Holly is an imaginative and caring girl who faced challenges with emotional regulation and social skills before starting Kindergarten. Referred to Royal Far West’s (RFW) Paediatric Development Program, her journey began with two weeks of telehealth assessments due to COVID-19 restrictions. During these sessions, clinicians gained insights into Holly’s play skills, social interactions, problem-solving abilities, and sensory needs.

Once restrictions were lifted, Holly and her family travelled to Manly for further assessment. Through meeting in person clinicians learned more about her strengths and interests, particularly her sense of humour and caring nature. Further in depth assessments of Holly’s communication, motor, and cognitive skills were also completed.

Following these assessments, Holly received diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After the assessment, Holly and her family accessed additional services through RFW, including Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology via the Bushfire Recovery Program and the NDIS Windmill Program. With established therapy goals, Holly continued her development with the same occupational therapist she met during her assessment, who now sees her at school for ongoing therapy. Holly is currently in Year 3.

Occupational therapy sessions have focused on body-based regulation strategies such as bubble breathing, heavy work activities and incorporating music. Holly is also working on developing fine motor skills using putty, pegs and pipe cleaners. Speech pathology sessions have helped Holly identify body signals of emotions and improve her ability to provide verbal recounts of her experiences. Holly can now recount her weekends, including how she felt.

But Holly’s story is just one among many, and the reality is that our resources are stretched thin.