What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) enables people to participate in meaningful activities, including self-care, learning, play, daily living activities, and participating in hobbies, interests and social events.
OTs perform assessments, provide support and design interventions to enable people to better perform or participate in activities. They assess what you can and can't do, determine what your goals may be, and provide therapeutic interventions (including assistive devices) to make sure you can meet your needs. Assessment and intervention may be provided to support your sensory, motor or problem-solving abilities.
Our services
Our Senior Occupational Therapist , Michael Hirneth, is a Paediatric OT. Michael can help your child in a variety of ways, from assessment to intervention.
Michael has a wide range of experience in assessing and treating children that experience difficulties in the following areas:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- ADHD & executive function difficulties
- Fine & gross motor skills
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Play & socialisation skills
- Emotional regulation
- Self-care skills
- Learning difficulties & disabilities
We are registered to support both NDIS and Medicare participants, and take a client-centred approach to increasing your child's capacity and independence. For more information on Michael, read his profile below.
Our Occupational Therapist
Michael Hirneth
Senior Occupational Therapist
B Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Michael is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist who brings over 20 years of experience, including a decade of expertise working with children and families. Prior to joining New Ability Health, Michael was the OT Team Leader at Early Links, and has also worked extensively across brain injury rehabilitation, community rehabilitation in the UK, home modifications, aged care, and more.
Michael has a special interest in early childhood, body awareness (interoception), trauma, and attachment. He is particularly passionate about helping little people make sense of what's happening inside them and supporting them to do what’s most meaningful in their lives. He also enjoys working with dads and creating inclusive, empowering spaces for the whole family.
In addition to his clinical work, Michael is a published author in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, and is always exploring new ways to deepen his understanding of human connection and development.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing soccer, and brewing his own beer. He brings warmth, depth, and a love of lifelong learning to everything he does.
Favourite Quote:
"Only when love and need are one, and the work is play for mortal stakes, is the deed ever truly done,
for heaven and the future’s sakes."
— Robert Frost
