Aspiring Occupational Therapy

Aspiring Occupational Therapy Paediatric Occupational Therapy services based in Wānaka, NZ. Contact us: [email protected]

Supporting regulation in the classroom 💙Sometimes children don’t have the words—or the capacity in the moment—to explain...
10/08/2026

Supporting regulation in the classroom 💙

Sometimes children don’t have the words—or the capacity in the moment—to explain what they need.

Simple visual support cards can give children an easy, low-pressure way to communicate:

🟢 “I am ready to learn”
🟡 “I need help”
🔴 “I need to go to my safe space”

These cards help make regulation and self-advocacy visible and accessible. Rather than waiting until a child is overwhelmed, we can give them a way to communicate their needs earlier and support them to recognise when they need a break, some help, or are ready to engage.

For some children, pointing to a card can be much easier than finding the words “I’m becoming overwhelmed and I need some space.”

Small supports can make a big difference to participation, confidence and independence in the classroom.

✨ When Big Feelings Show Up… Use Your Infinity Superpower! ♾️This week one of my little OT clients created an incredible...
21/07/2026

✨ When Big Feelings Show Up… Use Your Infinity Superpower! ♾️

This week one of my little OT clients created an incredible comic strip about using Infinity Breathing to transform from feeling overwhelmed into feeling calm and in control.

Instead of fighting the “bad guy,” the real superpower was learning to slow the body and calm the brain.

♾️ How to do Infinity Breathing:

1. Hold one finger up.
2. Slowly trace an imaginary infinity symbol (∞) in the air.
3. Breathe in as you trace one loop.
4. Breathe out as you trace the other loop.
5. Repeat until your body starts to feel calmer.

Why does it work?
💛 Slows breathing
🧠 Helps switch the brain out of “fight, flight or freeze”
❤️ Gives children something simple to focus on
💪 Builds independence by giving them a strategy they can use anywhere

We love turning regulation strategies into superpowers. When children feel like they’re learning a special skill—not just being told to “calm down”—they’re much more likely to use it when they need it most.

This amazing comic is a reminder that some of the most powerful therapy moments come from children’s own creativity. ✨

Have you tried Infinity Breathing with your child?

Why every classroom and playroom needs “Me and My Quirks” 📚 I’m always looking for tools that celebrate neurodiversity r...
15/06/2026

Why every classroom and playroom needs “Me and My Quirks” 📚

I’m always looking for tools that celebrate neurodiversity rather than trying to “fix” it. This beautiful picture book does exactly that.

From an OT lens, here is why this book is a must-read:

✨ Normalises “Quirks”: It reframes behaviours like repetitive movements or unique routines as natural ways a child interacts with their world.
✨ Builds Peer Empathy: It bridges the social gap by helping neurotypical children understand and welcome their neurodiverse peers.
✨ Promotes Inclusion: It reminds us that different brains just process the world differently—and that is a strength!

Read this with your child or students, and use it as a conversation starter to talk about what makes them unique too.

🔗 Link in bio to check it out!

Meet Amy! Amy is our new Occupational Therapist! She has over 18 years of experience helping people of all ages achieve ...
02/06/2026

Meet Amy!

Amy is our new Occupational Therapist! She has over 18 years of experience helping people of all ages achieve their goals and participate more fully in everyday life.

Amy lives in Wānaka with her husband and their two children—an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-
year-old son.

Amy has a broad background and experience and enjoys working with children and their families, helping young people develop skills, independence, and confidence through practical, meaningful therapy.
Amy is friendly, personalised, and focused on helping each client achieve the best possible outcomes.

We are excited to welcome her as part of the Aspiring Occupational Therapy family!!

18/05/2026

Why do some kids LOVE spinning? 🌪️

Spinning activates the vestibular system — the sensory system responsible for helping us understand movement, balance, and where our body is in space.

For some children, spinning can help them:
Feel calm and regulated
Improve body awareness
Support balance and coordination
Meet sensory needs in a fun way

You might notice children seeking spinning through:

* twirling in circles
* hanging upside down
* spinning on playground equipment
* rolling on the floor

For sensory seekers, this type of movement can feel organising and enjoyable. For others, too much spinning may lead to dizziness, nausea, or dysregulation — every child’s sensory system is different.

As OTs, we look at the why behind movement-seeking behaviours and help families find safe, meaningful ways to support sensory needs.

Sometimes “they just won’t sit still” is actually a child telling us their body needs movement. 💛

childdevelopment playbasedtherapy otforkids sensoryregulation movementmatters

07/05/2026

Before therapy gyms and sensory swings… there was flax weaving and knitting 🧶

Meaningful occupations have always supported regulation, coordination, focus, and connection.

Different positions, same goal✔️ organised body✔️ calm system✔️ ready to engagelet’s normalise flexible seating 💙
04/05/2026

Different positions, same goal
✔️ organised body
✔️ calm system
✔️ ready to engage
let’s normalise flexible seating 💙

18/04/2026

Tell me you’re a paediatric OT without telling me you’re a paediatric OT…

I have glitter in places glitter should never be ✨ My bag contains bubbles, tunnels, and a bag of mystery stickers. I’ve turned obstacle courses into serious clinical interventions, I can spot a w-sit from across the room, “Just one more turn!” is part of my daily vocabulary, I get way too excited about swings and climbing frames. My idea of progress? One sock on without a meltdown.
I’ve mastered the art of making therapy look like play, and yes… I will absolutely sit on the floor with you. (And don’t ask my husband about the state of the car)

Today we brought the Zones of Regulation to life with a Play-Doh volcano eruption! Each layer represents a different zon...
16/04/2026

Today we brought the Zones of Regulation to life with a Play-Doh volcano eruption!

Each layer represents a different zone—helping us understand how our emotions can build, change, and sometimes explode if we don’t have the right tools.

Through play, we talked about what each zone feels like, what might trigger it, and strategies we can use to stay in control.

Learning about emotions doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be creative, messy, and fun!

🌋 LearningThroughPlay

Week 6 of our FAQ series to answer the questions we’re most often asked about Occupational Therapy, sensory needs, and e...
09/04/2026

Week 6 of our FAQ series to answer the questions we’re most often asked about Occupational Therapy, sensory needs, and emotional regulation ✨
We’ll be answering one question each week — what would you like to know?

Address

Wanaka
9305

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

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