At First Choice Allied Health, we believe every child and young person deserves the right support to grow, connect, and thrive.
Our group programs are thoughtfully designed to build vital communication, social, and life skills in a supportive, engaging environment through early intervention playgroups, school readiness programs, specialised social skill groups, parent training and teen-focused vocational planning.
We offer a variety of evidence-based programs tailored to different ages and needs
Guided by qualified professionals
Our small group settings provide personalised attention while helping children and families develop confidence, independence, and meaningful connections that last beyond the sessions.
Important Note:
Please note, if you are currently a client of First Choice Allied Health, please indicate your interest using this form.
If you are not currently a client of First Choice Allied Health, you will need to complete an intake form and indicate your interest in Question 20.
Our Group Therapy Programs
Hanen "More Than Words" Parent Training Program
If you have a young child with Autism, suspected Autism, or with social communication difficulties, you may be wondering what you can do to help their communication skills.
First Choice Allied Health offers the Hanen 'More Than Words' program where parents and caregivers learn specific, research-based strategies to support their child's social communication and play skills.
The Hanen More Than Words Program gives parents and caregivers strategies to use in their everyday life to maximise learning and communication opportunities, thereby enhancing their child’s ability to connect and communicate with the world.
Program Objectives
What motivates your child to communicate
How to use your knowledge about your child to set appropriate and realistic goals
How to make interactions with your child last longer
Tips for using pictures and print to help your child’s understanding
Strategies for how to talk so that your child understands you
Strategies for developing your child’s play skills
Ways to help your child make friends
All of the strategies in the More Than Words program are drawn from research and have been shown to improve the social communication skills of autistic children but you do not need to have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Disorder to benefit from this program.
The program uses the Hanen More Than Words Parent/Caregiver Guidebook which is a key reference used throughout the course, and a handy resource after course completion.
The program includes:
8 x 2.5-hour training sessions for parents/caregivers only in small, personalised groups on Zoom
A Hanen Certified speech-language pathologist leading the program and guiding you every step of the way
3 individual video feedback sessions in-clinic with your child (billed separately from the Zoom sessions) completed throughout the program
Interpreters - where required
Important Information:
Please note, if you are not currently a client, then an initial assessment / consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
It is compulsory that all 8 parent/caregiver sessions are attended, all 3 video feedback sessions are attended, and the Parent/Caregiver Guidebook is purchased.
All of the strategies in the More Than Words program are drawn from research and have been shown to improve the social communication skills of autistic children but you do not need to have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Disorder to benefit from this program.
Note: This program is ideally suited to children aged 5-6 years and under.
At a time when there are long waitlists for speech therapy, this program is an alternative or additional way to access expert guidance and start intervention nice and early and, if you have NDIS funding, a smart way to use your funding that may otherwise sit unused whilst you wait for one-on-one speech therapy. Even for those children that are already in therapy, participation in this program is recommended.
At First Choice Allied Health the "More Than Words" parent/caregiver program is offered online via Zoom for the parent sessions, and in-person for the video feedback sessions.
Vision Builders Program
Vision Builders is a group program for adolescents and teenagers (ages 12-17) designed to build their self-care skills, life skills, executive functions, and social skills through vocational planning activities.
There will be a culminating project at the end of the program where participants will organise an event or a simulated business establishment.
Participants will work together on the culminating project where they get to take on a role or a job they’re interested in and apply all the skills they’ve built from their group sessions
Program Objectives
To help adolescents/teenagers see the importance of self-care in daily life and how it will impact them in pursuing their dream job.
To build their motivation and independence in executing their daily self-care routine.
To build on their life skills necessary for survival that could also be potential skills for work
To build on their social skills as necessary to support them in successful social participation at school, in the community, and at work in the future.
To provide opportunities to develop insight for planning for their future.
To provide opportunities to explore their strengths, interests, and potential
Clients who present with the following diagnoses or presentation are not eligible for the meantime; however, you can still register and wait for updates once this program expands its scope of services:
Intellectual disability
Moderate-severe language disorder
Please note, if you are not currently a client of FCAH or client of the OT in charge of this program, then an initial screening/ consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
We recommend this program for Adolescents and teenage clients between the ages of 12-17 years old.
