smooth and convenient experience for you and your child.

Our clinic also features accessible amenities designed to accommodate children and carers using mobility aids, ensuring comfort and ease during your visit.

A Space Designed for Comprehensive Care

Currently under construction, our purpose-built Picton clinic is designed to provide the highest level of care for children with diverse needs. Key features include:

23 Individual Treatment Rooms: Designed for different types of therapy to suit your child’s needs.
Therapy Kitchen: Our kitchen, designed with lower bench heights, allows children using wheelchairs to fully participate in therapy sessions.
Scales and Height Measuring Equipment
Accessible and Modern Facilities: From bathroom amenities to our child-friendly atmosphere, we ensure a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment.

This purpose-built space prioritises accessibility, innovation, and comfort to ensure therapy is effective and enjoyable for every child and their family.

Assisting Wollondilly Children Through Paediatric Speech Pathology

Understanding How We Help

At South West Kids Clinic, we specialise in providing high-quality paediatric speech therapy for children aged 0-18, supporting a wide range of communication and language challenges.

Conveniently located on the corner of Margaret & Colden Street in Picton, our dedicated team works closely with families in Wollondilly to develop personalised therapy plans that meet each child’s unique needs and goals.

Our mission is to help children overcome communication barriers, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential through evidence-based therapy techniques.

If you’re looking for professional and compassionate speech therapy in the Wollondilly area, give us a call on (02) 4640 5090 or via our online contact form today to discover how we can empower your child to communicate with confidence and thrive.

How Our Speech Pathologists Can Help Your Child

South West Kids Clinic provides a comprehensive range of speech pathology services for children. Our goal is to address communication, speech sound, and feeding challenges through innovative and effective therapies. We work closely with families, as well as the child’s therapy and medical team, to ensure strategies are practical and empower families to take an active role in their child’s progress.

Here’s how we can help:

Accelerate Understanding and Use of Language

We implement strategies and techniques that boost language acquisition, helping children understand and use age-appropriate language effectively in their daily lives. Our team thoroughly assesses children’s underlying language skills and foundational areas of learning to determine strengths and difficulties tailored to each child. This allows our team to set goals that reflect the family and child’s needs.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Our Speech Pathologists use the latest evidence to assess, trial, and implement Assistive Technology to enhance a child’s independent communication. We explore various AAC options and collaborate with equipment providers to find the best support, ensuring effective home, school, and community communication. Additionally, we work with families, educators, and others to support and train them in using AAC, ensuring these tools are seamlessly integrated into the child’s life.

Speech Sound Development

Our therapists are well-versed in typical speech sound development and identifying and treating complex speech disorders by following the latest evidence and using the most effective treatment methods. Our therapies are aimed at helping children learn and correctly articulate age-appropriate speech sounds and providing tailored programs to establish optimal clarity of speech so children can be more independently understood in all aspects of their lives.

Individualised Goals

At South West Kids Clinic, each child’s therapy plan is customised in collaboration with the family to create personalised therapy goals that cater to their unique needs and potential for growth. Our team also works alongside a child’s family, therapy team, educators, and medical professionals as part of their intervention to ensure that a child’s needs are understood holistically and to support the best therapeutic outcomes for each child.

Stuttering and Fluency Intervention

Our team understands that fluency disorders can impact a child’s whole life. We work with the most suitable techniques for each child to confidently use their voice. We provide individualised treatment approaches to manage and treat stuttering, focusing on improving fluency and boosting the child’s confidence in speaking.

Dysphagia Intervention

Our Feeding Speech Pathologists work with children with Paediatric Dysphagia to learn vital eating and drinking skills so that they can participate with the most independence possible to eat with their friends and family while maintaining safety. Speech Pathologists at South West Kids Clinic work on this in the following ways:

