Stepping Stones Occupational Therapy for Children

11/03/2026

NAPLAN week can be a big deal for kids… and their nervous systems.

If you have a child sitting NAPLAN this week, you might notice a few changes at home.

-More tired.
-More irritable.
-More worried about getting things “right”.
-Or even refusing to go to school.

For many children - and especially neurodivergent kids - NAPLAN isn’t just an academic task. It’s a sensory, emotional, and cognitive load all at once.

They’re being asked to:

- Sit still for long periods
- Sustain attention under pressure
- Process language and instructions quickly
- Manage performance anxiety
- Work in a quiet environment that may actually feel more stressful than usual

And for children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, or sensory processing differences, that can push their nervous system into overdrive.

A few small things can help support regulation this week:

🟢 Movement before school - jumping, running, scooter, trampoline. Heavy work like this helps the brain feel organised.

🟢 Protein breakfast - stable blood sugar supports attention.

🟢 Lower expectations after school – their brain has already done a huge amount of work.

🟢 Co-regulation – if your child melts down after school, it’s not because they’re “being difficult”. It’s probably because their nervous system has been working very hard all day. Give them time, space, and offer any sensory regulation strategies that might help

And one final thought.

NAPLAN measures a very narrow slice of what children can do.

It doesn’t measure creativity.
It doesn’t measure kindness.
It doesn’t measure problem-solving in the real world.
It doesn’t measure resilience, humour, or imagination.

And those things matter far more in the long run.

If your child finds NAPLAN hard, that doesn’t mean they’re not capable.
It just means the test doesn’t fit their brain particularly well.

And that’s okay.

09/03/2026

ADHD is not a behaviour problem.

It is a neurodevelopmental difference affecting attention, regulation and executive functioning.

When children receive the right supports early - including therapy and medication - they are better able to access learning, relationships and everyday occupations.

18/02/2026

If you have a child with PANS who has siblings, please consider participating in this study ⭐

Parents of children with PANS who have siblings - your voice matters.

Please consider participating in this important and much-needed research.

***
My name is Ellie Emerick and I am a junior in AP Research at Valor College Prep. I am working on a research project about how having a sibling with PANDAS has impacted other children in the household from the parents perspective. This study specifically focuses on the siblings of children with PANDAS. If you are interested, then you should fill out the survey linked below. Responses are anonymous and it should only take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your consideration! Survey Link: https://qualtricsxm8c7xbyl55.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VPObtEvP7aUkNE

19/01/2026

Are you wanting to support your child to get off on the right foot in 2026?

Stepping Stones Occupational Therapy has availability from February for telehealth or in-clinic appointments, supporting neurodivergent children with sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and participation in everyday life.

If you’re looking for strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming OT support, we’d love to help.

👉 Book online: www.steppingstonesforchildren.com.au

📧 Email: info@steppingstonesforchildren.com.au

23/12/2025

Stepping Stones Therapy for Children will be closed for our Christmas break from
23rd December to 12th January (inclusive).

Thank you to all of our wonderful families for your support throughout the year.

We wish you a safe, restful, and joy-filled Christmas and New Year 💛

16/12/2025

💛 A message from Michelle 💛

As many of you already know, Stepping Stones is being restructured into a more sustainable solo-clinician model, with just me continuing the work. This change allows me the time and space to be more present with my family, while continuing to do the work I care deeply about.

This Friday marks the final day of Stepping Stones operating from our clinics, closing a chapter that spans 10 years in the Newcastle community.

To every team member who has worked at Stepping Stones over the past decade -thank you. Whether you were part of the team for many years or for a season, you helped shape this practice and the values it stood for. You supported children and families with skill, compassion, and integrity through the realities of paediatric therapy, the NDIS headaches, lockdowns, and a constantly changing disability system.

I also want to thank the families who trusted us with their children. It has been a privilege to walk alongside you so far - celebrating progress, holding space through challenges, and supporting your children’s participation and wellbeing.

