Blog
OT Insights
Hi there! We’re so glad you’ve found your way to The Therapy Network’s blog. This is your go-to space for honest, practical, and heart-led insights into the world of paediatric occupational therapy. Whether you’re navigating meltdowns, messy mealtimes, tricky handwriting, or anything in between – you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
At The Therapy Network, our paediatric OTs are here to share tips, ideas, and stories that support your child’s development in ways that are fun, achievable, and rooted in connection. Let’s explore how we can help little ones grow, play, and shine – one small step at a time.
Less Clutter, More Play: How Toy Rotation Can Support Children with ADHD
A playroom full of toys might seem like the perfect environment for play, but for some children with ADHD, too many choices can make it harder to know where to start, stay engaged or pack away afterwards. Toy rotation is a simple strategy that reduces visual clutter and creates a more manageable play environment. In this blog, our Occupational Therapists at The Therapy Network explore how toy rotation can support attention, creativity, executive functioning and independent play — without taking the fun out of playtime.
Beyond the Screen: Helping Children Find Balance Through Play, Movement and Connection
Screens are now part of everyday childhood — from educational apps and online learning to favourite shows, gaming and video calls with family. But children also need opportunities to climb, create, move, imagine, explore and connect with the people and world around them. From an Occupational Therapy perspective, the goal isn’t to label screens as “good” or “bad”. It’s about creating a healthy balance so technology complements, rather than replaces, the real-world experiences children need for development. In this TTN OT Insight, our Occupational Therapists explore why play and movement matter, signs that screen use may be crowding out other important activities, and practical ways families can build healthier technology habits into everyday life.
Beyond the Label: Understanding the Different Faces of ADHD
Not every child with ADHD looks the same. While some children are constantly on the move, others may appear quiet, daydreamy, or simply "switched off." ADHD presents differently in every child, and understanding these differences is the first step towards providing meaningful support. In this blog, our paediatric occupational therapists explore the three recognised presentations of ADHD—inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined—and explain why looking beyond the diagnosis helps children thrive at home, at school, and in everyday life.
“They Can Play Minecraft for Hours!” Understanding Why Attention Isn’t the Same as Motivation
Synopsis "If they can spend hours building LEGO or playing video games, why can't they finish their homework?" It's one of the most common questions occupational therapists hear from families of children with ADHD. The answer lies in understanding that attention and motivation are not the same thing. In this blog, we explore how the ADHD brain regulates attention, why children can intensely focus on activities they enjoy yet struggle with everyday tasks, and how occupational therapy helps children, adolescents and young adults build the skills they need to succeed.
Beyond the Therapy Room: Why OTs Love Working Where Children Learn
A child can show us so much in a therapy room—but sometimes the missing piece of the puzzle is seeing them in the place where they spend much of their week: school. From managing classroom routines and playground friendships to coping with noise, organising belongings, starting tasks and regulating big emotions, school places many demands on a child at once. From an Occupational Therapist’s perspective, seeing these everyday moments firsthand can provide incredibly valuable insight into what is helping a child participate—and what might be getting in the way. In this TTN OT Insight, we explore why our Occupational Therapists work in schools, what we are looking for during a school visit, and how collaboration between therapists, educators and families can help children feel more confident, capable and included throughout their school day.
From First Finger Foods to Forks: The Bilateral Coordination Skills Behind Independent Eating
One of the most exciting milestones parents celebrate is watching their child feed themselves for the first time. Whether it's grasping a strawberry with tiny fingers or proudly using a spoon (even if half the yoghurt ends up on the table!), every meal is an opportunity for learning. At The Therapy Network (TTN), our Occupational Therapists know that successful feeding isn't just about appetite or trying new foods—it [...]