Flourish Therapy Services

23/10/2024

Happy Occupational Therapy Week! ⭐️

This year we are ‘Celebrating 80 Years of Connection’ and recognise eight incredible decades of meaningful impact through the life-changing work of Occupational Therapy ✨

At Flourish we feel honoured to be part of this legacy and trusted by all our families to support their young people. We can’t wait to celebrate many more OT weeks to come and continue to make a difference in the community 🌻

22/10/2024

Let’s talk sensory preferences vs sensory problems! ⭐️

Our bodies and brains are constantly interacting with and filtering sensory information received from our environment and with that comes our own unique set of sensory preferences. Some of us seek lots of noise and movement to achieve or maintain a calm-alert state, while others prefer ‘quieter’ more predictable environments, perhaps looking at something relaxing or curling up in a cosy blanket.

So at what point do sensory preferences become problems? When they begin to impact a person’s daily functioning and ability to go places or complete tasks that they want and need to do.

That’s where the OT role comes in, to delve deeper and problem solve with the person and family! 🕵️

13/09/2024

🧊When it comes to children’s behaviour, what we see above the surface is just the tip! Beneath every action lies hidden emotions, beliefs, experiences and unmet needs that shape a child’s behaviour.

As attuned adults let’s look below the surface and practice empathy when supporting big emotions or challenging behaviours - there’s always more than meets the eye 🩵

06/09/2024

Our kids auditory systems aren’t always the most efficient sensory channel and we are reminded of this by the work of Greg Santucci. There are many reasons why kids might struggle to listen at times, so if your words alone aren’t getting through, try switching up how you communicate!

🧎‍♀️‍➡️ Get down to their level (visual)
🫳 Gently touch their shoulder or hand them the object they need (touch)
🔁 Then, repeat the instruction.

Sometimes a little sensory switch can make all the difference! ✨

29/08/2024

25/08/2024

Instead of saying “be careful” to your child, try offering guidance that promotes independence and problem-solving skills 🔎

Encourage them with phrases like “how will you get across?” and “do you feel safe?” This approach not only builds your child’s confidence but also empowers them to make thoughtful decisions and learn from their experiences.

Let’s support their growth by shifting from caution to constructive dialogue! 🌟

20/05/2024

💭Reframing our thinking when it comes to behaviour is a powerful tool which allows us to dig deeper and understand what could be underlying the behaviour we are seeing…

💡Viewing a child with empathy and a shifting from thinking that they won’t to they can’t (yet). This perspective encourages us to seek solutions instead of implementing punishments.

(visual adapted from kweins62)

06/05/2024

🌟 Kids are not challenging on purpose. They do well if they can! Dr Greene challenges us to shift our thinking and approach behaviour with empathy and curiosity to understand what is getting in the way of the child’s success.

🔍 Behaviour is a form of communication which often reveals unmet needs or skill defects that are getting in a child’s way. When we embrace this idea, instead of punishing children for their behaviour, we seek to understand and identify solutions that address root causes of behaviour.

💡Occupational Therapists can support in figuring out what’s getting in the way for your child, and help to create an environment that will support their success. Contact us to find out more!

24/04/2024

✨Wondering what Occupational Therapists do or when to seek an OT to support your child? Here are some signs 👆

Remember, every child is unique, and early intervention can make a world of difference! 🚀

If you’re unsure whether occupational therapy is right for your child, please reach out to us via phone, email or enquire through our website 🌟

📞 0493 870986
📧 enquiries@flourishtherapyservices.com.au
🌐 www.flourishtherapyservices.com.au

11/01/2024

The new school year is nearly upon us, and that has us thinking about all the different skills children need to be prepared and successful at school 📚✨

Although it’s an integral part, school readiness skills go beyond just academic learning! School readiness involves equipping children with the skills they need to meet the demands of the classroom (and wider school environment). This includes attention and concentration, impulse control, emotional regulation, adequate sensory processing, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, communication, self-care skills (the list could go on!)

We can help your child to develop the skills they need for success at school, whether they are transitioning as a Reception or returning after the holidays. Contact us to find out more about how we can support you and your child ✏️

22/12/2023

Wishing all of our clients and families a safe and happy holiday season 🎄

We will be taking a break to recharge ready for another wonderful year of possibilities and growth in 2024 ✨

01/12/2023

The Pyramid of Learning is a wonderful visual representation of how the development of our sensory systems build the foundation for higher learning and skill acquisition ✍🏽

It helps us understand the importance of adequate processing of input from our sensory systems to develop more complex and refined skills for academic learning, daily living activities and behaviour regulation 📚

Everything is connected, and each layer is dependent upon its foundation! It all begins at the bottom of the pyramid with our nervous system and senses 🧠

Often we see children experiencing functional difficulties towards the top of the pyramid. Using this framework can help us to take a step back to look at the whole child, and identify lagging skills impacting their higher level learning 📖

Identifying challenges at the foundational levels will allow your therapist to support in building your child’s skills from the bottom up 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