Susanne Huddlestone - Arbeidsterapie/ Occupational Therapy

18/06/2025

A recommended read for learning more about autism 🩵❤️🩷

What you believe the “autism spectrum” means is not what it actually means. It’s more like…

02/04/2025

Autism acceptance month 🩵

29/03/2025

👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

Today's Sunday Something, after Neurodiversity Celebration Week...

As is always the case, people are grumbling about this apparent 'spike' in diagnoses. They often ask, with faux-concern (in my experience), what is to be *gained* by getting a diagnosis, and *why* do people need to find validation in labels?

These questions are grounded in a total misunderstanding of what neurodivergence is, and are often dripping in the assumption that a diagnosis of autism, or dyslexia, or ADHD, or dyspraxia is a huge medical negative.

The fact is that for so many of us, 'diagnosis' is in fact 'realisation'. We *realise* we're neurodivergent, and this helps us make sense of the world and make sense of ourselves. It isn't a label - it's a self-recognition of our own reality, which may have been undiscovered for so long.

And in recognising ourselves to be neurodivergent, we may find answers, peace, calm, joy. Or just further questions. But we deserve to know. And we deserve to be validated in our own reality.

08/03/2025

Occupational Therapy ABC says: Stimming is a natural and important coping mechanism. Stimming is a way to manage emotions, reduce anxiety and a way of expressing excitement and happiness. For that reason, it’s important not to stop people stimming.

07/03/2025

Op 'n ligter noot
O en moenie vergeet van die pritt spinnerakkies maak ;)

07/03/2025

25/09/2024

Klei bly een van my gunsteling mediums om tydens terapie te gebruik🙂

Play dough, play dough, play dough. Who doesn't love play dough?! A silent teacher in disguise that aids in the development of MANY skills. Sensory, fine motor, hand strength, tool use...the list goes on. Practice those prewriting and scissor skills with the use of play dough.

12/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day ❤️

12/04/2024

Wat 'n voorreg om deel te wees van hierdie span ❤️🙏🏻

Our Learning Support Specialist, Celestte Forte, and Occupational Therapist, Susanne Huddlestone, shared some important information with our preschool educators regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder.

What a great way to collaborate and share important information with each other, and to guide and support educators so that they are able to support learners on the spectrum to reach their full potential.

27/03/2024

🧘🏼‍♀️

[ Wellness Wednesday ] 🌱

Feeling overwhelmed during school holidays? 😱

You're not alone! Amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial for parents to prioritize their wellness. By exploring essential self-care practices, it can help you navigate the school break with ease and embrace moments of joy and relaxation.

1.Schedule "Me Time"🕐➡️🕑: Dedicate specific time slots each day for self-care activities that recharge your mind and body. Whether it's reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a hobby, prioritize moments just for yourself.

2.Stay Active Together💃🕺: Encourage physical activity by engaging in fun outdoor or indoor activities as a family. Whether it's a nature hike, a bike ride, or a dance party in the living room, staying active together fosters both physical and emotional well-being.

3.Practice Mindfulness😮‍💨📖: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindful journaling to cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

4.Set Boundaries⏭⏮: Establish boundaries to balance family time with personal time. Communicate your needs openly with your family and delegate responsibilities when necessary. Setting boundaries allows you to prioritize self-care without feeling guilty.

5.Prioritize Sleep💤: Make sleep a priority for both you and your children during the school holidays. Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and ensures adequate rest for everyone. Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being and helps you tackle each day with energy and clarity.

Let's make this holiday season one of rejuvenation and well-being for both you and your family. 🌱

13/02/2024

[Tip Top Tuesday] 🖍✏️📝

Kinesthetic learning and proprioceptive work is a great way to tap into the brain-body connection and get the whole body involved in learning.

Here are some fun ways to practice letter/number formations as well as work on spatial orientation by including the whole body into the learning process. 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️👍

📷: kidsensetherapygroup.com