Our Speech Pathologists work closely with a child’s medical team to ensure that crucial referrals are made or that further investigations, such as Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies or nasendoscopy, are conducted to explore airway safety.
Oral Motor Examination: At a child’s first appointment or assessment, our Speech Pathologists examine oral motor skills and difficulties to identify causes of difficulty eating, drinking, and swallowing. Once our team understands oral motor skills, it tailors therapy to build strength, reduce risks, and support independent skills during meals and snacks.
Optimising Mealtimes: We tailor food textures and types to suit each child’s developmental stage and swallowing capabilities, ensuring that mealtimes support their overall health and therapy goals. Our team also works with families to ensure foods work within their typical diet and schedule and to promote family participation during meals.
Prescribing Equipment and Foods: We prescribe adaptive equipment and special foods where necessary to facilitate safer and more effective eating practices. This can include thickened liquids, special cutlery to support self-feeding, or cups that allow safe water drinking. Our team works alongside other therapy disciplines (Occupational Therapy or Dietetics) to ensure that strategies work with the child’s underlying skills or nutritional needs.
Create Positive Mealtime Experiences: Our Speech Pathologists work to create enjoyable and stress-free mealtime routines, assisting families in managing and improving the dining experience and focusing on fun and connection during mealtimes. Our therapists support families in following Responsive Feeding Practices to enable children’s curiosity and interest in foods and mealtimes and take the stress out of the family’s routine.

Our Children’s Speech Pathology Treatment Techniques

We implement evidence-based and innovative therapies to address a wide range of speech and language challenges. Our techniques are designed to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring therapy is both effective and engaging.

Our advanced approaches include:

HANEN

The HANEN program focuses on coaching parents to be their child’s most crucial language teachers and facilitating parents’ ability to identify and respond to different forms of communication. The strategies and resources within this program teach parents how to boost their child’s language skills in their family’s existing daily activities, focusing on fun and child-led interaction.

Learn To Play/Play-based Therapy

This approach harnesses the power of play to support language development, social skills, and play development. Play-based therapy provides a natural, fun environment for children to learn communication skills while engaging in meaningful play activities. Our team understands the importance of play and the neuroscience behind making therapy play-based and joyful – plus, children love it!

Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC

We assess, trial and implement augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems personalised to the child and their skills to allow them to communicate to the best of their ability. We also educate and support families, educators, and others on the child’s team to implement their AAC system in all the child’s environments and daily activities. Our Speech Pathologists work closely with equipment providers and technical specialists to trial and implement AAC systems to suit various physical and neurological needs – such as eye gaze devices or alternative access systems.

Switch Access Methods

This particular type of AAC allows children with significant physical difficulties to communicate by activating buttons with a body part they can comfortably control. The switches may be connected to other communication devices, toys, or household appliances, allowing the child to communicate, play, and be more independent in their environment. Our team works closely with a child’s therapy team to ensure that systems are customised to each child’s skills and personal communication goals.

DTTC - Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing

This method is used for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and helps them plan the mouth movements required for speech. In conjunction with individualised cueing, specific words are selected for practice to target the speech movement patterns that the child has difficulty producing.

ReST - Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment

ReST is a treatment for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and some children with dysarthria or significant phonological disorders. It teaches children to coordinate new speech movements in words and involves practising them rapidly to achieve more accurate speech. Our Speech Pathologists tailor each ReST program to each child to ensure success and progress.

Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness describes a child’s ability to identify and understand speech sounds as part of typical development. Our Speech Pathologists can assess and determine the presence of atypical or delayed phonological development and treat difficulties using a wide range of techniques in therapy before problems begin to impact social interaction or literacy at schools. Our techniques range from sound awareness to discrimination to blending and manipulating sounds to strengthen a child’s phonological system and later literacy skills.

PROMPT

PROMPT (PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) therapy involves physical manipulation of the child’s jaw, lips, and tongue to teach the correct movements for speech sounds. This treatment is typically used to assist children with motor speech disorders in learning to express words of importance clearly to the child and their family.

Lidcombe Program

The Lidcombe Program is a behavioural treatment for young children who stutter. It involves parents providing feedback on speech fluency in a supportive, positive way to reduce stuttering. Our therapists train families to implement the program at home while engaged in a structured therapy plan until stutter-free speech is achieved.

Fluency Intervention

In addition to the Lidcombe program, our therapists use various techniques to facilitate stutter-free speech or ideal fluency for each child. Our techniques also involve working closely with psychologists, as we know the impact that stuttering can have on children and their families. Our team assesses the child’s stutter, their attitudes towards stuttering, and its overall effect on a child’s life to tailor programs to achieve the smoothest speech possible and get children to use their voices with confidence.

