Our Philosophy - 6 F-Words
Lets talk about Assessments and Goal Setting
As a parent or grandparent, you want to know how your child is doing, celebrate their successes, and figure out what areas you and their therapy team can work on together to help them grow and thrive!
At TFK, our therapists look at your child’s performance (function) using a tool based on the ICF Framework, which is the model the NDIS uses for children under the age of 6 and over.
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What is the ICF Framework?
The ICF Framework, also known as the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability Framework, is a model developed by the World Health Organisation. This model:
- Is a strength based model, focusing on what a person can do, not their impairments.
- Universal Model - for all people
- Holistic Model - focuses on the whole person and their environment.
- Interactive Model - shows interaction between the individual and their environment.
Why do we and the NDIS Use the ICF Framework for Planning?
Our therapists and the NDIS use the ICF (International Classification of Functioning) framework as the foundation for planning because it helps create a clear, holistic view of your child’s abilities and needs. By focusing on their overall functioning, not just their diagnosis, we can develop more personalised, effective therapy plans and goals . Here’s why the ICF framework is important when planning your child’s therapy program:
- It is the international standard for understanding health and disability.
- Common (universal) language that provides a standard guide for clinical practice, education and social policy (NDIS).
- It has changed how we think about and treat children and adults with health conditions/ disability.
What does it mean for you and your journey at TFK?
- It can be used in all settings to develop a plan. This framework is used by Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) partners, NDIS planners, and all therapists at TFK.therefore it is consistent in all settings.
- It is a communication tool - it allows anyone on your child's team to have a conversation from the same starting point.
- It is an organisational tool - from how we highlight your child's strengths, their needs and then set goals and plan therapy.
ICF and the 6 F-Words
The 6 F-Words, developed by Dr. Peter Rosenbaum and Dr. Jan Willem Gorter, offer a practical way to think about the ICF framework. Our founder, Deb Evans, was lucky enough to be introduced to this approach at the International Cerebral Palsy Conference in Pisa in 2012. Since then, the 6 F-Words—Fun, Family, Fitness, Function, Friends, and Future—have become a core philosophy at Therapies for Kids (TFK). This framework is now the foundation of our assessment, therapy, and goal-setting, ensuring therapy is deeply connected to a child’s life, family, and community. Learn more in this 2021 blog.
The 6 F’s build on the ICF’s and show how all areas are interrelated and equally influence our health and function. It is a holistic approach to the child and the child’s family, encouraging us and you to focus on the factors that are important to all children and their development , participation and activities.
How TFK Incorporate the 6 F’s:
- Functioning - this is what your child does not how they do it - relating back to ‘activity’ in the ICF framework.
- Fitness - The adaptation of fitness and health activities to enhance your child's physical skills and health. This is crucial to growth and independence (i.e walking).
- Friends - This is your child's involvement in any friendship with others
- Fun - We need to determine what a child finds fun and enjoyable and take advantage of this to enhance learning and development.
- Family - We need to recognise the significance of family in a child's life and provide an environment and goals to foster this (i.e by coaching).
- Future - This is not in the ICF framework as this tool is for the present… It is what life is about. The 6th F- Word, future is a reminder that children are changing constantly as they age and develop and we need to keep that in mind when planning goals.
Who are the 6 F-Words Used For?
The F words are for everyone of all abilities (as per the ICF framework). At TFK we focus on using them for all babies, children, adolescents and young adults who we see whether in clinic or in the community.
The 6 F-Words help families, practitioners, and educators create a supportive, inclusive environment focused on every aspect of a child’s life. Instead of just looking at challenges, this approach highlights potential, helping kids lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities.
How to Use the F-Words in Conversations with Professionals
The F-Words can be a helpful guide when talking to professionals about your child’s development. Here’s how you can use them to structure conversations and make sure your child’s needs are met:
- Functioning: Share examples of what your child can do and their recent progress in daily activities.
- Family: Discuss how your family supports your child and any family dynamics that might affect their development.
- Fitness: Talk about your child’s physical health and activity levels. Ask for ideas to enhance this area.
- Fun: Highlight activities your child enjoys and how these can be integrated into their therapy or learning.
- Friends: Share insights on your child’s social life, interactions, and friendships, and ask for support in improving these skills.
- Future: Discuss your hopes for your child’s future, whether it’s about school, work, or independence, and seek advice on preparing for these transitions.
By using the 6 F-Words in conversations with our TFK therapists, families can actively shape their child’s therapy plan, advocate for their needs, and ensure a holistic approach to their development. This collaborative approach helps ensure therapy is personalised and meaningful for your child.
Feel free to discuss with your therapist how you’d like to incorporate the 6 F-Words into your child’s therapy plan and goals to make sure it aligns with your family’s vision.
Contact our team today so we can discuss how we can incorporate the 6 F-Word's into your child's therapy plan!
Enquire now or learn more about conditions we treat.
References
At TFK, we’re guided by leading reference bodies and their cutting-edge research to ensure that the care and support we provide is based on the most up-to-date evidence. We follow best practices set by experts in paediatric therapy and early childhood development to ensure our services align with proven strategies and innovative approaches. By staying connected to these research bodies, we continually refine our methods to offer the best possible outcomes for your child.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/2640/download
https://disability.unimelb.edu.au/
https://canchild.ca/en/research-in-practice/f-words-in-childhood-disability
