https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/ Articles from Seeds Occupational Therapy: Functional Capacity Assessments and the NDIS, and paediatric occupational therapy for families, written by Nisha Bal. en-au Mon, 28 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/can-you-fix-a-child/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/can-you-fix-a-child/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A child is not a machine with one faulty part. Nisha Bal on looking at the conditions around a difficulty, keeping what works in view and where to begin. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/could-my-child-be-autistic/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/could-my-child-be-autistic/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Signs parents notice, why school and home can tell different stories, support you can start now, and where to take concerns about autism in Australia. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/could-my-child-have-adhd/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/could-my-child-have-adhd/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A child who can focus on a game but not schoolwork. Nisha Bal on what parents notice, why you need not wait for a diagnosis, and sleep, movement and screens. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Australian guidelines: none under two, one hour for preschoolers, two hours for ages five to seventeen. Nisha Bal on what screens offer and displace. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/is-my-child-being-bullied/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/is-my-child-being-bullied/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Take a child's distress seriously before the story is clear. Nisha Bal on listening, what counts as bullying, and what to ask the school. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/is-my-child-developing-on-track/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/is-my-child-developing-on-track/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Milestones are a starting point, not the whole account. Nisha Bal on the hidden help behind everyday skills, and when to ask a GP or child health nurse. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-does-my-child-find-it-hard-to-make-friends/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-does-my-child-find-it-hard-to-make-friends/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A child with big ideas can still find shared play hard. Nisha Bal on what your child wants from friendship and helping play work for both children. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-does-my-child-struggle-with-handwriting/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-does-my-child-struggle-with-handwriting/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Handwriting takes more than hand strength. Nisha Bal on working out which part is hard, when to step away from the paper, and what school can adjust. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-isnt-toilet-training-working/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-isnt-toilet-training-working/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT When stickers and reminders are not enough: poo withholding, constipation and smears need medical attention, and comfort on the toilet matters. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-wont-my-child-fall-asleep/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-wont-my-child-fall-asleep/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A tired child is not always ready for sleep. Nisha Bal on which part of sleep is hard, the day around bedtime, one manageable change, and when to see a GP. Questions parents ask admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/already-had-an-assessment/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/already-had-an-assessment/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Having had an FCA does not mean you need another. How to read the earlier report against the current question before paying for a second assessment. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/communication/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/communication/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Tell Seeds how you communicate before booking a video FCA: written questions, processing time, a support person or AAC. What the OT can and cannot assess. Everyday activities and support admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/daily-living-at-home/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/daily-living-at-home/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA looks at personal care, meals, laundry and running a home: which steps are difficult, what help is used, and why supported tasks still count. Everyday activities and support admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/getting-out-and-about/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/getting-out-and-about/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA considers getting to appointments and community activities: planning, travel, fatigue afterwards, and why it is not a driving assessment. Everyday activities and support admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/goals/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/goals/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT You do not need professionally written goals before an FCA. How a priority becomes an assessment question, and how goals relate to NDIS funding. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/money-and-admin/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/money-and-admin/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA examines bills, forms and appointments step by step, what assistance is recorded, why you never share passwords, and what it cannot decide. Everyday activities and support admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/safety-and-risk/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/safety-and-risk/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How risk is described in an FCA: distinguishing incidents from concerns, recording what already reduces risk, and keeping the person's choices in view. Everyday activities and support admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/support-workers/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/support-workers/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA describes support-worker assistance: tasks and timing, allocated versus delivered hours, worker notes with consent, and what it can recommend. Everyday activities and support admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/the-cost-of-proving-it/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/the-cost-of-proving-it/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Gathering NDIS access evidence can cost time and fees, but a new private FCA is not always needed. What may already exist and where free help operates. Understanding the scheme admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-an-assessment-costs/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-an-assessment-costs/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A Seeds Functional Capacity Assessment costs $969.95 for most people: five hours at the NDIS rate of $193.99, covering intake, interview, measures and report. Fees and funding admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-it-cannot-do/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-it-cannot-do/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT An FCA describes functioning and recommends supports. It does not decide NDIS funding, diagnose, replace specialist assessments or act as a legal report. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-the-ndis-was-for/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-the-ndis-was-for/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How the NDIS came about after the 2011 Productivity Commission inquiry, what it was meant to change, what it does not fund, and the reforms from 2026. Understanding the scheme admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/when-things-improve/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/when-things-improve/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Improvement does not automatically mean support ends. How an FCA records what changed and what enables it, and why maintaining function is a real outcome. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/who-the-ndis-is-for/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/who-the-ndis-is-for/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT 5.5 million Australians had disability in 2022; 782,013 were NDIS participants at June 2026. Why those figures differ and what they cannot say about you. Understanding the scheme admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/arranging-for-someone-else/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/arranging-for-someone-else/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How to help someone else get an FCA: what to tell Seeds, why consent and payment are separate decisions, and how to describe the help you give. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/choosing-an-assessment/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/choosing-an-assessment/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Questions to ask before booking an FCA: who assesses and writes the report, which methods are used, what the fee includes, and what nobody can promise you. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/multiple-conditions/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/multiple-conditions/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA considers overlapping conditions during an actual activity, keeps medical information clear, and avoids double-counting support needs. Adults admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/older-adults/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/older-adults/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A new NDIS applicant must be under 65; existing participants do not leave at 65. What an FCA can describe for an older adult, and what it cannot replace. Adults admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/rural-and-remote/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/rural-and-remote/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Seeds FCAs are by video, Australia-wide, so distance need not add travel. What can be assessed remotely, what needs local observation, and what to check. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/work-and-study/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/work-and-study/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA describes work and study: the actual tasks and adjustments, effort beyond attendance, and which supports belong to employers or the NDIS. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/after-your-report/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/after-your-report/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT What to check when your FCA report arrives, how to ask for a factual correction within two days at no charge, and who may receive the report. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/assessment-tools/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/assessment-tools/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT The questionnaires and measures an FCA may use, including WHODAS 2.0 and the COPM, what each can show, and why no single score determines an NDIS budget. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/autistic-and-adhd-adults/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/autistic-and-adhd-adults/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT What an FCA examines for an autistic adult or an adult with ADHD, how support and effort are recorded, and why diagnosis alone does not decide NDIS access. Adults admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/disability-support-pension/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/disability-support-pension/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT An OT functional assessment can support a DSP claim as evidence, not approval. What Services Australia considers and how a DSP report differs from NDIS. Beyond the NDIS admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/fluctuating-conditions/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/fluctuating-conditions/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT An FCA appointment is one point in time. How to describe a condition that varies, with frequency, recovery and support, so the report stays useful. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/for-children/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/for-children/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT What a child's Functional Capacity Assessment looks at, how your child can contribute, why home and school differ, and which needs sit outside the NDIS. Children and young people admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/for-gps-and-paediatricians/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/for-gps-and-paediatricians/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT When an OT Functional Capacity Assessment adds to medical evidence, what treating information helps, and how consent and report sharing work. For referrers admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/for-support-coordinators/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/for-support-coordinators/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How to request an FCA from Seeds: what to include, keeping consent and authority clear, sending evidence that answers the question, funding and deadlines. For referrers admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/informal-supports/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/informal-supports/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA describes reminders, transport and care from family and friends, whether that help can continue, and why you never withdraw it to prove a need. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/intellectual-disability/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/intellectual-disability/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Planning an accessible FCA for a person with intellectual disability: communication, consent, the steps in an activity, and how supporters contribute. Adults admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ndis-access/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ndis-access/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT No, an FCA is not compulsory for NDIS access. What the NDIA asks for, which evidence you may already have, and when an FCA adds something useful. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ndis-funding/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ndis-funding/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT NDIS funding may pay for an FCA when it is an eligible support under your plan. Which budget usually applies, and plan- and self-managed arrangements. Fees and funding admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/physical-and-neurological-conditions/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/physical-and-neurological-conditions/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA looks at movement, hand use, fatigue and thinking, what a video assessment can establish, and when equipment or the home needs specialist work. Adults admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/plan-reassessment/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/plan-reassessment/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT A new FCA is not automatic at every plan reassessment. How to identify the question, check existing evidence and use the right NDIA process. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/psychosocial-disability/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/psychosocial-disability/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT How an FCA examines the everyday effects of a mental health condition: patterns over time, your own strategies, sensitive information and other evidence. Adults admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/reasonable-and-necessary/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/reasonable-and-necessary/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT What reasonable and necessary means for FCA recommendations: the NDIS criteria in plain terms, and why a recommendation is evidence, not approval. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/sample-report/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/sample-report/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT Three fictional sample FCA reports, for adult NDIS, child NDIS and adult DSP purposes, and what to look for in any report: purpose, methods and reasoning. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/sil-sda-and-complex-supports/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/sil-sda-and-complex-supports/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT SIL and SDA are different supports needing different evidence. What functional evidence must explain for home and living decisions, and what video cannot. