Specialised Programs

Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy

Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) is a family-centred approach that supports connection, celebrates difference, and enhances social communication and interaction for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Using video feedback, the therapist helps a caregiver better understand how their child communicates and interacts, and guides the caregiver to respond in ways that support their child's individual communication style. By using everyday interactions in natural environments, children and caregivers develop deeper understanding, connection, and shared communication — and caregivers learn how to notice and understand more of their child's communication, resulting in stronger social connection.

PACT is a well-researched, evidence-based approach that empowers families, builds confidence, and supports lasting development in social communication. It is well-suited to families living rurally or where telehealth is the only option for accessing therapy.

DIR/Floortime

DIR/Floortime is a developmental model and framework used to assess child development and create comprehensive therapy programs for children with autism spectrum disorder. It focuses on building strong foundations in communication, emotional regulation, and social connection through child-adult interactions and activities.

Using coaching and video feedback, a caregiver is supported to use specific interaction strategies to engage, communicate, and play with their child.

DIR/Floortime is often integrated into everyday routines, empowering families to confidently support their child's development in natural environments. By prioritising connection and relationships, it aims to foster meaningful, lasting growth.

Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 4th Edition

The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 4th Edition is a highly-trusted, play-based assessment used to understand how young children are growing and developing. Designed for children from birth to 3.5 years, it gives a comprehensive picture of a child's strengths and areas where they may need extra support.

During the assessment, a child engages in a series of fun, age-appropriate activities with a trained therapist. These activities look at key areas of development, including thinking and problem-solving, communication, motor skills, social-emotional development, and everyday adaptive skills. The process is gentle, interactive, and tailored to a child's pace, helping them feel comfortable and supported.

The Bayley-4 provides valuable insights that help guide early intervention, therapy planning, and support at home or in childcare settings. For parents, it offers a clearer understanding of a child's development and practical strategies to help them participate and develop confidence in everyday life.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment

An autism assessment is a comprehensive process designed to better understand a child's development, strengths, support needs, and whether they meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Our team follows current national guidelines and works closely with families throughout the assessment process.

At Katja's Place, our staff have experience with team-based diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorder, in accordance with the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023). Our owner, Cameron, has a post-graduate qualification in autism diagnostic assessment and closely supports all staff with this process.

Our assessment role and components can include completion of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2); a developmental history and community visit to observe social-emotional functioning aligning with diagnostic criteria; the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 4th Edition to investigate the possibility of global developmental delay; and a current functioning and support needs assessment to investigate the impact of presenting concerns on daily life.

Functioning and Support Needs Assessment

A functioning and support needs assessment is a comprehensive way of understanding how a child manages everyday life. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis alone, this assessment looks at a child as a whole — exploring their strengths, challenges, and the supports they need to successfully participate in and enjoy everyday activities.

Through a combination of observation, discussion, and standardised tools, a clinician gathers information about key areas such as communication, social interaction, mobility, emotional regulation, learning, and daily living skills. Involving parents and caregivers in this assessment is essential to ensure the results reflect a child's real-life experiences at home, in the community, or at childcare/school.

The goal is to build a clear picture of what a child can do consistently and independently, where they may need extra support, and what strategies or services will make the biggest difference. This information is often used to guide therapy planning, inform funding applications (such as NDIS), and support collaboration with educators and other professionals.

Ultimately, a functioning and support needs assessment helps ensure your child receives the right support, at the right time, in a way that builds on their strengths and supports their ongoing development.

Miscellaneous Programs

Some therapists have additional training in a range of specialist approaches and programs. Where these are used, they are selected carefully and only when they align with a child's goals, preferences, and individual needs.