Everyone learns things at different rates, and sometimes even then, we need a little help along the way. Especially in our infancy while our brains are still developing, children may require a little extra encouragement for their gross motor skills along the way. Gross…
If you think back to your own childhood you probably remember playing with friends at lunchtime. Whether it was a simple game of tag, sports, or even fighting imaginary bad guys from your favorite cartoon, you probably saw these moments as a break from learning.…
There are 17 million people who have cerebral palsy, and of that figure, approximately 34,000 live in Australia. This means every 15 hours; a child is born with cerebral palsy in Australia. Cerebral palsy is a life-long disability that requires an occupational therapist’s…
You’re never too old to play, but did you know that playing is an important part of a child’s development? There are different play skills that children learn from infancy throughout their childhood that are crucial to social, psychological, and physical development that can affect…
A growing number of parents are finding that Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme doesn’t cover their child’s needs especially if they have high functioning Autism or ADHD. If you’re one of these parents, you’ve likely noticed that the resources necessary to help develop your child’s…
Is ADHD Bad? All kids lose attention and act impulsively from time to time. However, a child who frequently exhibits inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hypersensitivity might be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not necessarily “bad.” Although…
Going to appointments can sometimes be a pain. There is time spent driving there and in the waiting room. If you have children, this can also increase the amount of time getting them reading, putting them in the car and entertaining them during this whole…
As a parent of a child who needs occupational therapy, you know the commitments required. The time spent traveling back and forth, taking time from work or from other obligations, and the need for your child to adjust to a new setting all complicate the…
As an Occupational Therapist, I often work with children who have difficulty following instructions. One of the strategies I often use is called “Controlled Choices”. Controlled choices is where the adult presents the child with two or more options. For example, the child needs to…
In April 2019, Australia’s Department of Health released new guidelines for children and young people, aged 5 to 17 years. This document outlines the levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, screen time and sleep a child should receive. Below is a summary of the points…