Project Play

Project Play Experienced occupational therapist offering home-based and school services. Contact us for more information.

Comment “TICKET” and I’ll send you the link.Real growth happens when the nervous system feels safe.That’s when kids can ...
15/08/2025

Comment “TICKET” and I’ll send you the link.

Real growth happens when the nervous system feels safe.

That’s when kids can pause, reset, and reconnect, and begin to build the skills that matter most to them.

That’s what the Child-Led Autism Summit is all about.

3 free days. 25+ incredible speakers. Practical, respectful tools to support children with care that actually fits.

Comment “TICKET” and I’ll send you the link to join. 🧡

If “calm” is the goal, we’re aiming too small.Regulation can be loud, wiggly, and full of life — and when we only look f...
08/08/2025

If “calm” is the goal, we’re aiming too small.
Regulation can be loud, wiggly, and full of life — and when we only look for stillness, we miss the magic that’s actually happening.

I’m sharing more on this in my Child-Led Autism Summit session, alongside 25+ brilliant speakers with neurodiversity-affirming strategies you can use straight away.

It’s free. It’s practical. It’s August 18–20.

Comment TICKET and I’ll send you the link. 🌱

This is your sign to stop blaming yourself for ‘zoning out’ or snapping when it all feels like too much.It’s not about w...
07/08/2025

This is your sign to stop blaming yourself for ‘zoning out’ or snapping when it all feels like too much.

It’s not about willpower. It’s your nervous system doing its best to protect you.

And there’s so much we can do to support it—gently, proactively, and in ways that actually work.

If you’re thinking “okay but what do I do about it?”—don’t worry. That’s what the rest of my page is for 🧡

🌱 Save this one to come back to when you're wondering why things feel off.

Share it with someone who needs a little nervous system compassion this week.


✨ Free learning and PD opportunity alert!I’m honoured to be speaking at the Child‑Led Autism Summit, alongside 30+ thoug...
06/08/2025

✨ Free learning and PD opportunity alert!

I’m honoured to be speaking at the Child‑Led Autism Summit, alongside 30+ thought leaders who share a neurodiversity‑affirming, relational approach.

This free 3‑day online event (Aug 18–20) brings together professionals, parents, and advocates committed to supporting autistic children through connection, sensory attunement, and regulation.

My session explores what regulation actually means: why safety matters more than control, how capacity grows over time, and how we support nervous systems through presence—and how to weave these ideas into everyday life.

✨ Want the link to register while it’s still live? Comment SUMMIT below, and I’ll send it over 🧡

A special thanks to for bringing this to life 🫶🏼

Free virtual learning opportunity!Excited to be part of the upcoming Child-Led Autism Summit, a free virtual event runni...
06/08/2025

Free virtual learning opportunity!

Excited to be part of the upcoming Child-Led Autism Summit, a free virtual event running from 18–20 August.

It features a brilliant line-up of people working in child development and neurodivergent support. Talks are free to access for 24 hours during the live days, with an optional upgrade for extended access and extra resources.

My session is titled “A Child-Led Approach to Regulation”. In it, I unpack what regulation actually means—not just calm behaviour, but a flexible, responsive nervous system. We’ll explore how regulation is connected to sensory processing, safety, emotional expression, and the rhythms of real life. And we’ll look at ways to support autistic children in building a lifestyle of regulation—where strategies aren’t just pulled out in crisis, but gently woven into daily experiences in ways that feel respectful, accessible, and child-led.

If you’re a professional or parent supporting an Autistic young person, this summit is well worth a look.

Feel free to pass it on to your teams or networks:
https://nikkismit--thechildledslp.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass-fast-action/

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but movement isn’t just physical — it’s sensory, emotional, and relational.The urge...
09/05/2025

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but movement isn’t just physical — it’s sensory, emotional, and relational.

The urge to spin, rock, jump, or lie completely still?
It’s not “just energy.” It’s your vestibular system signalling what it needs to feel safe and oriented.

Housed deep in the inner ear, this system helps us locate ourselves in space — but it also plays a role in how grounded and connected we feel in our bodies and relationships.

