Ms Catherine Horder
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Catherine Horder, has commenced private consulting at Melbourne Paediatric Specialists in July 2016 and welcomes new referrals.
Cathy Horder has extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of:
- developmental delay
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- behavioral difficulties, and;
- parent-child relationships.
Background and Experience
Cathy graduated from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Melbourne, as an Occupational Therapist in 1984, after which she consolidated her foundational knowledge in rehabilitation and hospital settings. She then moved into the educational sector where she supported children to optimize their participation and learning in the school environment.
In 1996 Cathy opened her own private practice – C.A.Th.S. – which is committed to excellence in delivery of progressive and dynamic therapy, parent education and coaching services.
Cathy is an Approved Mental Health Provider, and a panel member for Helping Children with Autism and the Better Start Program.
Clinical Areas of Interest
Cathy joins with parents to learn how their child perceives and experiences the world around them, as she believes it is essential to understand and celebrate the uniqueness and gifts of each child.
Cathy has a strong interest in children with sensory and movement challenges, and how this impacts their emotional and social development. She is particularly interested in the way this is expressed in children who have a diagnosis of autism.
Cathy is also passionate about working alongside parents to develop their awareness of how they can influence their child to calm, to focus and to learn through playful engagement with others.
Therapy Models
Cathy utilizes a diverse range of inputs including standardized assessments, questionnaires and structured observation processes to understand the child’s current ability to fulfill their role as a player, a learner, self-carer and family member.
Then the desired outcomes are discussed in detail, with the child’s parent(s)/caregivers, as these will form the basis for engagement in therapy.
Cathy’s therapeutic approach incorporates her training and experience in the following:
- Certification in Sensory Integration & Praxis – Assessment & Treatment
- Certification in DIR®/FloortimeTM Model (Greenspan & Wieder)
- Professional Training in child directed Play Therapy and Parent Coaching
Hospitals Accredited
– The Royal Children’s Hospital
SPECIALTY
Occupational Therapy
ADDITIONAL PRIVATE PRACTICE
C.A.Th.S. – Children & Adolescent Therapy Services
Unit 1 / 660 Canterbury Road
Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Phone: (03) 9899 4004