Paediatric allied health · Mornington
Specialist multidisciplinary therapy for children and young people with complex neurological disability, delivered through collaborative, neuroaffirming and evidence-informed care.
Who we are
Therapy with direction.
Arrow Paediatric Intensive Therapy is a purpose-built paediatric allied health clinic with a multidisciplinary team supporting children and young adults with complex neurological disability, developmental differences and physical disability.
We work alongside families to understand the whole child, create meaningful goals and build practical therapy into the moments that matter most—supporting participation at home, at school and in the community.
Specialist intensive therapy
APIT provides Advanced Certified TheraSuit intensive therapy for children and young people with complex neurological and physical disability. Each program begins with an individual assessment and is designed around meaningful, measurable goals.
The suit
The TheraSuit is a soft dynamic proprioceptive orthosis worn over clothing. It includes a vest, shorts and connected components fitted with adjustable elastic cords.
When clinically appropriate, the cords can be configured to provide external alignment cues, graded resistance and increased sensory feedback while the child actively practises movement. It does not move the child for them; it is used as one tool within active, goal-directed therapy.
The intensive
An intensive concentrates therapy into a planned block, allowing more opportunities for repetition, progressive challenge and task-specific practice than may be possible in a weekly appointment.
A program may combine functional movement practice, strengthening, balance, coordination, motor planning, mobility and self-care goals. Frequency, session length, rest and total dosage are individually prescribed—not every child requires the same format.
What is the Spider Cage?
The Spider Cage is the child-friendly name commonly used for one configuration of TheraSuit LLC's Universal Exercise Unit. The sturdy frame can be used with a belt and elastic cords to create a dynamic suspension system, or with pulleys, straps and graded weights for assisted or resisted exercise.
The therapist adjusts the direction and amount of support. Elastic cords may partially support body weight, help a child feel secure while exploring a new movement, or add controlled resistance. The pulley system can help isolate and progressively strengthen specific movements.
Depending on individual goals, the UEU may support practice of head and trunk control, sitting, kneeling, transitions, standing, stepping, reaching, balance and coordination. It is one possible component of a broader program and is not used in the same way for every child.
What does the research say?
Research supports key rehabilitation principles used within intensive programs—active participation, meaningful goal-directed practice, sufficient repetition, progressive challenge and task-specific training. A 2024 systematic review of intensive task-oriented mobility training in children with cerebral palsy reported improvements across several mobility outcomes.
Evidence for the TheraSuit garment itself is more limited. In a small randomised trial, children improved during intensive therapy, but wearing the TheraSuit did not produce significantly better motor outcomes than wearing a control suit. Reviews also report variation between programs and the need for further high-quality research.
For this reason, APIT does not present the suit or Spider Cage as a stand-alone treatment or guaranteed outcome. We use them selectively within individualised therapy, monitor each child's response and keep the focus on safe, active practice of goals that matter to the child and family.
TheraSuit intensive therapy may be considered for children and young people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, neurological or genetic conditions, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, paediatric cancer, low muscle tone, reduced strength, or balance, coordination and mobility challenges. Suitability and every program are determined through individual clinical assessment.
Who we support
We support children and young adults with diverse abilities, diagnoses and life experiences, including—but not limited to:
Babies & early development
We welcome babies and infants for individual physiotherapy assessment, early intervention and practical support for families. You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis if something about your baby's movement or development does not feel right.
Assessment and therapy are play-based, paced around the baby and family, and may include parent coaching, an achievable home plan and collaboration with the child's medical and allied health team.
Areas of focus
Our Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology and Allied Health Assistance programs are shaped around meaningful participation and may focus on:
Gross-motor development, positioning, transfers, walking, wheelchair skills, equipment use and access to everyday environments.
Hand function, dexterity, grasp, bilateral coordination, handwriting and practical task performance.
Dressing, eating, toileting, grooming, sleep routines, household tasks and greater independence in daily activities.
Neuroaffirming support to understand sensory preferences, regulation needs and participation at home, school and in the community.
Individualised exercise to build physical capacity, coordination, postural control, confidence and a positive relationship with movement.
Supporting play, attention, routines, executive functioning, school participation, social connection and meaningful life skills.
How we can help
Individualised physiotherapy to support movement, mobility, strength, balance, coordination and participation. Sessions may focus on functional skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, transfers, equipment use and safe access to everyday environments.
