Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

ANKITHA POLAKULATH JOSHI

Clyde North

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate Paediatric Occupational Therapist with progressive experience from therapy assistant and placement roles to current Senior clinical role . Skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments, designing and delivering evidence-based interventions, and supporting children to achieve their developmental, functional, and social goals. Strong background in working within the NDIS framework, collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic, client-centred care. Recognised for empathy, communication, and commitment to empowering children and families to reach their full potential.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Paediatric Occupational Therapist – Grade 2

A2Z Health Group
06.2022 - Current
  • Conduct comprehensive paediatric OT assessments using tools such as Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS-3), Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC), Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting (DASH, Beery VMI, Sensory Profile.
  • Conduct Functional Capacity Assessments to support children’s NDIS plans.
  • Deliver therapy as a neuro-affirming practitioner, recognising and respecting neurodiversity in all interventions.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate individualised intervention programs targeting fine and gross motor development, sensory processing, cognitive, communication, and self-care skills.
  • Support children’s social and community participation, emotional regulation, and independence in daily activities.
  • Collaborate closely with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic and coordinated care.
  • Provide parent/caregiver education and training to strengthen capacity for ongoing support at home and in community settings.
  • Engaged in professional development, including Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), DIR Floortime, and Autism Level Up, applying these frameworks to guide clinical reasoning and interventions.
  • Maintain accurate, timely case notes and progress reports to support NDIS funding and goal attainment.

School-based Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Dandenong South Primary School (via A2Z Health Group)
07.2023 - 11.2024
  • Delivered paediatric occupational therapy services in a primary school setting, supporting students with diverse developmental, sensory, and learning needs.
  • Conducted classroom observations, assessments, and goal-focused interventions to enhance participation in academic and social activities.
  • Collaborated with teachers, support staff, and families to implement inclusive strategies within the school environment.
  • Developed tailored resources and programs to build students’ fine motor, self-care, attention, and regulation skills.
  • Developed and implemented individualized therapy plans to enhance student participation in educational activities.

Therapy Assistant

Ally Assist
01.2022 - 06.2022
  • Implemented structured daily programs and activities to assist children to achieve their NDIS goals.
  • Provided education and instruction to families to build their capacity to support their children.
  • Worked collaboratively with children’s allied health care team to evaluate progress and develop strategies.
  • Maintained accurate and timely case notes reflecting on children’s achievements, challenges, expectations, and actions.

Placement Support

Australian Unity
04.2021 - 07.2021
  • Planned and implemented OT interventions within the ICF Activity and Participation domains.
  • Applied ICF checklist, DSM-5 cognitive domains, Montessori model, and OT PEO & MOHO models.
  • Documented observations via SOAP notes and collaborated with physio/OT team to determine effective treatment plans.
  • Evaluated progress against goals and revised treatment plans in consultation with the senior OT.
  • Met with up to six patients weekly with cognitive and behavioural issues.

Education

Master of Occupational Therapy -

Swinburne University of Technology
05.2022

Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws - undefined

Cochin University of Science And Technology
08.2016

Skills

  • Neuro-affirming practice: Committed to strengths-based, client-centred approaches that respect and celebrate neurodiversity
  • Experience with diverse needs: Skilled in working with children with Developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability (ID), and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
  • Functional Capacity Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments to inform NDIS funding and intervention planning
  • Family & school collaboration: Experienced in working closely with families, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams to promote inclusion and holistic outcomes
  • Parent capacity building: Skilled in providing education, coaching, and strategies to empower parents in supporting their child’s goals at home and in the community
  • Professional development: Ongoing training in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), DIR Floortime, and Autism Level Up, applying these frameworks to therapy
  • Strong clinical reasoning: Able to design and implement tailored interventions across sensory, motor, cognitive, and psychosocial domains

Timeline

School-based Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Dandenong South Primary School (via A2Z Health Group)
07.2023 - 11.2024

Paediatric Occupational Therapist – Grade 2

A2Z Health Group
06.2022 - Current

Therapy Assistant

Ally Assist
01.2022 - 06.2022

Placement Support

Australian Unity
04.2021 - 07.2021

Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws - undefined

Cochin University of Science And Technology

Master of Occupational Therapy -

Swinburne University of Technology
ANKITHA POLAKULATH JOSHI