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“Parents who have a child with additional needs still have to do everything other parents do, such as work and take care of everyday tasks. Understanding an ever-changing disability sector can be challenging and take away focus from the family unit and what is most important to them.”
Suzy started working as an occupational therapist in the Wheatbelt working for the WA Country Health Service to build her experience as a generalist therapist and work where she grew up. Suzy’s pathway into disability and paediatrics started whilst working in the UK, and on her return to Perth, she started with Ability WA’s early intervention program.
“Early intervention is so important because if you think about how much a child develops in those first few years, from 0 – 2 or 0 – 7 it’s huge, it’s massive, so if they don’t get that input at the start then they’re really less likely to achieve those goals down the track.”
“I enjoy working with children living with a disability because I get to support families on their journey. You’re not just a therapist to children. You’re a friend, a play partner, and someone that parents can talk to about anything.” Suzy explains.
One of Suzy’s young customers is Isaac.
“I smile every time I think about Isaac, because he’s just a really fun little guy. He’s so engaging, he lights up a room. He just needs a little bit of support. He’s got some delays with his gross motor and his fine motor development.”
Follow the link to see Suzy sharing her passion for early intervention and Isaac’s story.
