F-Words of Childhood Disability

At Kinetic Kids WA, we swear by the F-words, but not the ones you’re thinking of! These six guiding principles, developed by Dr. Peter Rosenbaum and the team at CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, have revolutionised the way we approach childhood disability. By aligning the F-words with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), these principles shift the focus from “fixing a problem” to promoting growth, inclusion, and participation.

The ICF Framework and The F-words

Function

Function focuses on what children do, not how they do it. For children, their primary role is play. But it is more than just the act of play itself. It is about the environment and access to ensure play is accessible to all. This concept helps us to consider all the steps in the process and celebrate every little win!

How Kinetic Kids WA can help:

• Play-based therapy sessions that are tailored to your child’s interests and developmental needs. Creating engaging, fun and meaningful experiences every therapy session. 

• Task-specific practice. Practicing self-care, mobility, or communication in natural environments.

• Provide assistive technology and strategies to help children participate in activities they enjoy, regardless of how they do them.

  
  

Family

Families are at the centre of a child’s development. Adopting a family-centered approach ensures that caregivers are supported and empowered to help children thrive.

How Kinetic Kids WA can help:

• Develop personalised therapy plans that align with family priorities and routines.

• Provide coaching and resources to build caregiver capacity and confidence in supporting their child’s progress.

• Develop trust and open communication to address challenges and aspirations of families.

  
  

Fitness

Fitness refers to both physical and mental wellbeing. Staying active is essential for health and happiness. Children with disabilities face more barriers to access and participation in physical activity and mental health programs when compared to their peers.

How Kinetic Kids WA can help:

• Incorporate movement and exercise into therapy sessions in ways that are safe and enjoyable.

• Provide assistive technology and strategies to help children participate in sport or physical activity.

• Promote mental health by creating a positive and supportive environment.

  
  

Fun

Fun is at the heart of childhood. Engaging in enjoyable activities ensures that therapy is meaningful and motivating.

How Kinetic Kids WA can help:

• We have a saying at Kinetic Kids WA, “If therapy isn’t fun, you’re doing it wrong”. Because of this, we ensure we tailor activities to each child’s interests, making therapy feel less like “work” and more like play.

• Use of switch adapted toys so that every child can participate in activities that bring them joy.

• Provide assistive technology and strategies to help children participate in activities

• Celebrate successes, big and small, to create a positive and fun atmosphere in every session.

  
  

Friends

Social relationships are critical for development and a sense of belonging. Helping children build friendships promotes confidence and inclusion.

How Kinetic Kids WA can help:

• Encourage participation in group therapy sessions or community events to create opportunities for peer connections.

• Promote social skills within therapy sessions.

• Advocate for inclusion in schools and community programs to ensure children feel connected.

  
  

Future

The future represents a journey of growth and possibilities. Setting meaningful goals gives children and families a sense of direction and hope.

How Kinetic Kids WA can help:

• Collaborate with families to set short and long term goals that are meaningful to them. 

• Focus on skill building that promotes participation and independence in daily life. 

• There is more to life than just therapy!  We want to provide families with strategies to support their child’s ongoing development beyond therapy.

Ready to teach your child the only F-words you want them to say? The ones that can guide their therapy and shape their life? We’re here to help! Contact us today to learn more!

If you would like to read more about the F-Words of Childhood Disability head to the CanChild website.