Blog

The classroom environment can often pose challenges for kids with ADHD. The rules of the classroom—sitting still, listening quietly AND concentrating are the very things they find most difficult to maintain for a whole school day.This is something I have had a bit of first hand experience with. Two of my three Boys are ADHDers, each with their own set of strengths and challenges. One inattentive, the other hyperactive. It’s a juggling act but I’ve become well versed in naviga …

A Child Psychologist is a health professional that has studied human behaviour at university and is a trained expert in the way people behave and think. Their job primarily involves helping people to change their emotions, thoughts and behaviour to enable them cope better and be happier in life. There are many reasons why a child might be referred to for Child Psychology including, but not limited to:• Developmental delay in speech and language• Learning and attention proble …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioural disorder which makes it difficult for a child to sit still, pay attention, be organised and think about the consequences of their actions before acting. The three main problems a child with ADHD faces are inattention, impulsivity and overactivity. Although most children have trouble with some of these things, in children with ADHD the behaviour is extreme, continuous and affects their day to day functioning. There ar …

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way an individual interacts with their environment and the people around them. Often they have impaired communication, social and language skills as well as restrictive, repetitive behaviours, interests or activities. The term ‘spectrum’ refers the range of difficulties a person with ASD may experience and the degree in which their life may be affected. There is a saying that goes “If you’ve met …

The main goal of Occupational Therapy for children is to enable those with a disability or injury to participate and function successfully in daily living activities. Occupational Therapists (OT’s) are trained professionals who help develop skills in such areas as: Eating Toileting Playing Writing Running Hopping Dressing Learning Drawing Showering Jumping Cutting At your initial consultation the OT will assess your child’s fine and gross motor skills, cogni …

Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD is a complex neurological condition where the brain and nervous system misinterpret everyday sensory experiences (eg. taste, smell, movement etc) and can’t effectively process the information they receive from the senses. People with SPD can be classed into two main groups: Hypersensitive They have extreme sensitivity to certain sensations and actively avoid them. Some of the signs of Hypersensitive SPD are:– Doesn’t like to be touched or …

Speech Pathologists are highly trained specialists who provide assessment and treatment / therapy for eating and drinking, language, communication and speech difficulties and disabilities. Their training encompasses all aspects of communication including writing, signs, gestures, speech, reading and symbols. They also specialise in helping people who have difficulty swallowing food and drink (Dysphagia) often in conjunction with a paediatrician or dietician. Communication …