Connected Kids Occupational Therapy

02/08/2025

🧠✨ Looking for ways to support your child’s executive functioning skills — without the power struggles?

We love this article by OT4ADHD on using declarative language to help children with ADHD (and neurodivergent kids more broadly) develop independence, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

Instead of telling kids what to do, declarative language models thinking aloud, encourages reflection, and builds confidence 💬🙌

A great read for parents, educators, and therapists alike!
👉 https://ot4adhd.com/2023/08/15/declarative-language-for-developing-executive-functioning-skills-in-children-with-adhd/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=07-28-25-Declarative-lan

Unlock the potential of children with ADHD by breaking free from disruptive and counterproductive constant prompting. Discover the power of declarative language in fostering executive function skills.

04/06/2025

📱 Clinic Phone Update 📱

Our clinic phone is currently out of order, and we’re working to get it back up and running as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you’re trying to get in touch with us—especially for anything urgent—please email us at 👉 info@connectedkidsot.com

Thanks so much for your patience and understanding 💙

— The Connected Kids OT Team

22/05/2025

📣 Update from Connected Kids OT
Our books are currently closed to new clients while our therapists focus on supporting our active families and those already on our waitlist.

We’ll post an update here and on our website as soon as our books reopen.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding 💛

20/04/2025

This Easter long weekend, I’ve been on Country—resting, reconnecting, and soaking in the quiet moments that often pass us by.

It’s been a deeply healing time. The past month has brought heavy sorrow, and being held by nature, culture, and family has helped ease some of that weight.

A reminder to slow down, to hold close the things that matter, and to stay present—for both the joy and the grief.

Stepping into the new week with a full heart and a little more peace.

Claire x

02/04/2025

🌟 Autism Acceptance Day 🌟

At Connected Kids OT, we celebrate, support, and advocate for autistic children—not by changing who they are, but by creating environments where they can thrive. 💙

As neuroaffirming pediatric occupational therapists, our role isn’t about “fixing” autism—it’s about embracing each child’s unique way of experiencing the world. We focus on:

✅ Supporting sensory & emotional regulation
✅ Respecting and celebrating communication differences
✅ Helping families navigate daily life with confidence & joy
✅ Championing self-advocacy and autonomy

Autism is not a puzzle to solve—it’s a beautifully diverse way of being. 🧩🚫 That’s why we prioritize connection over compliance, comfort over conformity, and confidence over correction.

Advocacy matters. 💜 We stand with autistic children and their families, ensuring their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their strengths are recognized. Together, we’re building a world that truly embraces neurodiversity! 🌈

💬 Tag someone who champions neurodiversity! Let’s keep amplifying autistic voices and fostering acceptance every day.

29/03/2025

✨EXCITING NEW HOME-SCHOOL GROUP✨
Looking for a supportive, engaging space where your child can build essential life skills alongside like-minded peers? Connected Kids OT is launching a small, neuro-affirming therapy group called ‘Home-School Heroes’ designed for children 10+ years, aimed to empower kids in:
✨ Emotional regulation
✨ Sensory regulation
✨ Executive functioning
✨ Social Connection
With 4-5 children in the group and 2-3 experienced facilitators (Occupational Therapists & Allied Health Assisitants), we create a safe, strengths-based environment where kids can learn, grow and connect - without pressure to ‘mask’ who they truly are!
📍Location: Kindred Therapy clinic, North Nowra
🗓️Dates: April 15th & 22nd 2025 @ 12.30 - 2pm - with options of ongoing term sessions
🌈 Inclusive of all children - neurodivergent and/other individual needs
Give your child the opportunity to develop confidence, practical strategies, and friendships in a way that truly honours their unique needs!
📧 Limited spots available! - Email Connected Kids OT today: info@connectedkidsot.com

15/03/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring – Casual Therapy Assistant! 🌟

Connected Kids Occupational Therapy is looking for a casual Therapy Assistant to help run our engaging group programs, including Tech Club, Tiny Techs, and Lego Club!

If you’re passionate about working with kids, love technology and hands-on activities, and want to support neurodivergent children and teens in a fun and creative environment, we’d love to hear from you!

