The Importance of Goal Setting in Childhood Disability
- hello845462
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
1. Make Goals Meaningful and Collaborative
Set goals that reflect your child’s unique needs and your family’s priorities. Collaborate with your therapy team to ensure goals are realistic and achievable.
Ask questions like:
“What would make everyday life easier for us?”
“What does fun look like for our child?”
2. Use the F-Words of Disability
Consider the six "F-Words" when setting goals: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future.
For example:
A goal focused on Function might involve learning to dress independently.
A goal centered on Fun could be playing a favorite game with peers.
3. Make Goals Measurable
Use tools like the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) or the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to track progress. These tools ensure goals are clear, measurable, and focused on outcomes that matter to your family. This is specifically helpful when advocating for NDIS funds.
4. Adjust Goals as You Go
Children grow and change quickly, and their goals should adapt with them. Regular check-ins with your therapy team help keep goals relevant and aligned with your child’s development.
5. Review Goals Annually
Set aside time each year to review your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and plan for the year ahead. This is also a great opportunity to prepare for big transitions, such as starting school.
How Kinetic Kids WA Can Help
At Kinetic Kids WA, we understand the importance of meaningful goal setting. That’s why we’ve developed a goal-setting process designed with families in mind.
Our Process Includes:
Mind Mapping: We use a brainstorming session centered on the F-Words of Childhood Disability to identify goals that matter most to your family.
Regular Reviews: Goals are revisited and adjusted as needed to accurately reflect your child’s growth and changing needs.
Goal-Driven Sessions: Every therapy session is structured around your child’s goals, ensuring progress is always purposeful.
And because we believe therapy should be enjoyable, our sessions are designed to be fun and engaging. After all, if therapy doesn’t look fun, you’re doing it wrong!
By setting thoughtful, flexible goals, you can empower your child to reach their full potential. With the right support and a clear path forward, every small step becomes a meaningful stride toward success.
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