sensory processing Archives

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

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

From Crawling to Climbing: How Movement Builds Brains, Boosts Learning and Helps Children Thrive

Movement Is the Brain's Favourite Teacher Children don't learn best [...]

Daily Living Skills, Fine and Gross Motor Skills|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.

News, Sensory Processing|Comments Off

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

Ready, Set, Go! Is Your Child Ready for Toilet Training? A Gentle Guide for Families

Toilet training is one of the biggest milestones of early childhood—but success isn't determined by age alone. True readiness involves physical development, body awareness, communication, sensory processing, and emotional confidence. In this blog, we explore the signs that your child may be ready to begin their toileting journey, share practical Occupational Therapy strategies to make the process positive and stress-free, and explain when it may be helpful to seek additional support. Discover how following your child's lead can build confidence, independence, and long-term success.

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

Winter Wiggles: 10 Indoor Sensory Play Ideas to Keep Children Learning, Moving and Regulated

Cold and rainy days often mean more time indoors—but they don't have to mean more screen time. Sensory play is a fun and engaging way to support your child's development while encouraging movement, creativity, emotional regulation, and learning. In this blog, we share simple, low-preparation indoor sensory activities that use everyday household items to keep children active, connected, and thriving all winter long.

Daily Living Skills, Sensory Processing|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

Is It Just a Phase? Knowing When Your Child Could Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Children go through many developmental phases, but sometimes challenges in daily life may indicate the need for extra support. This blog helps parents identify signs that occupational therapy (OT) might be beneficial, covering areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and emotional regulation. It also explains how occupational therapists at The Therapy Network (TTN) work with children and families to build skills, confidence, and independence.

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