Squish Kids

09/12/2025

5 Signs Your Child Might Benefit from OT

You don’t need a diagnosis to see if OT could help. Here are 5 gentle signs to watch for:

🧦 Struggles with everyday tasks like dressing or using utensils
✍️ Difficulty with writing, cutting, or fine motor skills
💥 Frequent meltdowns or big reactions to sounds, textures, or lights
💤 Poor coordination, clumsiness, or tiring quickly
🧠 Trouble focusing, following directions, or staying organized

If any of these feel familiar, an OT can help you understand what’s going on—and how to support your child’s unique needs.

Expert occupational therapy for children living with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental delay. Get in touch today 07 3305 0159.

04/12/2025

02/12/2025

“Why does my child just play in OT?” 🎲

Because play is where the magic happens!

In OT, we use purposeful play to help kids:
• Build motor and sensory skills
• Learn to regulate emotions
• Strengthen attention and planning
• Develop confidence and coordination

👉 When your child is crawling through tunnels, swinging, stacking blocks, or using tongs they’re not just having fun…

They’re building the foundations for learning, independence, and success. 💪

25/11/2025

Should my child have a dominant hand by now? ✋🤚

👉 Most kids develop a clear hand preference by age 5–6, but it’s normal to switch hands before then especially when tired or learning new tasks.

Signs to watch for:
• Frequent hand switching after age 6
• Trouble coordinating both hands
• Frustration with fine motor tasks

💡 Tips to support hand dominance (without forcing it):
• Place tools in the middle, not on one side
• Encourage activities that use both hands (cutting, lacing, etc.)
• Avoid telling them which hand to use

Need support? OT can help assess and guide your child’s fine motor development with gentle, play-based strategies

24/11/2025

Check out our holiday season groups!

We’re running a range of fun and engaging groups over the Christmas break, and we’d love to have your child join us!

✨ See something you’re interested in?
Get in contact or scan the QR code to secure your spot before spaces fill up!

📲 If you’d like extra information or want to know the age ranges for each group, just let us know our team is happy to help you find the perfect fit for your child!

22/11/2025

Squish Kids now has ad-hoc sessions available for the rest of the year!

If you’ve been hoping to get your child in before the holiday break, now is the perfect time. We’ve opened up extra spots and would love to welcome you into our clinic!

✨ Want to secure your preferred time slot for 2026?
Register now and lock it in before spaces fill up!

📲 Simply message us or scan the QR code to get started. Our friendly team is here to help!

20/11/2025

We’re excited to support United Community Services with their annual Christmas Donation Drive through Redlands Community Centre and Wynnum Community Place!

All donations go directly to local families in need, who can choose their own gifts for their kids thanks to our amazing community. They’re especially seeking new gifts for children aged 0–13, but all donations are appreciated toys, non-perishable food, toiletries, gift cards, and festive treats.

You can drop donations at our Victoria Point and Capalaba Squish Kids clinics.

Let’s come together to spread some Christmas love and support families doing it tough this season. ❤️

19/11/2025

ADOS is BACK in 2026! 🎉

We’re excited to announce that Squish Kids will once again be offering ADOS assessments in 2026!

Our assessments will be conducted by two highly experienced clinicians:
✨ Dani, Senior OT with over 20 years of paediatric experience
✨ Amanda from My Speechie, a Speech Pathologist with more than 40 years' experience

Spaces will be limited secure your spot now by calling 3305 0159 or emailing info@squishkids.com.au

We’re thrilled to bring this service back to our community! 💙

18/11/2025

Is it behaviour… or dysregulation? 🤔

Sometimes what looks like defiance, silliness, or meltdowns is actually a child who’s dysregulated their brain is in survival mode, and they don’t have the tools yet to calm down or express themselves.

Instead of asking: “How do I stop this?”

Try: “What is my child trying to tell me?”

✅ OT Tips to Support Regulation:
• Model calm and connection
• Use sensory strategies (movement, chewing, deep pressure)
• Keep routines predictable
• Offer visuals and choices
• Create a calm-down space at home
Remember: Behind every outburst is a child who needs help to feel safe and understood.

13/11/2025

This past Friday, the Squish Kids family came together to celebrate another amazing year at our annual Christmas party! 🥳💫

We enjoyed a night full of laughter, delicious food, a few drinks, and of course a very entertaining round of Secret Santa! 🎁😂

It was the perfect way to wrap up the year and celebrate all the wonderful moments we’ve shared as a team. ❤️

Here’s to another year of fun, growth, and making a difference bring on 2026! 🌟

11/11/2025

Is your child struggling with handwriting or scissor skills? ✏️✂️

It might not be just their hands it could be their core strength!

Core muscles help kids sit upright, stay steady, and use their hands with control.

Weak core = slouching, fidgeting, and difficulty with fine motor tasks like writing, cutting, or using buttons.

Try these OT-approved activities at home:
• Tummy time (yes, even for older kids!)
• Animal walks (bear, crab, frog!)
• Wheelbarrow walks or obstacle courses
• Sitting on a therapy ball
• Playground climbing or yoga for kids

A strong core builds the foundation for strong, coordinated hands.