Exercise Physiology for Children2025-10-03T17:16:49+10:00

Exercise Physiology for Children

Unlock the potential of NDIS funding for exercise physiology with Engage Exercise Physiology, offering mobile services to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, and neurological disorders in their homes for a healthier, more independent life.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia
Neurodivergent child exercising with NDIS Exercise Physiologist

Early Support. Lasting Impact.

At Engage Exercise Physiology, we are dedicated to supporting children of all ages and abilities to move better, grow stronger, and develop the physical confidence they need to thrive in everyday life. Our team understands that early movement experiences form the foundation for a child’s long-term physical, emotional, and social development.

Leanne McLaughlin, Creator and Director of Engage Exercise Physiology, shares a deep personal and professional passion for working with children. Leanne is committed to nurturing children’s growth, confidence, and well-being. Leanne’s genuine love for working with children shines through every interaction. Early intervention programs are not only evidence-based, but they are also engaging and centred around each child’s individual needs and goals.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Engage is built on the belief that early intervention leads to better outcomes. We work with children who may experience:

  • Developmental delays
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes, brain injuries)
  • Low muscle tone, poor coordination, and movement challenges

Our programs are designed to:

  • Improve gross and fine motor skills
  • Build strength, balance, and body awareness
  • Enhance physical confidence and independence
  • Encourage participation in school, outdoor activities, and community life
  • Reduce the risk of injury, inactivity, and movement avoidance

Family-Centred, Relationship-Driven Support

At Engage, we believe that effective outcomes for children are built on strong partnerships. We focus on building trusted, long-term relationships with:

  • Parents and carers, offering education, practical support, and reassurance
  • Other professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, teachers, and case managers
  • The child, through play-based and enjoyable movement experiences that make therapy fun and rewarding

We collaborate closely with each child’s support network to ensure that progress is consistent across all environments and meaningful to their everyday life.

Why Families Choose Engage Exercise Physiology

  • Guided by a highly qualified and dedicated Director with experience in paediatric care and child-focused programming.
  • Passion and expertise in working with children, inspiring meaningful, lasting outcomes.
  • Specialised experience supporting a wide range of physical, developmental, and behavioural needs
  • A strong focus on early intervention and individualised care
  • Mobile services delivered at home, school, or in the community
  • Long-term support that evolves with the child
  • Clear, consistent communication with families and health professionals

At Engage Exercise Physiology, we are more than just therapists — we are partners in your child’s journey. We help children build the physical skills and confidence they need to engage in life fully, and we support families every step of the way.

What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and an Exercise Physiologist?2023-12-02T14:35:12+11:00

Physiotherapists are specialists in the structure and movement of the human body. They help people of all ages with numerous health conditions like sports injuries and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis, and stroke.

Physiotherapists are involved in the assessment, diagnosis, planning, and management of patient care.

Exercise Physiologists aim to assist people in managing acute or chronic diseases and injuries, as well as aiding in their rehabilitation to achieve their optimal physical state. These interventions utilise exercise as a primary tool and encompass health and physical activity education, and lifestyle modification advice, and ultimately aim to bring about behavioural change.

As Exercise Physiologists what do we do?2023-12-02T14:32:50+11:00

AEPs are healthcare professionals who specialise in working with people with chronic medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities to improve their health by providing them with customised exercise programs. Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for people with all types of medical conditions, and AEPs assist by providing education and advice around exercise to help people achieve their goals and ensure they are engaging in exercise that is safe and appropriate for their condition. AEPs can also help people who are recovering from an injury or surgery, as well as those who are living with a chronic condition and chronic pain.

What can I expect at my initial consultation?2023-12-02T14:32:14+11:00

During your initial consultation with us, we will go over your medical history and current lifestyle habits. This way, we can develop achievable goals together that fit YOUR needs.

We want to help you in the best way possible, so getting to know you on a more personal level is very important to us!
If you have reports from your General Practitioner (GP) please bring them along as they will assist us to understand your needs for referral. If you are an NDIS participant, please bring along your NDIS plan so we can provide the best support services for you.

To get an understanding of your current function, your exercise physiologist will perform a few assessments. These tests will gauge things such as mobility, strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility.

Why Chose Engage Exercise Physiology?2023-12-02T14:31:43+11:00
  • Expertise in Chronic Disease Management, Injury rehabilitation, and disability support Engage Exercise Physiology specializes in the assessment and management of chronic diseases, injury rehabilitation and disability support. Engage Exercise Physiology develop exercise programs that are specifically tailored to address the unique needs and challenges associated with chronic conditions.
  • Evidence-Based Approach: Engage Exercise Physiology follows an evidence-based approach, meaning that their practices are supported by scientific research and proven to be effective. This ensures that you receive the most up-to-date and reliable guidance and interventions.
  • Personalised Approach: Engage Exercise Physiology takes a personalized approach to each individual they work with. They conduct thorough assessments and consider your specific goals, medical history, and current capabilities to develop exercise programs that are tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
  • Commitment and dedication to Health and Independence: Engage Exercise Physiology is committed and dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health, well-being, and independence. With over 16 years of experience, the director of Engage Exercise Physiology brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the practice. This extensive experience ensures that clients receive high-quality care and support throughout their journey.

Value for your NDIS plan

Engage Exercise Physiology does not charge travel fees enhancing the value of our services for individuals utilizing their NDIS plan. It ensures that the therapy budget can be fully utilized for the therapy needed, providing clients with the best possible value and ensuring that they can receive the necessary support to achieve their goals.

Treatment plan for NDIS clients

Funding under the NDIS is based on evidence of need, your goals, and evidence for the effectiveness of a given treatment approach. Your treatment plan is about getting the support you need.

Our treatment plans are based on a thorough assessment of your therapy goals and are related to your NDIS goals. They:
• clearly explain assessment findings
• make specific recommendations on what you need.
• focus on outcomes that we expect will be achieved in the next twelve months.
• explain how success will be measured and reported to the NDIA.

Therapy services at your convenience

Engage Exercise Physiology’s mobile service offering is a valuable benefit for our clients. By providing therapy in various settings such as homes, workplaces, schools, or other preferred locations, we prioritise convenience and accessibility for our clients. It allows for a more comfortable and familiar setting, which can enhance engagement and overall treatment outcomes. Additionally, receiving therapy in a preferred location eliminates the need for travel and saves time, making it more convenient for clients with busy schedules or mobility limitations.

Support a small business.

Engage Exercise Physiology is 100% Australian-owned and operated. Choosing to support Engage Exercise Physiology as a small business demonstrates a commitment to the local community and a desire to work with passionate professionals dedicated to improving health and well-being.

early intervention exercise physiology for children
exercise physiology for children

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