Author: Kids Plan-it

05 Mar Neuroaffirming Practice in Paediatric Occupational Therapy: Supporting Every Child to Thrive

Posted at 10:32h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

Neuroaffirming practice in paediatric occupational therapy recognises that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions, are natural variations in how brains develop and process the world. Rather than trying to “fix” or normalise children, neuroaffirming therapists prioritise understanding and supporting each child’s...

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03 Mar Understanding PDA: Three Practical Strategies to Support Your Child with a Persistent Drive for Autonomy

Posted at 07:31h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

Parenting a child with a PDA profile can feel bewildering at times, especially when conventional parenting strategies seem to escalate situations rather than resolve them. Understanding what PDA is, and adapting your approach accordingly, can make a meaningful difference for both you and your child. What...

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10 Feb Creating Safety: Supporting Children to Feel Calm and Ready to Learn

Posted at 15:18h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

Safety is more than just a physical state. It’s an internal experience that shapes how children’s bodies and minds function. As a paediatric occupational therapist, I often work with children whose nervous systems are on high alert. Polyvagal theory reminds us that when a child...

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01 Jan Screens: Helpful Tool or Hidden Challenge?

Posted at 17:05h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

Screens are a big part of children’s lives, and for many neurodiverse kids, they can be both incredibly helpful and genuinely challenging. As a paediatric occupational therapist, I often talk with families who feel stuck between relying on screens and worrying about their impact. The...

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12 Dec Why Regulation Matters for Building Friendships: A Parent-Friendly Guide from a Paediatric OT

Posted at 13:09h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

As a paediatric occupational therapist, I often meet children who desperately want to make friends but struggle to connect in the way they hope. Parents sometimes tell me, “They have the social skills, we’ve practised them, but something still gets in the way.” Often, that...

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18 Nov The Power of Group Therapy in Paediatrics: Why Children Thrive When They Grow Together

Posted at 13:14h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

As a paediatric occupational therapist, I’ve had the privilege of watching children make incredible progress—not only through one-on-one sessions, but also through the magic that happens when they learn alongside peers. Group therapy often becomes the place where skills truly click, because it brings together...

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03 Nov Why Some Children with ADHD Might Also Be “Super Bendy”: Understanding the Link Between Hypermobility and Neurodiversity

Posted at 14:56h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

As a paediatric occupational therapist, I often meet children whose brains and bodies work in wonderfully different ways. Many families know about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) as a condition that affects focus, energy, and attention. But did you know there’s growing evidence that some children with...

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27 Oct Understanding Proprioception: The Hidden Sense That Helps Kids Stay Calm and Focused

Posted at 13:04h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

We all know about the five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, but did you know there are actually more? One of the most important “hidden senses” is proprioception. It’s the sense that tells us where our body is in space and how our...

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17 Oct Starting Strong: OT Strategies to Support a Successful Start to the School Year

Posted at 13:32h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

A new school year can bring a mix of emotions for children — excitement, curiosity, worry, or even fear. For many kids, especially those with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, or difficulties with change, the transition can feel overwhelming. As a paediatric occupational therapist, I often support families...

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17 Oct Interoception: The Hidden 8th Sense and Why It Matters for Kids

Posted at 12:43h in Uncategorized by Kids Plan-it

When we think about the senses, most people name five — sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. But as occupational therapists, we know there are actually more. Alongside balance (vestibular) and body awareness (proprioception), there’s another lesser-known sense that plays a vital role in how...

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