Play-based therapy helps Evan thrive

Morley mum Amy Turner has seen her 3 year old son begin to actively participate with his peers, supported by his involvement in our play-based First Focus program.

Evan is the fourth of six boys to Perth mum Amy. Lately, Evan’s been struggling with expressing himself verbally, which can lead to frustration and occasional bouts of aggression. Amy reached out to us, applying for our First Focus program because she’s worried about Evan’s social skills, emotional regulation, and ability to communicate his needs and desires effectively.

The First Focus program runs from our play-based therapy clinic in Osborne Park over eight weeks. The program is designed to help children with developmental delays and learning difficulties gain the skills and confidence they need to transition smoothly into kindy or pre-primary. The program offers various approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs, strengths, and how they learn best. This may involve individual therapy, group sessions and parent education.

Senior Speech Therapist Lillian Hollingsworth and Evan during a group session.

Evan and Amy joined us in Term 3 for the very first intake of our First Focus program. Amy enrolled in the program to prepare Evan for kindy next year and to help him explore alternative ways of communication beyond verbal speech. Excitingly, Amy shared that Evan has started using sign language to express his emotions and communicate his needs.

“He can be overbearing with other children but is now starting to sit back and actively participate and engage with his peers. It’s so wonderful to see.”

Evan (left) with Mum Amy during a group session.

Evan continues to expand his vocabulary and now uses a broader range of words in sentences, demonstrating real growth and progress in his communication skills.

Lucie Abadi, Osborne Park Team Leader and Program Lead expressed how amazing it is to see the children walk into the office and grow in confidence and independence with each week.

“The First Focus program has been giving the children a space to practice and build their skills and confidence ready to start school, while providing parents with the confidence they need to know their children are prepared and ready.”

Therapy Focus, through generous program sponsors Telethon and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation supported over 70 children and their families in Term 3 with immediate access to therapy services that would not otherwise have been available. With Term 4 well underway, the program is set to provide support for another 90 children.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, register your details for future First Focus intakes.