📍 Based out of Kindred Therapy, North Nowra
📅 Flexible, casual role

🔗 Apply now: https://www.seek.com.au/job/82781599?tracking=SHR-IOS-SharedJob-anz-1

08/03/2025

✨Happy International Women’s Day ✨ Today we celebrate the incredible women therapists, mothers and daughters in the disability community who lift each other up, advocate for change and create a more inclusive world 💕. At Connected Kids OT, we are proud to be a female-led practise driven by compassion, inclusion and a deep commitment to supporting families. As part of the Kindred Therapy community, we are surrounded by strong, passionate women who dedicate their work to empowering children, and their caregivers through neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and attachment-based care models.
From therapists supporting families to mothers breaking cycles and girls growing up in spaces that celebrate neurodiversity and secure attachment - women are leading the way! ✨✨. Let’s recognise the strength, resilience and compassion that women bring to the disability and therapy space everyday!
✨✨TAG A WOMEN WHO INSPIRES YOU & REMIND HER OF HOW AMAZING SHE IS! ✨✨.

28/02/2025

💚 Clean Up Australia Day with a Neuroaffirming Twist! 💚🌿

We believe every child’s contribution matters! 🌏✨ From flexible participation to sensory considerations, we’ve designed a Clean Up event that celebrates the unique strengths of each child, ensuring everyone feels supported and empowered. 🙌

Swipe through ways we can celebrate in a way that feels right for everyone:
1️⃣ Flexible Participation – Whether it’s sorting recyclables or enjoying a quiet moment, every child can engage at their own pace. 🧸💫
2️⃣ Sensory-Friendly Spaces – Providing tools and quiet areas where every sensory need is considered, ensuring comfort for all. 🎧🧤
3️⃣ Celebrating Strengths – From keen eyes for litter to exceptional organizing skills, we shine a light on each child’s unique contribution! 🌟
4️⃣ Making a Difference Together – Working as a team, our kids are showing us that small actions can create BIG changes! 🌍💪

Let’s keep empowering and uplifting each other—because we’re all stronger when we work together! 💙

07/01/2025

📣 Expressions of Interest: Supported Playgroup for Neurodiverse Children Aged 3-5 💙🩵

Connected Kids Occupational Therapy is excited to explore the idea of running a Friday morning playgroup in North Nowra for neurodivergent children aged 3-5 years and their parent or carer.

This playgroup will provide more than just a space for children to develop their social, emotional, and play skills—it’s also a chance for parents and carers to connect, share experiences, and build a supportive community with others walking a similar path. Activities for the children will be guided by experienced therapists and designed to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent kids, while also fostering connections among families.

If you’re looking for an opportunity for your little one to grow and for yourself to connect with other parents on the same journey, we’d love to hear from you! Please comment below, send us a message, or email us at info@connectedkidsot.com to register your interest or ask any questions.

Let’s come together and create a community where our kids—and their families—can thrive. 💙

24/12/2024

We love this post from NeuroWild about validating neurodivergent traits in kids! 💙

At Connected Kids Occupational Therapy, we aim to celebrate and embrace the unique ways our kids experience and navigate the world. Taking a moment to recognize and validate their creative, different, or unexpected ways of thinking is so powerful—it builds confidence, positive self-regard, and neurodivergent pride.

As NeuroWild shares, it’s as simple as saying:
“Hey, I notice you do this in your own unique way. I love that because…XYZ. It’s so cool how everyone’s brain works differently!”

Let’s all commit to spreading more kindness and validation in 2025. Together, we can empower these incredible kids to see the beauty in their differences. 🌈

I absolutely love validating a kid's neurodivergent traits.

It looks like this.

'Hey. I notice you do this thing in this way. I love that so much. It's so different to how I do it! I love your way because ...XYZ. It's so cool how everyone's brain is different.'

Quick. Easy. Costs nothing.

And you are helping that kid develop positive self-regard and neurodivergent pride.

Can we all do this more in 2025?

Em 🌈

23/12/2024

🌟 Exciting News for Connected Kids Occupational Therapy & Kindred Therapy Families! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Jump Start Kids Physiotherapy will begin offering their specialized services right here at Kindred Therapy in Nowra starting February 2025! 🎉

Jump Start Kids Physiotherapy specializes in helping children and teens (ages 0-21) with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, cerebral palsy, musculoskeletal issues, and other conditions.

Their services include:
✅ Play-based therapy to improve mobility, coordination, and balance.
✅ Treatment for gross motor delays, low muscle tone, and motor planning.
✅ Support for building independence, confidence, and purposeful play.

With a mission to help kids achieve their goals and thrive, Jump Start is a fantastic addition to our multidisciplinary team.

📅 Appointments start February 2025!
📧 Email: stacey@jumpstartphysio.com.au
📞 Call: 0491 601 554

Let’s Jump Start 2025 with even more opportunities to support your child’s growth and development!