View full Paediatric Physiotherapy information ↓Strengths-based occupational therapy supporting independence and participation in the activities that matter to each child. Therapy may address play, self-care, fine-motor skills, regulation, sensory needs, daily routines, school participation and practical life skills.
View full Occupational Therapy information ↓Engaging, individually prescribed exercise for children and young people who benefit from support to build strength, endurance, balance, coordination and confidence. Programs are adapted to each person’s abilities, health needs and meaningful goals.
View full Exercise Physiology information ↓Personalised, high-frequency therapy blocks delivered by our Advanced Certified TheraSuit therapists. Programs combine TheraSuit principles, play, repetition, strengthening and functional movement practice around each child’s individual goals.
View full Advanced Certified TheraSuit Intensive Therapy information ↓Consistent, goal-directed support delivered under the guidance of the treating allied health professional. Allied Health Assistants help children practise therapy programs, strengthen emerging skills and carry progress into familiar routines and environments.
View full Allied Health Assistance information ↓Inclusive small-group programs designed to build skills, confidence, connection and participation. Programs may include cooking and practical life skills, sport, adapted gym and fitness, Pilates, bike skills and school-holiday activities, with support tailored to the needs of each group.
View full Group Programs information ↓Our therapy services
Every assessment, recommendation and therapy plan is individualised. These examples explain the scope of each service, but they are not a checklist that every child must work through.
Paediatric physiotherapy supports babies, children and young people to move, access their world and participate in the activities that matter to them. We consider the whole person—not only a diagnosis or isolated movement skill.
What we assess and consider
We may support
What sessions may include
Sessions may include play-based movement, functional skill practice, strengthening, mobility training, adapted exercise, equipment trials, hands-on treatment when appropriate, and achievable strategies for home, school or community life.
For children and young people, an occupation is anything they need, want or are expected to do—from playing and learning to dressing, cooking, connecting with others and taking part in family or community life.
What we assess and consider
We may support
What sessions may include
Our OTs use connection, play and task-specific activities rather than compliance. The child's preferences and communication are heard, sensory and movement needs are respected, and families receive practical strategies that fit real routines.
Paediatric exercise physiology uses individually prescribed movement and exercise to build physical capacity, confidence and lifelong participation. Exercise is adapted to the person's health, abilities, interests and goals.
What we assess and consider
We may support
What sessions may include
Programs may use our accessible gym, reformer Pilates equipment, functional strengthening, circuits, games, adapted sport and community exercise. The aim is not to make every person exercise in the same way—it is to find movement that is safe, purposeful and sustainable for them.
Allied Health Assistants provide additional opportunities to practise established therapy goals under the delegation and supervision of the treating allied health professional.
What we assess and consider
We may support
What sessions may include
Sessions remain individualised, engaging and goal-directed. The AHA works within a clear plan while responding to the child or young person's communication, regulation, fatigue and day-to-day presentation.
Our groups create supported opportunities to practise real skills alongside peers. Programs are designed around the abilities, goals, ages and support needs of the participants—not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
What we assess and consider
We may support
What sessions may include
Group availability changes throughout the year. We consider whether the program, environment and ratio are the right fit for each participant and will discuss any individual supports needed before the group begins.
Equipment prescription
Well-matched equipment can support safety, comfort, independence and participation. Our Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy team provides individualised assistive-technology assessment and prescription support from the first conversation through to fitting and review.
Manual and powered wheelchairs, adaptive strollers, walkers, gait trainers and mobility equipment selected around function, growth, comfort and the environments in which it will be used.
Individualised seating systems, cushions, postural supports and pressure-care solutions to support comfort, function, skin protection and participation across the day.
Standing frames, hoists, slings, transfer aids and related equipment to support safe movement while considering the needs of the child, family and support team.
Bathing, showering, toileting, changing, supportive chairs, beds and sleep-positioning equipment designed to make daily care safer, more comfortable and more sustainable.
Adaptive bikes and trikes, recreation and sports equipment, classroom supports and other assistive technology that enables access, inclusion and meaningful participation.
Assessment and liaison regarding lower-limb orthoses, splints and physical supports, with recommendations coordinated alongside orthotists and the broader treating team where appropriate.
