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Catherine Santos
Paediatric Occupational Therapist · Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, Davao Doctors College
Play-based therapy that brings out each child's spark.
A creative paediatric occupational therapist with 6+ years' experience, Catherine supports children with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy and sensory needs, partnering closely with families through play.
New clients join a waitlist
Need someone sooner? Call us and we’ll check which of our occupational therapists has the soonest appointment.
- Works withChildren and their families
- Key interestsAutism, ADHD and sensory processing differences
- SessionsAt home, at our North Clinic or by telehealth
- FundingPrivate, Medicare and NDIS clients
Who does Catherine support?
Our OT team covers all of these areas, with clinical supervision and team discussion behind every therapy plan. Catherine works with children and their families, most often with children with autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences.
Autism, ADHD and neurodivergence
- Autism , Key interest
- ADHD , Key interest
- Sensory processing differences , Key interest
- Executive functioning (planning, organising, time management)
- Social communication differences
What we work on: sensory needs, routines, planning and organising, and taking part socially at home, at school, at work and in the community.
Child development and school
- Developmental delay (milestones, self-feeding, self-care)
- Fine and gross motor skills (including handwriting)
- School readiness
- Play skills and confidence
What we work on: milestones such as self-feeding, dressing and self-care, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, play, and getting ready for school.
Disability and developmental conditions
- Intellectual disability
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
What we work on: motor skills and coordination, everyday self-care, the right equipment and supports, and taking part at home, at school and in the community.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Sleep difficulties
What we work on: daily structure and routines, coping skills, managing stress and big emotions, sleep, and taking part at home, at school, at work and in the community.
Our other occupational therapists also work with:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Psychosis
- Psychosocial disability
- Stress and burnout
Neurological and brain conditions
Our other occupational therapists work with:
- Stroke
- Brain injury (including traumatic brain injury, or TBI)
- Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
- Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and motor neurone disease (MND)
- Spinal cord injury
- Neurological rehabilitation
Physical and musculoskeletal conditions
Our other occupational therapists work with:
- Arthritis
- Amputation (including phantom limb pain)
- Burns and soft-tissue injuries
- Chronic pain and fatigue
- Recovery after illness, injury or surgery
Equipment, home modifications and mobility
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Home safety assessments
What we work on: choosing and trialling equipment, home safety, and changes at home that make everyday tasks easier and safer.
Our other occupational therapists also work with:
- Wheelchair and seating prescription
- Home modifications
- Functional mobility
Daily living and independence
- Daily living skills and routines
What we work on: self-care, everyday routines, independence at home, getting out into the community, and managing school, work or study.
Our other occupational therapists also work with:
- Independent living skills
- Community participation
- Support at work or study
Culturally and linguistically diverse families
- Working with culturally and linguistically diverse families
What we work on: clear, respectful communication with you, your family and your support team, and therapy plans that fit your culture and routines.
No match on the list. Call us on 08 8166 4700 and we’ll tell you if Catherine or another occupational therapist can help.
Don't see your situation? Call us on 08 8166 4700 and our team will talk it through with you.
About Catherine
6+ years as a paediatric occupational therapist
“My approach to therapy is grounded in creativity, compassion, and collaboration. I believe that every child has a unique spark, and I strive to bring that out through playful, engaging sessions tailored to their interests. Whether it's painting, music, movement, or hands-on activities, I aim to make therapy fun while targeting meaningful goals that support participation at home, in school, and in the community.”
Qualifications and registration
A Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, plus PIASTM certification.
Registration
Registered Occupational Therapist OCC0002933278
Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (Ahpra)
Degrees and certificates
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy
- Davao Doctors College
- PIASTM (Paediatric Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation) certification
Experience
6+ years as a paediatric occupational therapist
Who can call themselves an occupational therapist?
"Occupational therapist" is a protected title in Australia. Only people registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, through Ahpra, can use it. You can check any occupational therapist on the Ahpra register, or read more about occupational therapy at CHSA.
How does Catherine work?
Every CHSA occupational therapy journey starts the same way, then follows your goals.
Initial assessment
90 minutes. Getting to know you or your child, daily routines and what you want to be able to do.
Goals and a plan
After the assessment. Agreeing practical goals together and how therapy will work towards them.
Regular therapy
60-minute sessions. In clinic, at home, or at school or in the community, at a pace that suits you.
Reviews
As goals change. Checking what's working and updating the plan as life changes.
In Catherine’s words
“I'm also certified in PIASTM (Paediatric Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation), a gentle hands-on technique I may use with children who have muscle tightness or reduced mobility.”
Where can you see Catherine?
At home, in clinic or by video. Catherine works Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
At home
Catherine visits homes, schools and community settings in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Travel is charged at 50% of our standard hourly rate.In clinic
Catherine sees people at our North Clinic.
Clinics are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Prefer video? Catherine also sees people by telehealth, wherever you are in Australia.
How will you pay?
Private, Medicare and NDIS clients are all welcome.
Private
No referral needed. You pay for each session directly.
See our current feesMedicare
To claim a Medicare rebate, ask your GP about a chronic condition management plan. A referral on its own isn't enough. With a plan, Medicare covers part of the cost of a limited number of allied health sessions each year, and our team can explain what that means for you.
See our current feesNDIS
We're a registered NDIS provider. Occupational therapy is usually funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living in your NDIS plan. Once it's in your plan, you can send us a referral. Plan-managed, self-managed and NDIA-managed plans are all accepted.
Support coordinators: the key referral details are at the end of this page.
Send an NDIS referralNot quite the right fit? Meet our other occupational therapists.
Stella MamogayPaediatric OT · children
Jose DiazOT · children, teens and adults
Dylan KingOT · adults
Abbey ChenOT · 10 and over, and adults
Amy ChenOT · teens and adults
How do I get started?
Send us an enquiry and let us know you'd like to see Catherine, or give us a call. We usually reply within 1 to 2 business days.
- A free first call. Our triage team will talk through your goals, your funding and where you'd like to meet. There's no cost for this call.
- Then your first appointment with Catherine. Appointments are charged at our usual fees.
Good to have ready
- Medicare: your GP's chronic condition management plan
- NDIS: your NDIS number and plan details, and who manages your plan
Not sure Catherine is the right fit? Send an enquiry anyway, and our team will suggest someone.