For some, vestibular input is energising and joyful.

For others, it’s disorienting or even distressing.

Sometimes, we experience both at different times.

Neither response is wrong. Both are nervous systems seeking balance.

That’s why we don’t throw sensory strategies at distress — we offer them with intention, rhythm, and relationship.

Spinning can help interrupt a stress response or support focus — if the body experiences it as safe.
Sometimes, it works best when paired with other input (like deep pressure or rhythm) to help the brain integrate the experience.

✨ The goal isn’t to get more motion.
✨ The goal is to help the body feel safe enough to be present.

Curious what your vestibular system is telling you? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!

Be sure to save this to come back to and share it with a friend or might find this interesting 🧡

If we haven't met yet, hey, I'm Nikki, a neurodivergent therapist who loves all things regulation, sensory health, and diversity. Follow along for more insights, tools, and gentle reminders ✨️

You don’t have to “get it right.” You just have to listen.

safety #

Ever felt more grounded or at ease after lifting something heavy, chewing something crunchy, or getting a big squeeze?Th...
02/05/2025

Ever felt more grounded or at ease after lifting something heavy, chewing something crunchy, or getting a big squeeze?

That’s not just a coincidence — that’s your proprioceptive system at work.

This internal sense helps your brain know: – where your limbs are
– how much pressure you’re using
– and how your body is moving through space — all without needing to look.

It’s what lets you navigate crowded rooms, climb stairs, type without watching your hands… and it also plays a huge role in nervous system regulation.

This is why we talk about heavy work — activities that activate muscles, joints, and tendons to give the brain grounding, organising input.

For some, this input happens quietly in the background.
For others (especially neurodivergent bodies), it’s not always as smooth — which can show up as: 

– bumping into things
– using too much or too little force
– feeling “off” in your body
– needing more movement to feel ease.

But the good news?
Proprioceptive input is almost never overstimulating.
Which means you can use it proactively — not just in moments of dysregulation, but woven gently through your day.

Here are a few easy ways to add it in: 

– Carrying or lifting heavy items
– Chewing crunchy snacks or gum
– Pushing through doorways or into walls
– Stretching or doing yoga
– Brushing teeth or squeezing putty
– Big bear hugs, blanket rolls, or resistance play

These aren’t “fixes” — they’re supports.
Accessible, regulating inputs that can help you (or your loved one) feel more anchored, especially when the world feels too much.

⬇️ Let me know in the comments — which ones do you already use? Which ones will you try?

🧡 Save this post to come back to later or send it to someone who might need it.

Tools like these can offer powerful day-to-day support — but they’re just one part of the picture. Real nervous system care is layered, personal, and ongoing. It’s not about quick fixes — it’s about building safety, piece by piece, in ways that actually work for you ✨️

You’ve probably heard of the five senses...But what about the ones working inside your body?Yes, there are actually 8 se...
28/04/2025

You’ve probably heard of the five senses...
But what about the ones working inside your body?

Yes, there are actually 8 sensory systems!

That gut feeling.
The butterflies before a big moment.
The sudden urge to run to the loo.
The tightness in your chest when you're anxious.

That’s interoception — one of your body's internal sensory systems, helping you notice and make sense of your internal states.

For some people, these body signals are clear and easy to recognise.

For others, they’re too quiet, too big, or they don’t always match the situation — and that can feel confusing or overwhelming.

When interoception is out of sync, it’s not a personal failure.

It’s simply the body communicating in ways we might not have learnt to understand yet.

The goal isn’t “fixing” anyone. It’s building sensory awareness, connection, and compassion — at a pace that feels safe.

Swipe through to learn more about interoception, why it matters, and how you can start supporting it today.

And remember: there’s no one “right” way to feel or process.

Save this one to refer back to later, and share with a friend who would love more gentle sensory science in their life!

I’d love to hear in the comments: Have you ever felt something before your brain caught up?

Your nervous system shouldn’t have to earn support by reaching a breaking point.It deserves care in the quiet moments to...
15/04/2025

Your nervous system shouldn’t have to earn support by reaching a breaking point.

