occupational therapy Archives

“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

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

The Brain’s Air Traffic Control: Understanding Executive Functioning in Children

Ever wonder why your child can spend hours building LEGO but forgets to pack their school bag? Or why they understand instructions but struggle to get started? Executive functioning skills are the brain's "management system"—helping children plan, organise, remember, regulate emotions, switch between tasks, and complete everyday activities. In this blog, The Therapy Network explains executive functioning in simple terms, explores how these skills develop, highlights common signs of executive functioning challenges, and explains how paediatric occupational therapists help children build independence, confidence, and success at home, school, and in the community.

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

Looking Beyond the Diagnosis: How WHODAS Helps Tell Your Child’s Everyday Story

When families begin the NDIS process, one of the biggest surprises is the number of questionnaires involved in a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). It's natural to wonder why they're needed. The answer is simple: the NDIS doesn't fund a diagnosis—it funds the impact that diagnosis has on everyday life. One of the key evidence-based tools Occupational Therapists use to understand this impact is the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). In this blog, we explain what the WHODAS measures, why it plays such an important role in Functional Capacity Assessments, and how it helps families, therapists and the NDIS gain a clearer understanding of a person's strengths, challenges and support needs.

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

More Than a Score: Understanding the PEDI-CAT and How It Helps Tell Your Child’s Story

When families hear that their child will be completing a PEDI-CAT assessment, they often wonder what it involves and why it's important. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) is much more than a questionnaire—it is an evidence-based assessment that helps Occupational Therapists understand how children participate in everyday life. From dressing and mealtimes to mobility, communication and social participation, the PEDI-CAT provides valuable insights into a child's strengths, areas of challenge and support needs. In this blog, we explain what the PEDI-CAT measures, how it contributes to Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) and NDIS planning, and why it plays such an important role in helping children achieve greater independence and participation.

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

From Chore Time to Skill Time: Turning Everyday Tasks into Growth Opportunities for Kids

Chores don’t have to be a battle—in fact, they can be one of the easiest ways to support your child’s development. This blog explores how everyday tasks like tidying, cooking, and folding laundry can build motor skills, independence, problem-solving, and confidence. With simple OT-informed strategies, you can turn routine moments at home into meaningful learning opportunities.

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

Click, Connect, Thrive: Your Guide to Stress-Free Telehealth for Kids

Telehealth has made paediatric occupational therapy more accessible than ever—but a smooth, secure session doesn’t happen by accident. This parent-friendly guide shares simple, practical tips to help you set up, prepare, and support your child before, during, and after their telehealth sessions—so they can stay engaged, make progress, and feel confident learning from home.

Daily Living Skills, Executive Functioning, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

Meltdowns vs Tantrums: When Big Emotions Aren’t Just Behaviour

Not all big emotional reactions are the same. While tantrums are often goal-driven behaviours, meltdowns are a response to overwhelming sensory input and a nervous system in distress. Understanding the difference is essential for responding effectively and compassionately. This blog explores how to recognise meltdowns versus tantrums, what sensory overload looks like in children, and how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) support families with practical, individualised strategies.

Daily Living Skills, Emotional Regulation, News, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

Grip, Strength, and Success: Preparing Your Child for Writing

Learning to write is more than holding a pencil—it requires the right hand strength, coordination, and fine motor control. This blog explains the connection between pencil grip, hand strength, and writing readiness, and provides practical tips for parents to support their child’s early writing skills. It also highlights how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) guide families in developing the foundational skills needed for confident, independent handwriting.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News, School Readiness|Comments Off

Little Hands, Big Skills: 10 Simple Ways to Build Fine Motor Skills at Home

Fine motor skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, dressing, feeding, and play. Developing these skills doesn’t require complex equipment—simple, engaging activities at home can make a significant impact. In this blog, we share 10 practical and easy-to-implement activities that support the development of hand strength, coordination, and control, while highlighting how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) can support children to build these skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Daily Living Skills, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, News|Comments Off

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