Allied Health Assistants: How They Support Your Child’s Therapy Journey

Parents want the very best for their children, especially when it comes to health and development. For families navigating challenges with movement, learning, or independence, therapy plays a vital role. While many people are familiar with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists, fewer understand the valuable role of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs).

At Aquila Kids, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality, flexible therapy solutions. AHAs are a key part of how we deliver this mission. They work alongside therapists, children, and families to ensure therapy is consistent, practical, and empowering.

In this guide, we’ll explore who Allied Health Assistants are, what they do, and how they contribute to your child’s therapy journey—always within the framework of Aquila Kids’ vision for family-centered care.

Who Are Allied Health Assistants?

Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) are trained professionals who support qualified allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists.

Although they are not therapists themselves, AHAs help deliver therapy by:

• Running therapy activities prescribed by the supervising therapist

• Reinforcing skills during sessions and at home

• Assisting with group programs or community-based sessions

• Providing feedback to therapists and families about progress

This ensures therapy strategies are applied consistently between formal appointments.

The Role of Allied Health Assistants in Therapy

Children progress best with consistency, practice, and encouragement. AHAs play an important role in making sure therapy isn’t limited to a single weekly session but instead becomes part of everyday life.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

• Exercise support – Helping children practice movement programs designed by a physiotherapist

• Skill building – Reinforcing fine motor, sensory, or learning strategies from an occupational therapist

• Everyday routines – Assisting families to use therapy techniques during play, feeding, dressing, and other daily activities

• Group support – Supporting children in school or community settings to promote participation and inclusion

This collaborative approach helps children achieve progress in familiar, real-world environments.

Benefits of Allied Health Assistants for Families

Having an AHA involved in your child’s care provides unique advantages:

• More therapy opportunities – Extra time to practice and refine skills, accelerating progress

• Flexible therapy delivery – Sessions at home, school, or in the community, making therapy fit around family life

• Cost-effective care – AHAs can make NDIS funding stretch further while maintaining quality support

• Parent and family involvement – AHAs guide families in applying therapy strategies confidently outside structured sessions

This blend of professional oversight and family participation ensures therapy has lasting impact.

How AHAs Work With Therapists

At Aquila Kids, AHAs always work under the supervision of qualified therapists. Every program is designed, monitored, and adjusted by a supervising therapist to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The process typically looks like this:

1. A therapist assesses your child and develops a personalised therapy plan.

2. An AHA delivers elements of the plan under supervision.

3. Families are coached to apply strategies in daily routines.

4. The therapist reviews progress and adapts the plan as needed.

This structured team approach reflects our commitment to family-centered, professional care.

Allied Health Assistants and the NDIS

For families using the NDIS, AHAs can help maximise available support. Because they are a cost-effective option, AHAs allow children to access more therapy hours while maintaining high standards of care.

This means:

• Increased opportunities for skill development

• Better value from NDIS plans

• Continuity of care between therapist-led sessions

Flexible Therapy in Different Settings

At Aquila Kids, therapy isn’t confined to a clinic. AHAs provide support across multiple environments, helping children apply skills where they live, learn, and play:

• At home – Practicing exercises within daily routines

• At school – Supporting learning and social participation in classrooms or playgrounds

• In the community – Encouraging confidence in sports, group activities, and public outings

• Via telehealth – Offering guidance for families in regional or remote areas

This flexibility ensures therapy remains practical and accessible for every family.

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

Parents play the most important role in their child’s development. AHAs support families by:

• Demonstrating therapy strategies that parents can continue at home

• Providing updates on progress and challenges

• Making therapy fun and engaging for children

• Celebrating small wins and encouraging persistence

This reflects Aquila Kids’ vision: to empower children and families to achieve lasting growth and independence.

Why Choose Aquila Kids

Aquila Kids is more than a therapy provider. We are a community committed to helping children thrive. With a team that includes qualified therapists and Allied Health Assistants, we deliver:

• Flexible therapy options tailored to individual needs

• Supervised, high-quality support aligned with NDIS goals

• A family-centered approach that values every child’s uniqueness

• A mission-driven commitment to inclusivity and empowerment

Conclusion

Allied Health Assistants are an essential part of your child’s therapy journey. By working closely with therapists, children, and families, AHAs make therapy consistent, flexible, and effective.

At Aquila Kids, our AHAs and therapists work hand in hand to support children’s growth, turning therapy goals into meaningful, everyday progress.