Therapy Assistance Program

As a carer of someone with special needs, you've likely spent countless hours as their personal therapy supporter. Finding time for them to practice the skills they learn in their weekly speech or occupational therapy sessions can be tough and time-consuming. Even though you've found great therapists and know that doing the therapy exercises at home is crucial for development towards your goals, your busy schedule makes it challenging. Wouldn't it be fantastic if you had someone else to assist you in achieving your goals? If you're saying 'yes' to this question, a skilled Therapy Assistant could bring a significant positive impact to your life.


What is a Therapy Assistant?

Therapy Assistants team up with experienced allied health professionals to help children achieve their social, emotional, communication, and learning goals. They act as a bridge between formal therapy sessions and real-life situations by guiding kids to practice and master the skills they learn during clinical occupational therapy or speech therapy in different settings.

The best part about Therapy Assistants is that they provide an extra layer of support to children in familiar places like their home, preschool, or school. Sometimes, they even offer additional practice and learning opportunities in a clinic setting.

It's important to note that a Therapy Assistant's role is not to assess your child or create their therapy plan. Instead, they work under the direct supervision of your child's main therapist, ensuring your son or daughter gets chances to apply their developing skills in their natural environments.


What qualifications do Therapy Assistants hold?

Numerous Therapy Assistants are up-and-coming clinicians currently pursuing degrees in fields like speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, teaching, and physiotherapy at the university.

On the other hand, some are certified Allied Health Assistants who have undergone specialised training and acquired qualifications in this rapidly expanding domain.


How can a Therapy Assistant support clients at Beyond Speech?

A Therapy Assistant is not just an assistant to our therapists but a crucial guide and supporter for the client. They are a fully integrated member of the client's clinical team and provide various valuable supports, including:

1. Visiting a client at preschool or school to offer one-on-one assistance, enhancing participation and learning.
2. Guiding a client at home while they practice and excel in their morning or afternoon routines.
3. Engaging in purposeful play in diverse settings to provide targeted practice, helping your child achieve their communication or emotional/social skills goals.
4. Providing personalised learning support in a client's school classroom, day care or kinder, building confidence in essential areas such as reading, writing, social skills, communication, behaviour, and attention.

It's important to note that a Therapy Assistant's role is not to assess your child or create their therapy plan. Instead, they work under the direct supervision of your child's main therapist, ensuring your son or daughter gets chances to apply their developing skills in their natural environments.


Booking and Funding

You have the option to privately pay for support from one of our skilled Therapy Assistants.

Alternatively, if a client qualifies for a self or plan-managed NDIS plan, you can utilise the funding allocated to their Improved Daily Living or Core Supports to access our services.

It's important to remember that while our Therapy Assistants are fantastic, it's essential for every child receiving their support to continue with therapy sessions provided by one of our qualified Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, or other Allied Health professionals at least once per month.

Our Therapy Assistants play a significant role, but only a qualified clinician possesses the necessary qualifications and expertise to assess, diagnose, offer professional recommendations, and create a treatment plan that is tailored, suitable, and safe for our clients.

To secure a Therapy Assistant on your child's team, have a discussion with your treating clinician about adding a Beyond Speech Therapy Assistant to your family's support network. Alternatively, if you are new to Beyond Speech or thinking about applying for services, please discuss your interest in our Therapy Assistant program with our Admin team.