Our process
We consider the child's goals, current function, growth, body shape, health needs, home and school environments, transport, family capacity and support-worker requirements. Where appropriate, we coordinate equipment trials, liaise with suppliers and other clinicians, prepare clinical justification or funding reports, support final fitting and review the equipment as needs change.
Recommendations are made within each clinician's professional scope and may involve collaboration with rehabilitation engineers, suppliers, orthotists, medical teams and other specialists. Funding approval and timeframes are determined by the relevant funding body.
Assessments & reports
Reports should tell a clear, accurate story about daily life—not reduce a person to a diagnosis or score. Our assessments combine standardised measures where appropriate with clinical observation, real-world function and the priorities of the child and family.
Comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment of how disability affects everyday function, including personal care, domestic life, mobility, communication, learning, relationships, community participation, safety and the support currently available.
Clear discipline-specific reports describing goals, functional impact, therapy delivered, progress, barriers and clinically reasoned recommendations for future supports at planning or reassessment.
Assessment findings, trial outcomes and clinical justification for recommended wheelchairs, seating, mobility, transfer, personal-care, positioning and participation equipment.
Where clinically relevant, assessment may include observation at home, school, kinder or in the community, along with input from the child, family, carers, educators and treating team.
The assessment process may include interviews, questionnaires, standardised assessment, task observation, review of previous reports and consultation with relevant supports. We explain the recommended assessment scope, appointments, fees and likely report timeframe before beginning.
All recommendations are based on the clinician's assessment and professional scope. A report provides clinical evidence but cannot guarantee that the NDIS or another funding body will approve a particular support.
The Arrow approach
No two children or families are the same. Therapy may be regular, intensive, individual or group-based — always shaped around the person, their priorities and their world.
Talk with our team ↗Clinic-based therapy
↗Therasuit intensive therapy
↗Home, school & community visits
↗Assistive technology & equipment prescription
↗Hydrotherapy & aquatic OT
↗Clinical Pilates & accessible gym
↗Groups, sport & life-skills programs
↗Neuroaffirming & family-centred
At Arrow, there is no standard program applied to every child. Neuroaffirming care is not about lowering expectations—and family-centred care does not mean placing the work back onto families. It means understanding the person in front of us, respecting their identity and working together toward goals that genuinely matter in everyday life.
Parents and carers know their child in ways no assessment can capture. Children and young people communicate their preferences through words, movement, behaviour, gesture and regulation. We bring that knowledge together with clinical reasoning to make shared decisions.
Therapy is not designed to mask identity, force eye contact or reward compliance. We focus on comfort, autonomy, communication, safety, participation and practical skills that improve the child's experience of home, school and community life.
We adapt the environment, pace and way we communicate. A child's “no,” “not yet,” “I need a break” or signs of distress are meaningful information. Therapy should feel safe enough for connection, challenge and learning.
We consider family capacity, culture, routines, priorities and the reality of busy lives. Recommendations are discussed—not handed down—and reviewed when they are not useful, sustainable or the right fit.
Clinical standards
Good therapy requires more than experience alone. Our clinicians combine professional expertise, the best available research, clinical reasoning and the knowledge of each child and family to make individual decisions.
We draw on current research, clinical guidelines and recognised outcome measures while acknowledging where evidence is emerging, mixed or limited. We explain our reasoning and do not promise guaranteed outcomes.
Our team brings experience across complex neurological disability, paediatric development, physical disability, participation and family-centred practice. Clinicians collaborate across disciplines when a coordinated approach will add value.
Learning does not stop at qualification. Our clinicians maintain professional registration and requirements relevant to their discipline and continue to develop their practice through formal training, supervision, peer discussion, reflective practice and engagement with current research.
Goals, progress and the value of therapy are reviewed over time. If an approach is not useful, safe or the right fit, we adapt it. Individual response and family priorities remain central to clinical decisions.
Funding & payment
We work with families using a range of funding and payment options. Our team can help you understand what information may be needed before your first appointment.
We welcome self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Our team can work with you to develop supports that align with your child’s goals and approved funding.
Eligible allied health appointments may attract a private health insurance rebate, depending on your fund, level of extras cover and the treating clinician. Please check directly with your insurer.