Maximum clients of 5 clients in the session
This is a 60-minute program, over 10 weeks.
Incy Wincy Playgroup – school term program
This program is designed for children and parents/caregivers to establish strong connections with each other by playing together with an Occupational Therapist facilitating the group.
This program is broken up into a 30 minute session over the course of 8 weeks, with a maximum of 4 children per session.
Parent involvement is required in every session.
Important Information
Please note, if you are not currently a client of FCAH or client of the OT in charge of this program, then an initial screening/ consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
To participate within this program, Children must be between the ages of 2 to 4 years old.
Please note that we consider your child as an individual, and prioritise their current skill set over fitting the exact age range.
First Choice coordinates these sessions over the span of 8 weeks. Each session, with a maximum of 4 children at any given time, runs for 30 minutes. All sessions are on-site with our Occupational Therapists assisting the parents/caregivers throughout.
Prep for Prep – school term program
This program helps children aged between 3 to 5 prepare for school by teaching them school-like routines and social interactions. The goal is to equip them with skills and strategies to smoothly transition into school life.
This program is designed for children that are aged 3 to 5 years old.
Please note that we consider your child as an individual prioritise their current skill set over fitting the exact age range.
Important Information
Please note, if you are not currently a client of FCAH or client of the OT in charge of this program, then an initial screening/ consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
It is recommended that this program is for Children that are looking at commencing School soon, and require additional support to help them adjust to a changing routine. Our Therapists aim to support and encourage participants in developing strategies for routines, activities and social interactions that can be done at home and with friends, to create a supportive environment.
This is a 45-minute program, over 8 weeks delivered in small group sizes of a maximum of 4 children in the session.
Social buddies – school holiday program
The aim of this program is to support children to be more prepared to attend school and develop strategies that can be done at home and with friends to support them to transition into school life as smoothly as possible
Children aged 3 to 5 years old who are about to commence regular Schooling.
Please note that we consider your child as an individual prioritise their current skill set over fitting the exact age range.
Important Information:
Please note, if you are not currently a client, then an initial assessment / consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
This program is designed for children to experience school like routines, activities and social interactions in an environment that supports their development, who are between the ages of 3 to 5 years old.
This program is delivered over the course of 8 weeks with 45 minute sessions. Each session has a total of 4 children.
Brick Club Program
The Brick Club program aims to help children develop early social communication, emotional regulation, and fine motor skills through structured LEGO®-based play.
It is designed for children who love LEGO and who would benefit from interacting with peers during their school holiday with a “just right challenge” to develop their skills in a positive environment.
Using the principles of DIR Floortime and evidence-based therapeutic strategies, the program supports children to:
Feel safe and confident within a group environment
Communicate their needs and emotions effectively
Build attention, cooperation, and problem-solving skills
Strengthen hand function and coordination through purposeful play
Important Information:
Please note, if you are not currently a client, then an initial assessment / consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
Children aged 6 to 8 years old.
Maximum clients of 4 children in the session
Please note that we consider your child as an individual prioritise their current skill set over fitting the exact age range
Through 8 weekly guided sessions, of 45 minutes each, children learn to take turns, listen, follow group rules, and work collaboratively while having fun. Each session is designed to build upon previous learning, helping children progress from self-regulation and basic communication to more complex social interactions and teamwork
'You are a Social Detective' program
This program helps children improve their social skills, including communication and observation. The small group format gives each child a chance to practice social thinking concepts and gain confidence.
It is designed to build their social skills, develop observation and interpretation skills, and communicate successfully with peers. The program give greats opportunity for each child to practice important social thinking concepts and build confidence in their own abilities.
Important Information:
Please note, if you are not currently a client, then an initial assessment / consultation will need to be completed to determine suitability for the program prior to joining the group.
Children aged 6 to 8 year old
This is a 45-minute program, over 8 weeks
Maximum clients of 4 children in the session