Allied Health Assistant (AHA) Therapy Structure

Allied Health Assistant (AHA) Therapy Structure

At Skills to Grow, our Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) work closely with our speech pathologists and occupational therapists to deliver high-quality, goal-directed therapy. This structured approach ensures that therapy remains effective, consistent, and tailored to each child’s needs while being guided by a qualified therapist.

We follow a clear, step-by-step process to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

Laying the Foundations: Assessment & Planning

Before AHA-led sessions begin, we complete a comprehensive assessment and therapy plan to set clear, individualised goals:

  • 3–5 hours of assessments with a speech pathologist or occupational therapist to evaluate strengths, challenges, and areas for growth.

  • 1-hour assessment report detailing findings, recommendations, and therapy goals.

  • 1-hour therapy plan created by the therapist, outlining structured activities for AHA-led sessions.

  • 30-minute planning meeting between the therapist and AHA to ensure consistency and alignment in therapy delivery.

Nurturing Growth: AHA-Led Therapy

With the therapy plan in place, AHAs deliver engaging, play-based sessions designed to build skills in a fun and supportive way.

  • Session Frequency – Families can choose between weekly or fortnightly sessions, depending on the child's needs.

  • Session Locations – Sessions take place in our Springwood clinic or, where appropriate, in early learning settings, schools, or via teletherapy.

  • Therapy Focus – AHAs implement evidence-based activities tailored to the child’s goals, including communication, motor skills, sensory regulation, play, and independence.

Celebrating Progress: Regular Therapist Check-Ins

To ensure therapy remains on track and continues to meet the child’s needs, we have regular check-ins every school holidays. We schedule:

  • 1-hour therapy session – The speech pathologist or OT will conduct a check-in session to review progress, goals and speak with parents.

  • 1-hour therapy planning by the therapist – The therapist reviews progress, updates plans, and prepares new strategies and activities.

  • 30-minute handover with therapist & AHA – The therapist and AHA discuss session outcomes, refine strategies, and adjust the therapy plan as needed.

This structured approach ensures that AHA-led therapy remains high-quality, goal-focused, and well-supported by experienced speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

At Skills to Grow, we believe in collaboration, consistency, and celebrating every milestone—because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

  

Allied Health Assistant (AHA) Support for Therapy Sessions

In addition to leading independent sessions, AHAs also play a vital role in supporting therapists during direct therapy sessions. This approach allows for greater hands-on assistance, enhanced learning opportunities, and increased reinforcement of therapy goals. By working alongside speech pathologists and occupational therapists, AHAs help ensure that children receive consistent, high-quality support tailored to their needs.

Planning & Coordination

To ensure AHAs are well-prepared and aligned with therapy goals, we establish a structured planning process each term:

  • One-hour therapy plan developed by the therapist to outline AHA involvement and session activities.

  • 30-minute planning session between the therapist and AHA each term to review strategies, discuss expectations, and ensure a coordinated approach.

AHA Role in Therapy Sessions

AHAs work directly with therapists and children in a variety of ways, depending on the child's needs and therapy goals. This may include:

  • Mirror Sessions – The AHA observes a therapy session and then repeats similar activities with the child at another time to reinforce learning.

  • Therapist-Assisted Support – The AHA assists within a therapy session by supporting the child with hands-on guidance, helping to manage materials, or providing additional modelling.

  • Skill Reinforcement – AHAs help children practice specific therapy activities under the therapist’s guidance to support skill development.

Ongoing Supervision & Communication

Regular collaboration between therapists and AHAs ensures that therapy remains effective, consistent, and responsive to each child’s progress. AHAs receive ongoing guidance to refine techniques, adjust strategies, and maintain alignment with therapy goals.

At Skills to Grow, we believe that teamwork, structured planning, and consistent support are key to helping children build confidence and achieve meaningful progress in therapy.