The Gifted OT Mariza Ferreira

04/05/2026

When it becomes a family affair to finally sort out the OT office!

29/04/2026

What really gets me worked up as a Paeds OT…

26/03/2026

Regulation before education

12/03/2026

25/02/2026

Difficulty with transitions is a common challenge for children with sensory processing differences, and especially for those with profiles like twice exceptional (2e), or dual or multiple exceptional (DME).

For these children, a transition isn't just a simple switch. It often brings anxiety related to the "unknown" sensory elements or demands of the next environment. Plus, the tendency to "overthink" situations or expect the worst (often due to intense imaginational overexcitability) can make their anxiety soar!

The good news? As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, I can help equip both you and your child with practical, effective strategies to manage these moments.

My approach focuses on:

➡️Observational Learning: Using strategies covertly in therapy sessions so parents can observe and learn how to implement them effectively at home.

➡️Collaborative Exploration: Purposefully working with your child to find and customise management techniques that truly fit their unique profile and preferences.

Visit my website www.thegiftedot.com.au for more information on how I can help your child navigate transitions. Get in touch with me today!

21/02/2026

Thanks to The Heart and Mind Collective for sharing about my services. It is amazing to be able to work alongside them in supporting kids with a wide range of needs in our local area!

18/02/2026

As a parent, witnessing your child struggle with phrases like "I can't do it" or "I'm not smart enough" can be heartbreaking. These persistent negative thought patterns and related self-talk are quite common, but they can significantly impact a child’s emotional regulation, confidence, and willingness to participate in daily activities.

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, I love using simple, tangible analogies to help children understand complex emotional concepts. This Grass Head Experiment is a powerful tool I sometimes use in therapys for demonstrating the impact of their own internal dialogue.

When we focus on positive self-talk ("I can try," "Mistakes help me learn"), we are watering our confidence, helping it to grow strong. This leads to feeling more regulated and easier participation in school, sport, and social activities.

When we focus on negative self-talk, we are neglecting our potential, and watering self-doubt, leaving us feeling dysregulated, and making tasks unnecessarily difficult.

This experiment gives children a tangible metaphor for agency: they choose which thoughts to water!

Ready to shift your child's focus from "I can't" to "I can"? I offer tailored strategies to support emotional regulation and foster a positive growth mindset in children. Visit my website www.thegiftedot.com.au for more information on how I can help and get in touch with me!

22/01/2026

For parents on a developmental journey with their children, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But here’s the wonderful truth: the simplest, most consistent practices are the most effective.

It's about the effort to hold a pencil a little longer, the courage to try a new texture, or the patience to finish a routine. These aren't always dramatic moments, but they are everything. That consistency—the repeated day in and day out—is what builds strong sensory foundations and motor skills.

I partner with families to create manageable, effective strategies that turn everyday activities into developmental opportunities. Visit my website www.thegiftedot.com.au for more information on how I can help, and get in touch with me!

20/01/2026

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, I often see children who appear "awkward" during school activities, mealtimes, or social play. The challenge might be due to inaccurate sensory discrimination—which forms part of sensory processing differences. This is when a child's brain struggles to accurately distinguish between or interpret the meaning of different sensations. This internal struggle can then translate into observable difficulties in motor tasks, learning, and social settings.

To help you identify this in your child, here are 5 key areas where sensory discrimination difficulties often show up.

If these scenarios resonate with your child’s daily experiences, know that Occupational Therapy provides professional assessments and tailored strategies designed to improve sensory processing skills.

To learn more about how I work with children facing these sensory challenges, please visit my website and reach out at www.thegiftedot.com.au.

15/01/2026

Did you know that clinical supervision is a valuable CPD activity that counts towards your annual AHPRA registration requirements?

Supervision falls under the 'Engagement with the Profession' category, and you can claim a maximum of 10 hours from this category per year.

Clinical Supervision is one of the most effective ways to grow your career while seamlessly meeting your annual AHPRA registration requirements. By planning your sessions with me now, you secure your support for 2026 and proactively lock in a significant portion of your required CPD.

Contact me today to discuss your clinical supervision plan for 2026.