Eligible allied health appointments may attract a Medicare rebate with a valid referral, including through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or another applicable Medicare pathway. Please speak with your GP and our team before booking; referral requirements, service limits and out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Families are welcome to access our services privately without an NDIS plan or other funding arrangement. Contact us to discuss the right service and appointment type.
We can support eligible TAC clients where treatment relates to an accepted transport accident injury. Services may require TAC approval and are subject to TAC funding and clinical requirements.
Funding, rebates and approvals vary by individual circumstances. Please contact your plan manager, insurer or TAC directly to confirm eligibility and available benefits.
What guides us
Supporting
potential
Building
independence
Empowering
families
The Arrow philosophy
“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.”
Follow our journey
Clinic location & accessibility
Arrow's Mornington clinic has been designed so children, young people, adults, families and support teams can arrive, move through the space and participate comfortably.
Factory 1, 22 Watt Road, Mornington · Open in maps ↗Designated disabled parking is available close to the clinic entrance, with a level, step-free path into the building for wheelchairs, walkers, gait trainers and other mobility equipment.
The purpose-built clinic is wheelchair accessible throughout, with wide circulation areas and accessible entry to therapy spaces, the gym and family facilities.
Our full disability bathroom provides generous circulation space and is designed to support children, young people and adults who require assistance with personal care.
A ceiling hoist is installed in the accessible bathroom, and a portable hoist is also available for transfers in appropriate clinic spaces. Please let us know about sling compatibility and transfer requirements before your visit.
The bathroom includes an electrically adjustable adult-sized high–low change table, supporting safer and more comfortable changing and personal-care routines.
Our clinic includes accessible gym and therapy equipment, hoisting and transfer supports, open treatment areas and space for families, support workers and mobility devices.
Planning your first visit
If your child or young person requires a particular transfer method, sling, hoist setup, change-table support or additional space for equipment or support people, please tell us when booking. We can prepare the most appropriate room and make arrival as straightforward as possible.
Ask about accessibility ↗Frequently asked questions
Starting therapy can come with a lot of questions. These are some of the things families ask us most often.
No. Families can contact Arrow directly and do not need a referral to book a privately funded or NDIS-supported appointment. A valid referral may be required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, and some funding pathways—including TAC—may require prior approval. We can help you identify what information is needed.
No. You can contact us whenever you have concerns about your child’s movement, development, participation, independence or daily activities. Assessment can begin without a confirmed diagnosis, and we will recommend medical or specialist input if that becomes clinically important.
We support babies, children, adolescents and young adults. The most suitable clinician and service will depend on the person’s needs, goals and developmental stage.
Arrow is an unregistered NDIS provider and welcomes self-managed and plan-managed participants. Agency-managed participants should speak with their support coordinator or plan contact about available options before booking.
Families may access services privately and may be eligible for private health insurance or Medicare rebates depending on the service, clinician, referral and individual cover. We can also support eligible TAC clients where approval and funding requirements are met.
Most appointments are available at our purpose-built Mornington clinic. Home, school, kinder and community visits may also be available when clinically appropriate and subject to therapist availability, service area and travel arrangements.
We begin by listening to your priorities and learning about the child’s strengths, needs, routines and environments. The clinician will complete an individual assessment, discuss initial recommendations and work with you to decide the next step. There is no one-size-fits-all program.
TheraSuit and intensive programs are not automatically appropriate for every child. A clinician will consider health history, current function, goals, tolerance, precautions and the likely value of an intensive format before recommending an individual program.
Yes. Our team can provide relevant functional assessment, assistive-technology assessment, equipment trials and clinical reports within each clinician’s professional scope. We will discuss the required assessment process, fees and likely timeframe before beginning.
Yes—at a level that works for your family. Parents and carers bring essential knowledge about the child and everyday life. We make decisions together and aim for strategies that are useful, realistic and sustainable rather than adding unnecessary pressure.
Careers at Arrow
We are building a thoughtful, collaborative team for clinicians who want to do meaningful paediatric work without losing sight of the child, family or clinician behind the goals.
Join our purpose-built Mornington clinic and multidisciplinary team supporting children and young adults through individualised, neuroaffirming and family-centred care.
We would love to hear from physiotherapists who are passionate about paediatrics, complex neurological disability, meaningful functional goals and collaborative family-centred practice.
Let's take the next step
Tell us a little about your child and what you're looking for. Our team will help you understand the next step.
Email our team ↗