Empowering Your Child’s Journey: The Role of Allied Health Assistants in Physiotherapy Programs

As a parent of a child with disabilities, you understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with ensuring your child receives the best possible care. One of the most impactful ways to support your child’s physical development and overall well-being is through physiotherapy programs. But did you know that Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) play a crucial role in these programs? Let’s explore how AHAs can make a significant difference in your child’s physiotherapy journey. 

What Are Allied Health Assistants? 

Allied Health Assistants, also known as Therapy Assistants, work under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists to deliver tailored therapy programs. They are trained professionals who support the implementation of physiotherapy plans, helping to maximise the benefits for your child. AHA’s may assist within a physiotherapy session or may work through a tailored program with your child independently.  

The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Children with Disabilities 

Physiotherapy is essential for children with disabilities as it helps improve mobility, strength, and coordination. It can also enhance their independence and quality of life. Physiotherapists working with kids focus on assisting families to set focused goals, adapt their environments and family routines to get the most ‘real-world’ practice of their physical skills.  Complementing this with both a Home Activities Program and weekly AHA sessions will offer even more opportunity for practice so your child can tick off those goals.  

How Allied Health Assistants Enhance Physiotherapy Programs 

1. Personalised Attention: AHAs provide one-on-one support, ensuring that each activity is performed correctly and safely. At Aquila Kids, our AHA has extensive experience working with kids of all ages, including kids who have other challenges.  Many of our AHA’s clients find maintaining attention and communication difficult or have learning, sensory or behavioral challenges.  They can tweak the activities and instructions to suit your child's individual learning styles and keep them engaged while getting the core program of physical skills done.  

2. Practice Makes Progress: Improving Physical Skills (Gross and Fine Motor) involves lots of repetition of the necessary movements in relevant tasks and play. It is also important that your child is working in their individual ‘challenge zone’ - where an activity is not too hard or too easy.  Our Physiotherapist liaises weekly with the Allied Health Assistant to make sure the program hits that ‘challenge zone’.  

3. Consistency and Routine: Regular sessions with an AHA help establish a consistent routine, for regular and consistent practice of the movement skills that contribute to your child’s set goals.  Consistency in therapy can lead to better outcomes and a more structured approach to physical development. 

4. Cost-Effective Care: Utilising AHAs can make physiotherapy more affordable. Physiotherapists can provide a wide variety of supports for your child outside of face-to-face therapy sessions.  AHA programs can focus on face-to-face therapy with your child, while the Physiotherapist can focus on more other aspects of your child's care. Have a look at our NDIS Services | Aquila Physiotherapy (aquilakids.au) to learn more about the variety of supports we can provide for children and their families.  

5. Key Worker Model: AHAs are an important link in the Key Worker Model for Early Childhood Care.  They often work closely with other healthcare professionals, teachers, and caregivers to provide a holistic approach to your child’s care. This collaborative effort ensures that all aspects of your child’s development are addressed. 

Why choose an Allied Health Assistant program for your Child? 

Choosing to include an AHA in your child’s physiotherapy program means investing in a supportive, personalised and effective approach to their physical development.  AHAs bring a unique blend of skills, compassion and dedication that can make a world of difference in your child’s journey. 

If you are interested in learning more about how an Allied Health Assistant can support your child’s physiotherapy program, get in touch with our Aquila Kids team Contact | Aquila Physiotherapy (aquilakids.au) 

Help your child soar! With the help of Allied Health Assistants, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible care.