Many children who participate in occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, or psychology often engage in multiple therapies for several years on a regular basis. While these therapies are incredibly beneficial and are important in supporting a child to reaching their goals, it is not uncommon for children to experience “therapy burnout” after some time. Therapy burnout refers to the physical, emotional, and mental fatigue that can occur due to prolonged participation in and related to therapeutic work.  Therapy burnout is a normal experience but can be avoided by being aware of ..read more

Handwriting is a crucial skill, however for some children, handwriting or literacy tasks are difficult and discouraging, which often leads to poor engagement in homework and handwriting practice at home. This blog will explore some unique ways in which you can support your child to participate in handwriting tasks that are fun, engaging and motivating.  Make it a challenge Adding a challenge in which provides a sense of achievement can promote engagement in learning tasks within the home. Easily set up a scavenger hunt by hiding pictures or words around the room, house, or garden for the ..read more

As delved into the challenges and nuances of visual impairments, the blog post The role of OT in supporting children with visual impairments – Occupational Therapy Helping Children explained some of the complexities people face and the importance of understanding its impact on children’s daily life. In Australia, approximately 1 in every 2,500 newborns are expected to be diagnosed with significant vision impairment. Whether you are supporting a family member, a student, or a client, this blog post will share some general tips and strategies to support a child with a visual impairment, consider ..read more

What are Specific Learning Disorders Specific Learning disorders are types of neurodevelopmental disorders that impact on one or more cognitive processes required for reading, written expression or mathematical calculations. Due to difficulties processing information, children diagnosed with specific learning disorders are likely to experience a gap between their academic potential and their actual achievement and may also require support with time management, organisation and social skills.   Types of Specific Learning Disorders The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disor ..read more

Embarking on the journey to become an occupational therapist (OT) is a rewarding and fulfilling path, requiring dedication, education, and ongoing commitment to professional growth. As a parent seeking to understand the profession or as someone considering a career change, you may have questions about what it takes to become an OT. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in pursuing a career in occupational therapy, from educational requirements to practical experiences and beyond. Education Requirements: Becoming an occupational therapist in Australia requires a comprehen ..read more

From birth to adolescence, children develop physically, socially and emotionally.  When a child is in infancy or early childhood, it is developmentally appropriate to see a meltdown over a dropped ice cream or a broken toy.  However, when children reach school age, parents and caregivers may feel overwhelmed when their child has frequent outbursts. It is essential to know that emotional regulation skills develop into adulthood. Some children require additional support to communicate their emotions and use regulation strategies to calm themselves down.  Children with a diagnosis ..read more

Navigating the world of teen dating can be both exciting and challenging for all adolescents, regardless of neurodiversity. Recent studies have shed light on the genuine desire from Autistic teens in forming friendships, romantic connections and meaningful connections (Koegel et al., 2024). As OT’s we recognise the importance of supporting teenagers in their dating endeavours by fostering strengths-focused strategies that empower them to build meaningful relationships. In this blog post, we’ll explore evidence-based insights and practical techniques from an OT’s perspective to navigate the com ..read more

Have you ever wondered about the intricate reflexes that babies are born with? Among them lies the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), a fascinating mechanism that aids infants in their first encounters with gravity and spatial awareness. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of TLR, exploring its development, integration, and impact on a child’s motor and sensory skills. TLR, like many primitive reflexes, emerges in the womb, laying the groundwork for fundamental movements and postural control. It orchestrates the coordination of muscles in the arms, legs, neck, and trunk, linking them intric ..read more

Functional Capacity Assessments evaluate an individual’s capacity to engage in daily life activities effectively. These assessments aim to identify the specific support needs of the client while also highlighting opportunities for capacity building supports. Recommendations provided are tailored to the individual’s unique requirements, outlining the type and level of assistance necessary. The assessment encompasses the six domains outlined by the NDIS, including self-management, self-care, communication, social interaction, learning, and mobility. Ultimately, the core of the matter for the NDI ..read more

Disclaimer: In this blogpost we have utilised identify-first language in line with current preferences in the Autistic community. However, we acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey, and they have the right to choose if they prefer person-first language. Masking is when individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, consciously or unconsciously hide their autistic traits in social settings, often blending in with neurotypical behaviours. This may involve mirroring neurotypical behaviours, such as making eye contact, mimicking speech patterns, or suppressing stimming behaviours ..read more