The Gifted OT Mariza Ferreira (2026)

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.

13/01/2026

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 5 to 8% of school-aged children and is a lifelong condition. It is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity, which affect a person's functioning, development and learning.

ADHD makes focussing on everyday requests and routines challenging and affects all the spheres of a person's life: personal care and self-management, work or school and leisure activities, including friendships. Children with ADHD can be perceived as defiant, socially inept or aggressive. ADHD presents predominantly as inattentiveness, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combined presentation.

I have a special interest in supporting gifted children with or without ADHD. Understanding the difference between the two is the first step! Visit my website www.thegiftedot.com.au for more information on how I can help your gifted and/or ADHD child.

08/01/2026

Do you work with twice exceptional (2e), or dual or multiple exceptional (DME) children? These unique cases require deeper knowledge, and sometimes, you just need a confidential sounding board to feel confident in your approach.

With over a decade of supervision experience, my clinical supervision provides:

🔹Deep-dive strategy: Focused discussion and guidance for your more complex paediatric profiles.

🔹Confidence boost: A friendly, non-judgmental space to reflect on your practice and build confidence in your clinical decision-making.

🔹Skill development: I share insights and ideas to help you expand your knowledge base and stretch your professional horizons.

Whether you need regular weekly support or a once-off session to review a challenging clinical case, my flexible online supervision is tailored to fit your needs.

Get in touch with me today to schedule your first focused supervision session!

06/01/2026

As the holidays wind down, the thought of returning to the school routine can feel daunting for children, including those who are twice exceptional (2e), or dual or multiple exceptional (DME). We know the unique blend of high cognitive abilities and challenges—whether executive function, sensory processing, or emotional regulation—can make the transition back to school much harder than for their neurotypical peers.

This isn't about snapping back to a rigid schedule; it's about scaffolding your child's success with thoughtful, gentle adjustments.

Here are 5 essential, tailored strategies to help your gifted learner ease back into their school rhythm. In fact, they may work for most neurodivergent kids!

Partner with a paediatric Occupational Therapist who truly understands the gifted brain. I provide evidence-based strategies and support you need for a confident return to routine. Visit my website www.thegiftedot.com.au to see how I can support your family and connect with me directly!

31/12/2025

As the calendar flips to a brand new year, I want to wish all the amazing children, parents, and caregivers a Happy and Healthy New Year!

The start of a new year always feels like opening a fresh notebook—full of possibility, potential, and space for growth. I’m so excited to continue partnering with your children on their unique developmental journeys.

I truly believe that every child deserves the chance to reach their fullest potential, and occupational therapy is all about finding those creative, playful ways to build confidence, independence, and essential life skills—one joyful milestone at a time.

Whether it’s tackling handwriting, mastering those tricky shoelaces, improving focus, or navigating big sensory experiences, I’m here to support your family every step of the way.

Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, playful learning, and celebrating all the small, incredible victories!

30/12/2025

This pathway can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone.

I’m an Occupational Therapist who personally completed the registration process. Drawing on my own experience and over a decade of providing clinical supervision, I offer dedicated support to make your journey to Australian AHPRA registration as smooth and confident as possible.

My goal is to provide the support and knowledge that helps you feel confident, prepared, and ready for your new Australian role!

My sessions are flexible and can be provided online to suit your schedule.

Ready to confidently achieve your AHPRA registration? Contact me today to chat about your support needs!

24/12/2025

From my heart to yours, I send the warmest Christmas wishes!

Remember that the most meaningful gifts are the ones you can't wrap. They are the moments of shared, joyful play, the gentle cuddles that offer deep connection, and the extra patience shown during a time of sensory overload.

Use this special break to simply be present with your child. Follow their lead in play, embrace the joyful chaos, and importantly, remember to nurture your own sensory needs too!

I am incredibly grateful for the trust you place in me all year long. Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace, truly meaningful play, and countless moments of connection.

Merry Christmas! I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

23/12/2025

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, I often hear from parents feeling the pressure to do more during the holidays. The truth is, the magic of skill-building happens in the simple, everyday moments where your child can develop essential skills!

Skip the complicated crafts and focus on embedding essential development into your existing festive routines. Here are 4 simple and effective ways to nurture key areas of:

🔹Bilateral coordination (using two hands together efficiently), which is vital for everything from tying shoes to catching a ball.

🔹Proprioceptive input and core strengthening, which contribute to the foundational body awareness and core stability your child needs for engagement in academic- and movement activities.

🔹Language and emotional development, supporting their ability to recall and sequence events, and regulate their feelings.

Whether your child is working on fine motor control with wrapping presents or getting great heavy work input by rolling out cookie dough, you are supporting their development without adding a single chore to your list!

You’ve got this! Happy holidays and happy skill-building!

18/12/2025

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, you're likely wrapping up the year, celebrating your successes, reflecting on tough learning opportunities, and setting goals for 2026. This is the perfect time to ensure your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is on track—and invest in your growth for the year ahead!

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.

Let's schedule a session to review your 2025 reflections and map out a professionalplan that ensures you start 2026 confidently. Get in touch with me by following the link below:
www.thegiftedot.com.au/contact-me/

16/12/2025

Are you a Paediatric Occupational Therapist eager to refine your clinical skills, gain confidence in complex cases, or finally launch that business idea you've been sitting on? I offer personalised clinical supervision, mentoring, and coaching designed specifically for you!

My passion is seeing OTs succeed, knowing that I played a small part in their professional triumphs!

Sessions are flexible—choose regular weekly, fortnightly, or monthly catch-ups, or simply book a once-off session for a specific challenge (like reviewing a clinical report or exploring a business concept). Most sessions are provided online for your convenience!

Get in touch with me today to discuss your supervision, mentoring, and coaching needs by following this link: www.thegiftedot.com.au/contact-me/

The Gifted OT Mariza Ferreira