It deserves care in the quiet moments too.

In the steady moments—when you support yourself because you can, not just because you have to.

In the everyday transitions, tasks, and routines we so often power through.

✨ This is what proactive regulation can look like.

Not big, dramatic interventions—
But small, intentional shifts that help your body feel more grounded, steady, and supported—on your terms.

It might look like:
→ A cosy hoodie
→ Dimmer lighting
→ A favourite fidget
→ Movement between meetings (or during! I am a big fan of bilateral tapping under the desk!)
→ A texture that just feels right

Sensory support isn’t about fixing anything.
It’s about tuning in, getting curious, and making aligned choices that honour your body as it is.

Let’s stop waiting until we’re overstimulated to offer ourselves what we needed hours ago.

Want more ideas like these? Drop a 🧡 or share your current go-to sensory strategy!

✨ Save this for the moments you feel “off” and can’t quite name why.
Your body might already know.

SAVE THIS for when you need a reminder for ways to signal safety to the nervous system and be sure to head to my page to...
14/02/2025

SAVE THIS for when you need a reminder for ways to signal safety to the nervous system and be sure to head to my page to binge more of my content!

While these strategies can't replace deeper work, they are a portal to the safety that allows for this work and a beautiful way to add what I like to call "micro moments of regulation" proactively to your life.

If we haven't met yet, I’m Nikki, a neurodivergent occupational therapist. I'm passionate about helping you attune to your nervous system, understand your body cues and sensory system better, and bring interpersonal neurobiology to life!

🧠 What you'll find on my page:

-Loads of free tips about regulation and the neurodivergent experience
-Coaching and therapy options, both online and in-person
-Workshops in various settings around the globe

I focus on:

-Practical, easy-to-implement tips tailored to your needs
-Evidence-informed insights that respect neurodiversity
-Building a compassionate community ready to support each other
-Making navigating sensory health easier and more intuitive

Ready to dive deeper into demystifying dysregulation? Drop a 🧡 or DM me to learn about my personalised sessions!

Be the group chat here and share this with your friends 😉

Learning to track cues in the nervous system can be a superpower 🧠✨The body holds so much wisdom—are you tuning in? From...
05/02/2025

Learning to track cues in the nervous system can be a superpower 🧠✨

The body holds so much wisdom—are you tuning in?

From posture to breathing patterns, the nervous system is constantly giving you clues about a person's state of regulation and safety.

Tracking these cues is not about diagnosis, it helps you make respectful guesses and adds to your working theory.

It helps us adapt, accommodate, and create environments that feel “safe enough” for ourselves and others.

In today’s post, I’m sharing 6 body clues to better understand nervous system states, with practical tips to get started.

This is all about growing awareness, not perfection—small observations lead to big shifts over time.

Swipe through, save this post to reference later, and let me know: What’s one body signal you notice in yourself or others? Let’s grow this awareness together!

And if you’re into tips like these, hit that follow button for more insights on regulation, connection, and understanding our amazing nervous systems 🧡

Welcome to my little corner of the internet 🧡If you’re new here, I’m Nikki—a neurodivergent occupational therapist, self...
30/01/2025

Welcome to my little corner of the internet 🧡

If you’re new here, I’m Nikki—a neurodivergent occupational therapist, self-confessed neuro-nerd, and passionate advocate for inclusion, regulation, a trauma sensitive approach, and all things sensory.

This page is a safe space where we explore what it truly means to thrive—not through “fixing” ourselves, but by understanding our needs, embracing and attuning to who we are, and finding connection along the way.

Here’s what you’ll find:
🌻 Thoughtful conversations about diversity and inclusion.
🌻 Insights into nervous system regulation and trauma.
🌻 Simple, digestible ways to integrate sensory and body-based strategies into everyday life.
🌻 A judgment-free zone where we prioritise curiosity over perfection.

I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s connect! Say hi in the comments and let me know what brought you to this community—I’d love to learn more about you.

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Singapore
327821

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 19:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 19:00
Thursday 09:00 - 19:00
Friday 09:00 - 19:00

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