Whale Shark Therapy Services Verified listing

I'm Hayley Smith.  I'm a Perth-based Occupational Therapist and founder of Whale Shark Therapy Services (est. 2022).

I work with people in Perth WA, at their preferred location, such as their homes, schools, child care centres, extra-curricular activities, equipment suppliers & more.

In 2015 I completed my honours thesis in Mowanjum Aboriginal Community in the Kimberley Region of WA, which was awarded the OT Australia Undergraduate Research Award.

I finished studying OT in 2016 after extending my degree to intern with the World Health Organization for the Western Pacific Region on a New Colombo Plan scholarship.

Since then, I've worked full-time as an OT (in my 8th year now) and have worked across community based child development and disability settings in Melbourne and Perth.

I have lived experience as an ADHDer and member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

When not working I enjoy going to dancing and yoga classes, watching the Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie, or going down the beach.

Professionally, my interests include:

- ADHD (hey neuro-kin!), Autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), & neurodiversity affirming practice.

- Using a counselling and collaborative approach with caregivers.

- Nature-based walk-and-talk therapy.

- Specific learning disorders e.g. Dyslexia, Dysgraphia

- Specialised seating for children with low tone (e.g. car seats, mealtimes seats and school seating).

- Eating, ARFID. I am qualified in the SOS Approach to Feeding however use an individualised approach.

- Social justice and advocacy.

Occupational Therapy
For children, adolescents and adults with delayed development or diagnoses such as Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, genetic conditions, Down Syndrome and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, with Self or plan-managed NDIS managed funding, Medicare (Chronic Disease GP Management Plan) or privately paying (including private health), who Live/ attend school/ child care in Perth. Alternatively, tele-health.

If you would like to discuss if a referral is suitable please feel welcome to contact me.