Responsive Feeding Practices (RFP)

Mealtimes with a child with dysphagia or restricted eating can be significantly stressful for the child and family. Our therapists follow RFP to support families in building positive mealtime habits, fostering children’s interest in foods, and reducing family stress around mealtimes.

Developmental Food Continuum

Our Speech Pathologists understand that food refusal or restrictive eating can be due to more than just behaviour. We assess a child’s oral motor skills and overall development to determine the safest foods to support biting, chewing, and swallowing. We also identify foods to develop strength and coordination when eating. This approach supports children in progressing through various textures and types of solid foods, adapting as their feeding skills and preferences evolve.

STEPS+ Program

STEPS+ (Supportive Treatment of Eating in PreschoolerS) is a structured approach to feeding intervention that includes trauma-informed practices when working with children who have dysphagia alongside food-refusal or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). The STEPS+ approach supports parents in decreasing stress, creating routine, building enjoyment during meals and developing oral motor skills in children.

Pacing Methods

We coach families on how to use paced feeding for infants who bottle feed. This helps manage the milk flow and the infant’s intake, ensuring they can feed safely and comfortably. This can be done through positioning, teat flow trialling, or formula thickening to ensure that infants can safely and comfortably feed and meet their nutritional needs. Our Speech Pathologists work closely with a child’s medical and therapeutic team to ensure that all underlying medical or postural needs are understood and supported.

Division of Responsibility Method

In our feeding intervention, we strive to make mealtimes less stressful so families can enjoy this crucial part of the day together while developing age-expected skills. This method acknowledges the roles of children and caregivers during mealtimes, with caregivers deciding what and when to offer food and children being encouraged to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

Our Picton Clinic – Accessible and Purpose-Built for Your Child's Care

Our clinic offers easy access without the stress of navigating the busy city centre.

With ample onsite parking, including dedicated disability parking right at our doorstep, we ensure a smooth and convenient experience for you and your child.

Our clinic also features accessible amenities designed to accommodate children and carers using mobility aids, ensuring comfort and ease during your visit.

A Space Designed for Comprehensive Care

Currently under construction, our purpose-built Picton clinic is designed to provide the highest level of care for children with diverse needs. Key features include:

23 Individual Treatment Rooms: Designed for different types of therapy to suit your child’s needs.
Therapy Kitchen: Our kitchen, designed with lower bench heights, allows children using wheelchairs to fully participate in therapy sessions.
Scales and Height Measuring Equipment
Accessible and Modern Facilities: From bathroom amenities to our child-friendly atmosphere, we ensure a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment.

This purpose-built space prioritises accessibility, innovation, and comfort to ensure therapy is effective and enjoyable for every child and their family.

Our Therapy Services for Children in Picton

Understanding How We Help

At South West Kids Clinic, we provide a variety of therapy services personalised to address the developmental requirements of children in the Wollondilly area. Below is a detailed overview of each of our primary services:

Occupational Therapy

At South West Kids Clinic, our Occupational Therapists are committed to improving your child’s independence in everyday activities. They utilise the latest treatment techniques and therapy tools to help your child enhance their motor skills, participate more fully in play, simplify tasks, and select the appropriate equipment and assistive tools. Our team works hard to ensure your child can engage more effectively in daily life with increased independence.

Speech Therapy

Our Speech Pathologists in Wollondilly focus on enhancing your child’s communication, eating, and drinking abilities. We are dedicated to empowering your child to communicate their thoughts and feelings clearly and confidently. Our goal is to create safe and enjoyable mealtime experiences by promoting your child’s independent eating and drinking abilities.

Paediatric Physiotherapy

Physical activity is essential for a child’s active engagement in life. Our paediatric physiotherapists are dedicated to advancing your child’s physical capabilities using innovative techniques and advanced therapeutic equipment. We aim to improve mobility, strength, and coordination to help your child participate more actively in physical activities and enhance their overall quality of life.

Dietetics

Nutrition is critical for all children, particularly those with physical challenges. Our Dietitians create personalised nutritional plans that meet the specific needs of children with physical disabilities. We ensure each child receives the necessary dietary support to promote optimal growth, development, and learning.