Explore Home Therapy Packs
Understanding Attention and Concentration Difficulties Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect a child’s ability to focus and complete tasks. Our guides provide practical strategies to support children facing these challenges. To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, designed to engage children and improve focus at home.
Explore Home Therapy Packs

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Detailed Description
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

Identifying Signs of ADHD
Inattention

• Easily Distracted: Difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities, especially those that are not highly stimulating or rewarding.
• Difficulty Following Instructions: Struggles to follow through on instructions and often fails to complete tasks, such as homework or chores.
• Organisational Challenges: Problems organising tasks and activities, often leading to messy work and missing deadlines.
• Forgetfulness: Frequently forgets daily activities, such as forgetting to bring homework to school or missing appointments.

Hyperactivity

• Fidgeting and Squirming: Often fidgets with hands or feet, squirms in seat, or has difficulty staying seated when expected.
• Excessive Movement: Runs or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate, or is often on the go as if driven by a motor.
• Difficulty Playing Quietly: Struggles to engage in quiet activities and may talk excessively.

Impulsivity

• Interrupting: Frequently interrupts others or intrudes on conversations and games.
• Impulsive Decisions: Acts without thinking, such as blurting out answers before questions are completed or making decisions without considering consequences.
• Difficulty Waiting: Has trouble waiting their turn in activities or lines.​

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Support Strategies for Children with ADHD

Creating Structured Environments

• Consistent Routines: Establish daily routines to provide structure and predictability.
• Clear Instructions: Use clear, concise instructions and check for understanding.
• Visual Schedules: Implement visual schedules and checklists to help the child stay organised and on track.

​Enhancing Focus and Attention
Task Breaks: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and allow breaks between tasks.
Preferred Seating: Provide seating arrangements that minimise distractions, such as placing the child near the teacher.
Movement Breaks: Allow short, frequent movement breaks to help manage hyperactivity.

Promoting Positive Behaviour
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviours and encourage repetition.
Behavioural Plans: Develop individualised behaviour plans that include specific goals and rewards.
Calm Environments: Create a calm and quiet environment for completing homework and other focused tasks.
Supporting Social SkillsSocial Skills Training: Enrol the child in social skills training programs to learn and practise appropriate social behaviours.
Role-Playing: Practise social scenarios through role-playing to build confidence and social competence.
Peer Mentoring: Encourage interactions with peers who can model appropriate social behaviour.

Academic Accommodations
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs): Work with the school to develop an IEP that includes accommodations and supports for the child's specific needs.
Alternative Assignments: Provide alternative assignments and assessments to accommodate the child's learning style.
Extended Time: Allow extra time for completing tasks and assignments.

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Steps to Get a Diagnosis for ADHD

​1.Observing Signs and Symptoms:
Parents and caregivers should keep a detailed record of their child's behaviours, including any challenges with attention, focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
2.Consulting with a Paediatrician:
Schedule an appointment with the child's paediatrician to discuss concerns. The paediatrician will conduct an initial evaluation and may use screening tools to assess for ADHD.
3.Referral to a Specialist:
If the paediatrician suspects ADHD, they will refer the child to a specialist, such as a child psychologist or psychiatrist, for a comprehensive evaluation.
4.Comprehensive Evaluation:
The specialist will conduct a detailed assessment, which may include:
Developmental history and parental interviews.
Observations of the child's behaviour in various settings.
Standardised tests and rating scales (e.g., Conners' Rating Scales).
5.Diagnosis and Recommendations:
Based on the evaluation, the specialist will provide a diagnosis and recommendations for intervention and support. This may include:
Behavioural therapy.
Medication management.
Educational support and accommodations.
6.Developing an Intervention Plan:
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive intervention plan tailored to the child's needs. This plan should address attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and social skills.
7. Ongoing Monitoring and Support:
Regularly review and adjust the intervention plan as the child progresses. Ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between parents, healthcare providers, and educators to provide consistent support.

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) FAQs
Q: What are the symptoms of ADD/ADHD? 
A: Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children may have difficulty focusing, following instructions, staying still, and managing time and tasks.
Q: How can Occupational Therapy support children with ADD/ADHD? 
A: OT can help children develop organisational skills, improve attention and focus, manage sensory sensitivities, and develop strategies for self-regulation. Therapists may use sensory integration techniques and cognitive-behavioural strategies.
Q: What steps should I take if I suspect my child has ADD/ADHD? 
A: Start by discussing your concerns with your child’s paediatrician. They can refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. A comprehensive assessment may include medical history, behavioural checklists, and standardised tests.

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Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

Accessing our Perth services

Let's Work Together

​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​