Support for Families After the AEIOU Closure
- Jessie Ellis
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Your Child’s Therapy Doesn’t Have to Stop
If your child was receiving therapy through AEIOU, the sudden closure may have left you feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Skye Therapy is here to support children aged 0–16 years through individual therapy, group programs, and caregiver coaching, all in a neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based approach.
Call, Email, or Book Online:
📞 Phone: 07 3071 9287
📲 Text: 0468 099 096
✉️ Email: admin@skyetherapy.com.au
🖱️ Online Booking Form: https://www.skyetherapy.com.au/new-client-booking-form
What the AEIOU Closure Means for Families
Many families are facing sudden routine changes, worry about progress, and questions about NDIS plans. Maintaining even small, daily routines can help children feel secure.
Parent Tip: Small, consistent activities at home — like brain breaks, rhythmic and preferred sensory input, warm and fun play sessions with a caregiver, or visual schedules to orient to the plan for the day — can help children maintain confidence and skills during transitions. |
How to Find Supportive, Effective Therapy
Choosing the Right Therapy Provider? Look for:
Experience supporting children with autism or developmental delays
Individualised, child-centred therapy
NDIS experience to help with plans and reporting
Neurodiversity-affirming care
Family collaboration and guidance
Parent Tip: Ask how therapy can fit into existing home and school routines — the right provider will help you integrate strategies seamlessly. |
Therapy That Fits Your Child’s Needs
Skye Therapy offers:
Individual Therapy
Personalised therapy plans for children aged 0–16
Evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming care
NDIS-friendly support and reporting
Group Therapy Programs
Create & Connect (Ages 5–8 | Prep–Grade 3): Social skills, confidence, Lego/craft activities
Focus Club (Grades 3–6 / 7–10): Attention, self-regulation, mindfulness-informed strategies
Holiday Programs (Kindy–Grade 6): Creative projects supporting fine motor, planning, social skills
Caregiver Coaching
Practical strategies for home routines, transitions, and skill reinforcement
Builds confidence in supporting your child’s development
Parent Tip: Combining individual therapy, group programs, and caregiver coaching often gives the best support during transitions. |
Practical OT Tips for Families After Losing AEIOU Support
1. Maintain Predictable, Flexible Routines
Sudden changes can be unsettling. Use visual schedules or simple checklists at home.
Offer choices (“Do you want to start with breakfast or your morning activity?”) to give your child control and autonomy.
Flexibility within a routine reduces stress while maintaining continuity.
2. Foster Connection and Joy with Familiar Caregivers
Children regulate best when supported by trusted adults they enjoy being with.
Engage in shared, playful activities, laughter, and one-on-one time to help your child feel safe and supported.
Connection is essential - emotional safety supports learning and participation.
3. Support Sensory Needs to Reduce Stress
Identify what soothes or energizes your child (fidget toys, weighted blankets, quiet spaces).
Include regular regulating sensory input, especially during transitions or new activities.
Encourage your child to lead their own regulation strategies whenever possible.
4. Turn Everyday Tasks Into Opportunities
Transform routines into skill-building play:
Brushing teeth, dressing, or handwashing as a fun, structured activity
Cooking, gardening, or craft projects for sequencing, planning, and fine motor skills
Focus on engagement and confidence, not typical outcomes.
5. Support Communication and Emotional Expression
Model simple language: “I feel frustrated; I will take a break.”
Use visual supports, social stories, or role-play to explain new routines or therapy sessions.
Include nonverbal communication strategies if preferred by your child.
6. Build Social Participation Gradually
Small, structured interactions help your child practice social participation without pressure.
Encourage peer play, cooperative games, or small group activities, emphasizing enjoyment and connection.
7. Leverage Interests to Support Learning
Use your child’s passions or interests as a motivating tool for learning skills:
Counting or sorting favorite toys
Storytelling or drawing using preferred characters
This approach honors your child’s unique ways of engaging with the world.
8. Break Tasks Into Manageable, Empowering Steps
Divide tasks into clear, achievable steps with visual cues.
Celebrate effort and strategies rather than completion.
Let your child lead when possible, building independence and confidence.
9. Use Movement for Regulation and Focus
Short movement breaks support attention and emotional regulation.
Activities like stretching, dancing, or safe jumping help your child reset energy and focus.
Let your child choose their preferred movement to maintain autonomy.
10. Parents as Partners in Therapy
Actively engage in your child's therapy sessions whenever possible to learn strategies and reinforce them at home.
Play, laugh, and connect during activities — shared joy strengthens engagement and regulation.
Your involvement empowers your child and ensures therapy strategies are meaningful in daily life.
11. Celebrate Neurodiverse Strengths
Focus on participation, engagement, and individual strengths, not conformity to neuronormative standards.
Frame successes around confidence, independence, and skill growth.
Recognize differences as valuable contributions to learning and play.
How to Begin Occupational Therapy in Brisbane
Steps:
Contact Skye Therapy (call, email, online form)
Discuss your child’s needs and choose therapy type (individual, group, caregiver coaching)
Book a session — priority intake is available for families impacted by AEIOU
Begin therapy and continue building skills
FAQs
How soon can my child start paediatric occupational therapy?
We understand the urgency for families after AEIOU’s closure. Children can begin immediately, with priority intake available. Contact us to discuss the fastest option for your child.
Can therapy continue the goals my child was working on at AEIOU?
Yes — our therapists review your child’s current skills and goals to create a personalised plan. We focus on continuity of progress while tailoring therapy to your child’s strengths and needs.
What if my child is anxious about starting somewhere new?
Our small-group and one-on-one sessions are structured and supportive. Parents are encouraged to be involved as much as possible, helping children feel comfortable and confident while learning new skills.
Can my child attend both individual and group occupational therapy sessions?Absolutely — many children benefit from a combination. Individual therapy builds targeted skills, while group sessions support social interaction, confidence, and peer learning. Parents are invited to observe or participate when it aligns with their child’s goals.
Are sessions covered by NDIS?
Yes — we provide guidance for NDIS occupational therapy in Brisbane, including plan management, goal setting, and reporting. Our team ensures families can continue therapy without interruptions.
How long are one-on-one OT sessions?
Our individual sessions are available in 45, 60, or 75-minute sessions, depending on your child’s age, goals, and needs. Group sessions typically run 30–90 minutes, depending on the program.
What ages do you support for paediatric occupational therapy in Brisbane?
We provide therapy for children and young people aged 0–16 years, including neurodiverse children with autism or developmental differences.
Will parents be involved in therapy sessions?
Yes — we encourage parent participation! Being involved helps you apply strategies at home, reinforce your child’s learning, and feel empowered in their therapy journey. For some children parent involvement in therapy means being involved in sessions, for other children that means 1:1 time with their OT, with communication with parents to support carry over of strategies into the home environment.
Will my child need an assessment before starting?
Some children benefit from a comprehensive assessment, while others can begin therapy based on existing reports and observations. Our therapists will guide you on what’s best for your child.
The AEIOU closure doesn’t have to mean lost progress. With individual therapy, group programs, and caregiver coaching, children can continue developing skills and confidence. Our team provides practical, supportive guidance every step of the way.
📞 Phone: 07 3071 9287 | 📲 Text: 0468 099 096 | ✉️ Email: admin@skyetherapy.com.au | Online Booking Form: https://www.skyetherapy.com.au/new-client-booking-form
Comments