Butterflies Holistic Occupational Therapy

02/03/2026

25/02/2026

Tooth brushing is one of the hardest daily tasks for autistic children. And it makes complete sense why.

Think about what's involved: someone approaching your face, buzzing sensations, strong mint taste, foamy texture, bright lights. For a sensory-different child, that can be overwhelming.

OT tips that can help
🪥 Let them choose their toothbrush
🦷 Try unflavoured or fruit toothpaste
⏱️ Use a visual timer so they know when it ends
📍 Try different positions (floor, lying down, in front of the TV)
🎵 Same song, same order, every time

📲 Brilliant FREE resource just launched by University of Leeds: autismtoothcare.com - videos and practical advice specifically for autistic children's dental health.

Does tooth brushing cause battles in your house? Let us know in the comments below👇
Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj01p8mmz99o

23/02/2026

Does the morning school run feel like a war zone?

If your child is screaming about:
❌ Socks feeling weird
❌ Labels scratching their neck
❌ Shoes being too tight

They aren't being difficult. They aren't trying to make you late for work.
This is Tactile Defensiveness.

For a neurodivergent child, a clothing seam can feel like sandpaper rubbing against their skin. Their nervous system goes into 'Fight or Flight' before they’ve even had breakfast.

Telling them to "just put it on" doesn't work because pain isn't a choice.

Try this instead:
✅Turn socks inside out (seams on the outside).
✅ Cut every label out. Yes, all of them.
✅ Compression vests (or a tight hug) before getting dressed can calm the nervous system down.

Does this sound familiar in your house? Drop a 🧦 below if you’ve fought the 'Sock Battle' this week.

18/02/2026

This fantastic young person came in for an assessment so we could gain a greater understanding of where he was at developmentally, and what support he needs to keep him progressing forward in a positive way 💜

We adapted the assessment to meet his needs making it play based, with little demand, and lots of fun! By assessing in this way we get the best out of our young persons and minimise assessment anxiety. We use a range of assessments to gain an indepth understanding, as well as use our specialist observational skills to assess, even if it looks like we are having a play around in the studio!

18/02/2026

"Don't worry, they'll grow out of it."

I hear this all the time. Usually from well-meaning grandparents or friends.

But here is the truth: Dysregulation isn't a phase.

If your child struggles to hold a pencil, hates loud noises, or can't regulate their emotions at age 5, waiting until they are ‘older’ usually just adds to the list of challenges.

At Butterflies OT, we are Neuro-affirming. We don't try to "fix" your child or make them "normal." We give them the tools to navigate a world that wasn't built for them, so they can be confident, happy, and independent.

Early support isn't about changing who they are. It's about removing the barriers stopping them from shining. ✨

14/02/2026

Dreading the "climbing the walls" energy next week? As an OT, I don't just look for "fun" places; I look for places that provide Heavy Work.

Heavy Work (Proprioception) is nature’s way of calming a busy brain. Here are my top 2 free spots in West Yorkshire for sensory regulation:

📍 Cow and Calf Rocks (Ilkley) The OT Benefit: Climbing uneven rocks forces the muscles and joints to work hard. This deep pressure input is incredibly regulating for sensory seekers. Warning: Uneven ground – take care if your child has dyspraxia.

📍 Otley Chevin (The Surprise View) The OT Benefit: A steep uphill walk creates resistance (more heavy work!). Plus, the vast view creates a sense of visual calm for kids who get overwhelmed by cluttered classrooms.

Get them muddy. Get them tired. Get them regulated.

Where is your go-to spot in Leeds to burn off energy? Let me know! 👇

06/02/2026

An example of a potential learning environment🌟

Here is how it can work, and does work (on a smaller scale) in settings where they are able to approach their students with a neuro affirmimg and trauma informed approach, where sensory needs are understood and suitable strategies are implemented.

Thoughts?

We can support to do this work in educational settings.. contact hello@butterfliesot.com for a chat through.

05/02/2026

Worried your child might be falling behind? This quick read explains what to look out for. If you need support, just SEND us a message for more info — we’re here to help 💛

Link in comments

04/02/2026

January is over, and the days are getting longer again! ☀️🌻

Here is how we kept ourselves busy in January (hibernation month)

-Added another staff member to the team (Welcome Freddie!), 

-Facilitated a workshop to families (and linked MDT), 

-Launched Un Frazzle and Reset Yoga sessions, 

-Fully launched Adult OT assessment and intervention -    Re-Discover Yourself!

-Joint OT and SLT assessment and intervention continues to thrive!

Did l miss anything???

30/01/2026

🌟 I will award 20 House points to your chosen Hogwarts house if you can find the super regulated young person🌟

25/01/2026

What actually happens in an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment?

This is the question we are asked most often. Let's demystify it.

🎯 WE OBSERVE, WE DON'T TEST:
We watch how they move, what they avoid, what they seek out and how they communicate.
We use a range of assessments to identify strengths and challenges, looking at patterns, and areas which with some intervention.
We will send out forms and questionnaires to complete before an assessment, as well as ask questions to understand the whole child.

🤝 YOU'RE THE EXPERT:
We ask detailed questions about daily routines, triggers, strengths, what you've tried, and your concerns.
Your input shapes the entire assessment.

📊 WHAT WE'RE ASSESSING:
Sensory processing, motor skills, self-regulation, daily living skills, play and social engagement, and environmental barriers.

⏱️ TIMELINE:
Initial session: Free 15-30 minute consultation and then a 2-3 hour assessment. Nursery / School visit: If needed. Report: 6-8 weeks.

📋 WHAT YOU GET:
Detailed observations
Your child's STRENGTHS and CHALLENGES
Sensory profile
Specific, practical strategies
School accommodation recommendations
Support plan
Not a list of deficits. A roadmap for support.

🦋 WHY OURS LOOK DIFFERENT:
Neuro-affirming lens (we're not trying to "fix" your child), strengths-based, collaborative with parents, practical recommendations you can actually use.

Trauma Informed assessment and intervention - We prioritise safety, choice, and empowerment.

The goal isn't a diagnosis or a label. The goal is UNDERSTANDING.

Understanding what your child needs. Understanding how to support them. Understanding their unique neurology.

Considering an OT assessment? Questions? Drop them below 👇

19/01/2026

🌟 It's here!!!!... the first adults Unfrazzle and RESET session is on the 30th January 2026. From then they are the last Friday of the month🌟

Time: 18.30 for 1 hour
Cost: £12
All equipment provided apart from blankets.

To book on DM me or email hello@butterfliesot.com