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/the-interview/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/the-interview/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT The FCA interview is an hour-long discussion of your activities and the help you use. What is asked, how notes and a support person help, and your rights. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/young-people/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/young-people/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT An FCA for a young person focuses on what is changing: leaving school, study, work or living arrangements. Their priorities, current help and consent. Children and young people admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/affordable/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/affordable/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT The standard Seeds FCA fee is $969.95: intake and document review, an hour-long OT interview, measures and the written report. When $193.99/hour applies. Fees and funding admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/functional-capacity-vs-diagnosis/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/functional-capacity-vs-diagnosis/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT A diagnosis names a condition; functional evidence describes how it affects daily activities. Why the NDIS may need both, and why an FCA is not compulsory. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/how-long/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/how-long/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT A Seeds FCA interview takes about an hour, the report arrives within two weeks of the interview, and enquiry to report is usually four to six weeks. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ndis-decisions/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ndis-decisions/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT An FCA gives the NDIA evidence about activities and support needs; it cannot promise access or a budget. How to commission it for the right decision. NDIS evidence and decisions admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ot-role/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/ot-role/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT What an occupational therapist does in an FCA: examining each step of an activity, weighing your account against other evidence. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/preparing-for-your-assessment/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/preparing-for-your-assessment/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Send your intake form and agreed documents at least five days before your FCA. Which documents help, how to complete the form. The assessment process admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/telehealth/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/telehealth/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Online functional capacity assessments by video, Australia-wide. What happens before and during the hour-long interview, and when video is not enough. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-is-an-fca/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/fca/what-is-an-fca/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) examines how a disability affects everyday activities, in a written report. What it covers and how the NDIS uses it. Understanding FCAs admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/food-and-the-nervous-system/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/food-and-the-nervous-system/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Children eat better when their body feels safe. A paediatric OT on interoception, sensory overwhelm at mealtimes and why pressure to eat backfires. Parents & families admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/giving-time/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/giving-time/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT When early OT looks like play and progress feels slow, giving time is not doing nothing. What parents can observe and change while therapy builds. Parents & families admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/home-vs-clinic/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/home-vs-clinic/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT For many children home-based OT is the more effective option: a safer nervous system, real routines and skills that transfer. When a clinic suits better. Parents & families admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/nervous-system/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/nervous-system/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Playing, learning and coping all rest on the nervous system. Why regulation comes before learning, why behaviour is a signal, and what steadies a child. Nervous system admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/polyvagal/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/polyvagal/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Polyvagal theory explained for families: three nervous system states, why a child cannot think their way to calm, and how movement and rhythm give safety. Nervous system admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/relationships/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/relationships/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Children do not thrive on strategies alone. Why the nervous system asks 'am I safe' before anything else, and what presence over pressure looks like. Our approach admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/routines/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/routines/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Predictable routines tell a child's body it is safe. Why rhythm regulates the brain, why routines need not be rigid, and small rituals that help. Sensory & regulation admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/safety/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/safety/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Before a child can learn, listen or cope with change, their body needs to feel safe. The window of tolerance, why it shrinks across the day, and what helps. Nervous system admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/sensory-diet/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/sensory-diet/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT A sensory diet has nothing to do with food: it is a personalised plan of sensory input through the day that helps a child's nervous system stay regulated. Sensory & regulation admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/sensory-sensitivity/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/sensory-sensitivity/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Covering ears, pulling at socks, crashing into things. How sensory processing works, what too much and too little input look like, and how OT can help. Sensory & regulation admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/what-ot-does/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/what-ot-does/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Paediatric occupational therapy helps children with everyday life: dressing, play, kinder, big feelings and confidence in their body. No diagnosis needed. Our approach admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/co-regulation/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/co-regulation/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT A child cannot think their way back to calm; they borrow it from a regulated adult. Why 'use your words' fails in a meltdown and what helps at home. Sensory & regulation admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/demand-avoidance/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/demand-avoidance/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Why rewards and consequences stop working for a child with demand avoidance, what feeds the fire and what creates a firebreak, and how co-regulation helps. Sensory & regulation admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal) https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-sticker-charts-dont-always-work/ https://www.seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au/resources/paediatric/why-sticker-charts-dont-always-work/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT Reward charts only work when a child's nervous system has room for them. Why the same chart feels different to an overwhelmed child, and what to settle first. Sensory & regulation admin@seedsoccupationaltherapy.com.au (Nisha Bal)