Integrate OT

04/06/2026

Thank you ICDL for this clear map of child led play. Remember that child-led play is not just following the lead but also following the “need” ✨🧡

04/06/2026

“Why can my child manage one day but struggle the next?”
This is something many parents ask - and often, the answer lies in the nervous system.

Children’s capacity changes depending on factors such as:
• sensory load
• sleep
• stress
• transitions
• emotional demands
• social expectations
• feelings of safety and connection

When the nervous system becomes overloaded, everyday tasks can suddenly feel much harder.

A child may appear:
• more emotional
• less flexible
• more sensitive to noise or touch
• unable to focus
• easily frustrated
• resistant to demands

This does not mean your child is being lazy, oppositional, or manipulative.
At Integrate OT, we understand regulation as something deeply connected to sensory processing, emotional development, relationships, and environment. Our goal is not compliance, it is helping children feel safe enough to participate meaningfully in daily life.

Sometimes the most supportive question we can ask is:
“What might my child’s nervous system need right now?”

03/06/2026

Thank you ICDL for this clear map of child led play. Remember that child-led play is not just following the lead but also following the “need” ✨🧡

🗺️ 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱-𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆!

⦿ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲:
Set up an environment where a variety of toys, art supplies, and sensory materials are accessible. This encourages children to choose what interests them the
most, further fostering that
sense of autonomy.

⦿ 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻:
Pay close attention to both the themes and scenarios children explore during play. Listen to their conversations, even if they’re talking to themselves or their toys, as this can provide valuable insights into their thoughts and emotions.

⦿ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁:
While it can be tempting to offer suggestions or intervene, practice restraint. Let the child take the lead, and only join the play if they invite you to or if there is an unsafe situation unfolding.

⦿ 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
When you do participate, ask open-ended questions that encourage deeper thinking and conversation. This can help children reflect on their play and experiences.

⦿ 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Positive feedback fosters a sense of pride and independence, motivating them to continue exploring and leading in their play and elsewhere.

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

If anyone is curious about OT in nature this is a great listen with the fabulous Dr. Laura Park Figueroa discussing summarising the benefits of nature-based occupational therapy and how to implement into practice 🍁🪵

(You just need to get past the intro!)

Podcast Episode · Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents · 13 May 2024 · 56min

01/06/2026

"Your presence, patience, and belief make more difference than you realise."

29/05/2026

The rain hasn’t stopped us this week… if anything, it has opened up even more opportunities for sensory walks, scavenger hunts, and shared moments of curiosity.

When we slow down and look through a sensory lens, there is so much to notice:
- visual scanning and processing
- tactile exploration
- movement and body awareness
✨ shared joy, connection, and discovery

If you want to see more nature based videos send me a smiley face, comment or share!

29/05/2026

📢 The NDIS is at a turning point.

This week, proposed reforms, funding changes, and new legislation may significantly impact Australian families access to allied health supports.
As discussions unfold in Canberra, advocates across the country are pushing for:
✔ Greater transparency
✔ Safer policy reform
✔ Ongoing access nad choice to OT and allied health services
✔ Support models that recognise individual needs

Real reform must protect the wellbeing, safety, and participation of Australians with differing abilities, not reduce access to the supports they rely on.

We’ll be closely following developments and continuing to advocate for a future where disability supports remain person-centred, accessible, and sustainable.

28/05/2026

One of the most important things I try to hold onto in moments of high emotion is:

Children cannot access calm, flexible thinking when their nervous system is in survival mode.

When the brain senses danger or overwhelm, the amygdala activates quickly to protect the child. This happens automatically and often before they can think things through or use coping strategies independently.

That’s why in stressful moments your child may struggle to:
• follow instructions
• communicate clearly
• transition between activities
• manage emotions
• solve problems
• stay connected with others

This is not because they are “not trying hard enough.”
through relationship focused lens we support families to understand that regulation develops through co-regulation first - through safe relationships, sensory support, play, movement, connection, and responsive environments.

Children borrow calm from the adults around them before they can build it within themselves.

Connection is not separate from regulation.
For many children, it is where regulation begins.

27/05/2026

Professional learning and parent education that’s relational, practical, and neurodiversity-affirming - giving you skills you can implement tomorrow! We can customize to your needs and availability.

At Integrate OT, we offer workshops and events designed to support families, educators, and allied health professionals in understanding and applying relationship focused neuro-affirming therapy practices.

Whether you’re new to DIR or looking to deepen your developmental lens, our trainings combine hands-on strategies with a strong focus on connection, regulation, and capacity-building.

👉 All events are suitable for professionals working with neurodivergent children, including OTs, speech therapists, educators, and parents.

Head on to https://buff.ly/GwJrOUe for more information.