Sensory Processing Archives

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.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

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.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

“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.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

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.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, School Readiness, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Wiggles, Wobbles and Wondering Why: Understanding Movement Needs in the Classroom

Does your child constantly fidget, rock on their chair, swing their legs, or find it impossible to sit still during class? While these behaviours are often mistaken for poor attention or disruptive behaviour, they may actually be a child's way of helping their brain stay alert and regulated. In this blog, The Therapy Network (TTN) explains why movement is essential for learning, how occupational therapists understand movement needs, and practical strategies to help children succeed in the classroom without expecting them to remain perfectly still.

News, School Readiness, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

When Plans Change: Helping Children Build Flexible Thinking and Resilience

When the plan changes, does your child become upset, anxious or completely overwhelmed? Flexible thinking is the ability to adapt when things don’t go as expected — and for some children, this can be much harder than it looks. In this blog, The Therapy Network (TTN) explores why change can feel so challenging, how flexible thinking connects with emotional regulation and executive functioning, and practical ways families can help children build confidence, adaptability and resilience one small change at a time.

Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Crossing the Midline: The Hidden Skill That Helps Children Read, Write and Thrive

Have you ever noticed your child swapping hands while colouring, turning the whole page instead of moving their arm, or using one hand for almost every task? While these behaviours may seem insignificant, they can sometimes point to an important developmental skill that is still emerging—crossing the midline. Crossing the midline is one of the building blocks for handwriting, reading, sports, self-care, and coordinated movement. It allows both sides of the body—and the brain—to work together efficiently. When this skill develops well, children move more smoothly, learn more easily, and tackle everyday tasks with greater confidence. At The Therapy Network (TTN), Occupational Therapists regularly assess and support midline crossing as part of a child's overall motor development, helping children strengthen the foundations they need for learning, independence and participation.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

When Research Changes the Way You See a Child: Reflections from an Occupational Therapist on Sensory Processing and Autism

As occupational therapists, we are constantly learning from the children and families we work with—but sometimes a research paper makes us stop and reflect on our own practice. A recently published article, Sensory-Processing Informed Autism Practice for Child-Centred Therapists (Daniel et al., 2026), challenged many traditional assumptions about autism, sensory processing and emotional regulation. In this reflection, TTN's occupational therapists share the key messages that resonated most, what they mean for families, and how they as a team continue to shape our child-centred approach to therapy.

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Helping Your Child Try New Foods: Practical Strategies for Picky Eaters

Does your child only eat a handful of foods or become upset when something new appears on their plate? You're not alone. Many children go through phases of picky eating, but for some, trying new foods can feel genuinely overwhelming. Understanding why your child is avoiding certain foods is the first step towards helping them develop confidence and curiosity around eating. In this blog, our occupational therapists share practical, evidence-informed strategies to reduce mealtime stress, support sensory needs, and make trying new foods a positive experience for the whole family.

Daily Living Skills, Feeding & Mealtimes, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Beyond the Scores: How the ABAS Helps Us Understand Your Child’s Everyday Life

When families hear the word assessment, it's easy to imagine tests, scores and comparisons. But the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS) is very different. Rather than measuring intelligence or academic achievement, it helps Occupational Therapists understand how children manage the everyday skills that support independence, participation and quality of life. From getting dressed and communicating with others to following routines and participating in the community, the ABAS provides valuable insights into what life looks like beyond the clinic. At The Therapy Network (TTN), we use the ABAS as part of comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) to better understand each child's strengths, identify areas where support may be needed, and develop meaningful recommendations that help children thrive at home, school and in the community.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

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