Best Start Occupational Therapy

30/08/2025

Last day of our skipping challenge for Jeans for Genes today!
1 in 20 kids faces a birth defect or genetic disease, like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and life-threatening metabolic disorders. That's 12 kids born every minute worldwide. Help us find treatments and cures by fundraising for us, making a donation, or buying gear.

Thank you so much for all those who have donated to this crucial cause!

I'm doing 100 Skips a Day in August for kids with genetic diseases and I need your help! It's for a really important reason, I want to help the 1 in 20 kids facing a birth defect or genetic disease, like cancer and cystic fibrosis. Please support me by making a donation today – thank you! 💙

27/08/2025

🎉 Best Start Paediatric OT is turning 2 🎉

Two years ago, Best Start Paediatric Occupational Therapy opened its doors with a clear purpose to provide high quality, family-centred care that supports children to thrive and participate fully in activities throughout their day.

Since then, we’ve shared so many special moments with the families we’ve met, and we’re truly grateful to be part of your child’s journey.

Thank you for your trust, kindness and support over the past two years. We’re so excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to continue supporting your child's journey with you.

Here’s to many more milestones, firsts and fun along the way! 💛

18/08/2025

During Brain Injury Awareness Week, we want to acknowledge the strength of children and families navigating life after a brain injury.

At Best Start Paediatric OT, we help children develop the skills they need to feel more confident in their movements, hand skills and managing everyday routines. From motor coordination to attention, emotional regulation and memory, our therapy plans are built around your child’s unique needs.

No two journeys are the same, but every step forward matters and we are here to support you through it.

🧡 Learn more about our paediatric therapy services for children aged 0 to 9 on our website:
https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au/paediatric-occupational-therapy

10/08/2025

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is back from 𝟵 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟴 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 and it's packed with fun for the whole family.

From the baby animal nursery to fireworks, showbags and strawberry sundaes, Ekka is a great way for children to explore, connect and enjoy the excitement of Brisbane’s biggest community event.

For some children, large crowds, loud noises or new routines can feel overwhelming. 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗧 helps families prepare for outings like these by building confidence, emotional regulation and sensory tools tailored to your child.

If you’re planning a visit to Ekka and want some support around sensory needs, transitions or routine changes, we’re here to help.

📍 Plan your Ekka visit: https://www.ekka.com.au
📩 Explore our services: https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au/paediatric-occupational-therapy

07/08/2025

Today is Jeans for Genes day and every dollar you donate today will be matched by Lowes. So today is the day to donate if you can and help The Children's Medical Research Institute find treatments and cures for the 1 in 20 children with a genetic disease.

Thank you for those who have already generously donated to this important cause. We will keep skipping throughout August!

I'm doing 100 Skips a Day in August for kids with genetic diseases and I need your help! It's for a really important reason, I want to help the 1 in 20 kids facing a birth defect or genetic disease, like cancer and cystic fibrosis. Please support me by making a donation today – thank you! 💙

06/08/2025

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Accessing therapy support doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. We’ve made it easy to understand the steps, whether you're using NDIS, Medicare or private health.

✔️ Referral to early years NDIS providers
✔️ Self-managed or plan-managed NDIS
✔️ Talk to your GP about a Medicare plan
✔️ Check your health fund for OT extras cover

Have questions? We’re here to help.
👉 Learn more at https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au/funding/

29/07/2025

For children with autism, everyday routines can feel overwhelming. Occupational therapy helps make those moments more manageable, building confidence step by step.

Best Start Paediatric OT sessions are playful and purposeful. We focus on helping children grow in the areas that make the biggest difference to daily life at home, childcare centre/kindergarten or school and in the community

Here’s what that support can look like:

🧠 We guide children through strategies to manage big feelings, improve focus, and feel more settled in daily life.

🎯 From handwriting to self-care routines, we help children grow independence through small, achievable steps.

🎨 We help families understand their child’s sensory preferences and provide tools to create calm and comfort.

🤝 We work closely with parents and caregivers to support routines, transitions and long-term development at home and beyond.

If you would like to learn more about how we can support your child, we welcome you to get in touch.
📩 Contact us: https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au/contact-us

29/07/2025

Some great advice around toilet training and readiness from Queensland Health.

Is your toddler ready to board the toilet train? 👶🚆

Toilet training is a big milestone, but every child is different, and they’ll reach it in their own time.

Some toddlers start showing signs of being ready around 18 months, while others may not be interested until after 2 years. Either way, that’s perfectly normal. 💜

Learning to use the toilet or potty is a gradual process that requires patience, encouragement, and consistency. Accidents are part of the journey, but with a calm and positive approach, your child will get there. ✨

Here are some signs your toddler might be ready:
✅ stays dry for 2+ hours or after naps
✅ shows interest in others using the toilet
✅ communicates (even with gestures) about wees or poos
✅ hides or pulls at their nappy when they’re going
✅ can follow simple instructions
✅ can sit still briefly and pull pants up/down
✅ has regular, soft bowel movements
✅ begins disliking wearing a wet or dirty nappy.

Not sure whether to use a potty or toilet? Potties are portable and less intimidating, while toilets feel grown-up and work well with a toddler seat and step stool. Go with what suits your child and family best. 🌟

Toilet training is a journey, not a race. Go at your child’s pace, celebrate the small wins, and know that you’re doing a great job. 💪

ℹ Source: Raising Children Network.

24/07/2025

Does your child struggle with holding a pencil?

Building hand strength doesn’t need to be boring. There are fun, play-based activities you can do at home that help support fine motor skills and pencil grip.

From squeezing eye dropper to drawing, small moments of play can make a big difference.

Want more personalised support? Learn how occupational therapy can help with handwriting, focus and fine motor development.

📍 Learn more: https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au/paediatric-occupational-therapy/

16/07/2025

We know therapy isn’t just about what happens during therapy sessions. It’s also about feeling supported as a parent to support your child's skills at home and setting them up for success.

Alongside helping children build everyday skills and confidence, we also support families through parent coaching because what happens at home, in kindergarten and at school matters even more. Practicing skills across these natural settings and ensuring the environment is set up to enrich their development helps create lasting progress.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to meet you.

🧡 Book a consultation or learn more about what paediatric occupational therapy involves:
https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au/paediatric-occupational-therapy.

09/07/2025

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Best Start Paediatric OT is committed to creating inclusive therapy that respects cultural identity and builds trust with families. We understand that supporting a child’s development means recognising the importance of connection, community and culture.

Our team works with families in a way that is respectful, collaborative and responsive to each child’s unique strengths and story.

Learn more about our approach and how we support families every step of the way.
🌐 https://beststartoccupationaltherapy.com.au