✨ What’s next

At Stepping Stones, I’ll continue supporting children through telehealth, with in-person sessions recommencing from March, and through a growing suite of programs, resources, and training over the next 12 months.

Alongside this, I’m excited to expand my continuing professional development offerings for OTs via www.michellenewby.com, with much more coming for therapists across Australia and around the world.

Closing our clinics is bittersweet, but it comes with deep pride and clarity.

This is not goodbye - it’s hello to a new chapter.

Thank you for being part of the Stepping Stones story so far 💛

- Michelle

13/12/2025

Does your child have PANS?

Are you looking for guidance to help support them to participate and thrive as much as they can - during flares, periods of wellness, and the times in between?

Dr Michelle Newby, Paediatric Occupational Therapist and PANS researcher, is offering limited telehealth availability in the new year to support children with PANS/PANDAS and their families.

Telehealth support focuses on:
• regulation and sensory processing
• supporting daily function at home and school
• practical strategies during exacerbations
• parent coaching you can use in real life

Telehealth means accessible support without the stress of getting out the door.

📩 Enquiries now open | Places are limited

Send an enquiry here: https://www.steppingstonesforchildren.com.au/contact/

07/12/2025

What an inspiration this young man is!

22/11/2025

🎉 Happy Birth-Week, Shennoah! 🎉

This week we’re celebrating the incredible human who keeps our whole practice running smoothly.

Shennoah, your organisation, attention to detail, and ability to stay across absolutely everything never ceases to amaze us. You support the entire team - quietly, consistently, and with so much heart - and we are so grateful for all the ways you make our days easier, calmer, and more connected.

Thank you for being the anchor of Stepping Stones, for always knowing what needs to happen before the rest of us even think of it, and for the care you bring to every interaction.

We hope your birthday is filled with rest, celebration, and the same kindness you give so generously to others. 💛

Happy Birthday! 🥳✨

17/10/2025

Calling all Australian parents of children with PANS - please consider participating in this important research led by Clinical Psychologist Samantha Cu***ng.
..................

Australian parents of children diagnosed with or highly suspected of having PANS/PANDAS: Help us understand how to better support you!

Caring for a child with PANS/PANDAS can be exhausting, confusing, and isolating. Parents often find themselves navigating medical, emotional, and family challenges with too little support.

We are inviting parents of children with PANS/PANDAS to share their experiences seeking – or not seeking – professional help for themselves. Your insights will help shape better services, professional training, and resources for families walking a similar path.

Who can take part in this study?

We are looking for two groups of parents who care for least one child aged 4-18 years:
• Parents whose children do not have a significant health or developmental condition, or
• Parents who have a child with diagnosed or strongly suspected PANS and/or PANDAS who first developed symptoms at least a year ago.

For both parent groups, we are seeking parent volunteers (aged 18 years or older) who also meet the following criteria:
• A primary or joint caregiver of a child aged between 4 to 18 years
• Live in Australia
• Able to read and write English comfortably

What does research participation involve?

• Complete an anonymous online survey (approx. 20-30 minutes)

Interested?

• Scan the QR code or follow this link to access the survey: tinyurl.com/ParentSupportNeeds
• You’ll first be taken to a Participant Information and Consent Form, which provides full details about the study
• If you consent, you’ll be directed to the main survey
• You may also be invited to participate in a follow-up interview (optional)

Ethics information

This study has been approved by the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 520251806763690).

05/10/2025

🎉🥳 Happy Birthday Week Robyn! 🥳🎉

From all of us at Stepping Stones, we want to wish our wonderful OT Robyn the happiest of birthdays! 🌸

Robyn, your smile, kindness, and endless good vibes brighten up our clinic every single day. 💛 The way you connect with children and families is truly special, and we’re so lucky to have you on our team.

We hope your whole week is filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of cake! 🎂✨