Kid Spot - Speech, Play, Occupational Therapies

At Kid Spot Waterford, we believe communication and regulation happen in spaces that feel safe, are sensory-friendly, and full of possibility and backed by evidence based assessments and interventions.

We are a clinician-led paediatric therapy practice offering direct access to senior Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy specialists.

With over 15 years’ clinical experience each, advanced postgraduate qualifications, and extensive experience supporting children with complex developmental, communication, sensory and learning needs, families receive expert-led assessment and therapy from the outset.

You will work directly with us — not be passed to less experienced staff.

Our purpose-built therapy gym and assessment spaces combine evidence-based practice, premium equipment, and child-centred care to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Why Families Choose Us

Senior Clinicians Only

Every appointment is delivered by experienced clinicians with advanced qualifications.

  • 15+ years experience each

  • Master’s level advanced training

  • Doctoral-level expertise within the team

  • Specialist postgraduate paediatric training

  • Clinician-led care from first appointment

Specialist OT Expertise

Our Occupational Therapy service includes advanced sensory integration expertise, including Ayres Sensory Integration training.

Purpose Built Therapy Environment

Our therapy gym is purpose-designed to support engagement, regulation, movement, sensory processing and motor development.

Features include:

  • Hammock swing

  • Tyre swing

  • Ball pool

  • Large platform swing (suitable for multiple children)

  • Gross motor equipment

  • Sensory regulation resources

  • Child-friendly assessment spaces

Evidence-Based Assessment

We use recognised standardised assessment tools where appropriate, combined with detailed clinical observation and parent collaboration.

Direct Access to Decision-Makers

You work directly with the clinicians making recommendations, treatment plans and next-step decisions.

Dr. Sarah Kennedy Occupational Therapist MSc Lisa Shine Speech-Language Therapist Treasa Forristal Play Therapist

Who We Are

We're Dr. Sarah Kennedy (OT) and MSc Lisa Shine (SLT). Together, we’ve clocked over 30 years of experience in child development, sensory processing, communication, and neurodiversity support.

We provide Assessment, Therapy and School Interventions:

🌈 Designing therapy environments that actually work

🔧 Adapting real-life spaces for co-regulation and connection

🧠 Research-backed practices that are never one-size-fits-all

💡 Turning everyday moments into opportunities for communication

What We Do

Step 1: Assessment - SLT and OT Assessments

Step 2: Diagnosis & Recommendations

Step 3: Therapy pathways

  1. Traditional 1-1 Therapies

  2. OT + SLT combined into one appointment

  3. SLT + Play Therapy

  4. Group Interventions

  5. SLT, OT, and Play Therapy groups Combined

Registered. Recognised. Reimbursable.

CORU Registered: Your child’s care is delivered by trusted, regulated professionals.

Insurance Recognition: Major health insurers reimburse therapy delivered by CORU-registered clinicians.

Substantial Cover: On plans like VHI PMI 2410, families receive up to 75% back on Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy fees, and 20% Med 1 Tax rebate