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At OTFC, one of the things that makes our service unique is the way we deliver individual therapy within a shared sensory gym environment, affectionately known as our "park" spaces. You will find these parks at all our OTFC clinics, including Adelaide, Melbourne and on the Gold Coast.  

Traditionally, Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) therapy has been delivered in a dedicated therapy room, where a young person works one-to-one with their therapist. Over the past decade, through years of clinical experience and listening to the goals of the families we support, we have evolved this model into larger, purpose-built therapy spaces that retain the benefits of individual therapy while creating natural opportunities for social participation. 

Over time, we found that some of the most meaningful social learning occurred when children were engaged in activities they genuinely enjoyed, alongside peers in a supportive environment. Through this approach, we can support sensory processing, motor skill development and regulation, while also building skills such as communication, confidence, turn-taking and managing winning and losing, all of which are important goals for many of the families we work with. 

Want to explore Occupational Therapy with OTFC? Book a Meet and Greet today!

Supporting Social Goals Through Meaningful Experiences

One of the most common goals we hear from families, particularly for school-aged children, is the desire for their child to feel more confident and capable in social situations.  

However, social interaction is hard. Just like any skill, it requires practice and support. Traditional social groups are not always the best fit. For some young people, sitting still, participating in structured discussions, or engaging in tabletop activities may not be the most effective way for them to learn and practise social skills.  

Our park spaces allow social opportunities to develop naturally within activities that children already enjoy. For many young people, initially having the support of a 1:1 therapist in modelling, guiding and scaffolding social interactions can build their confidence to initiate social interactions over time. Young people can engage in sensory and movement-based experiences while also connecting with peers, practising social skills, and building confidence at a pace that feels comfortable and achievable. From here, young people can explore social groups and opportunities with greater confidence based on skills learnt through therapy in a shared environment.

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What Do Social Opportunities Look Like at OTFC?

Social opportunities in our park spaces might include: 

  • Sharing equipment and resources while using communication and problem-solving skills to navigate the space alongside others. 
  • Negotiating turn-taking opportunities when multiple children are interested in the same activity. 
  • Participating in cooperative games that encourage teamwork, flexibility and shared planning. 
  • Playing social games that provide opportunities to practise coping with winning and losing. 

These experiences occur naturally throughout a session, allowing therapists to support social learning within meaningful and motivating activities.   

Importantly, young people are given choice around engagement in social experiences. Therapists carefully support social opportunities based on each child's goals, readiness and confidence.  

This allows young people to build social confidence and capacity in an environment where they feel safe, regulated and successful.

A Developmental Approach

While every child is different, we often find these shared therapy environments become particularly valuable from around 8 to 9 years of age and beyond, when children are becoming more aware of friendships, peer relationships and social expectations. 

For younger children, therapy is often delivered in a more individualised way, with a focus on developing the foundational sensory, motor, play and regulation skills that support participation with others as they grow. 

  • Looking for a therapy environment where your child can build confidence, connection and participation?

    Contact our team today to learn more about our park spaces and how OTFC can support your child's confidence, participation and connection with others.
    Book a free Meet & Greet

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