Therapy Factory - by Liani Austin

24/01/2026

Explaining ADHD to kids - watch this fun animated video explaining ADHD!

Short animation explains ADHD through the eyes of amazing ADHD'er Molly aimed at school children to help them understand the condition beyond the misconcepti...

24/01/2026

23/01/2026

Big family changes like separation or divorce can be deeply dysregulating for a child’s nervous system. Their feelings often show up through behaviour, play, or big emotions — not because they’re being difficult, but because their bodies are trying to make sense of change.

From an OT perspective, regulation, routine, play, and safe connection are key. Here is a simple guide to help caregivers understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how to support their child with compassion.

22/01/2026

Back-to-School Anxiety: What Parents Should Know

A new school year often brings big feelings. Feeling nervous or anxious about school is very common especially with new teachers, classrooms, routines, and expectations.

⭐ Signs of school anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t always look like tears. It may show up as:

* Morning tummy aches or headaches
* Trouble sleeping
* Irritability or meltdowns
* Clinginess or difficulty separating
* Avoiding school

⭐ How parents can help

✔ Acknowledge your child’s feelings
✔ Keep routines calm and predictable
✔ Stay positive but realistic about school
✔ Say confident, calm goodbyes
✔ Praise effort, not perfection

⭐When to seek help

If anxiety lasts more than a few weeks, affects daily life, or leads to school refusal, speak to your paediatrician. Early support makes a big difference.

⭐ Remember

Your child isn’t being difficult , they’re communicating a need. With patience and support, most children settle well into the school year.

*If you’re worried about your child’s anxiety, reach out for guidance.*

03/01/2026

🚨 Grooming doesn’t start with abuse — it starts with trust.

This must-read Daily Maverick article by Robyn Wolfson Vorster exposes the deliberate “playbook” used by sexual offenders to groom children — often slowly, subtly, and right under adult supervision.

💡 Some important facts we can’t ignore:
• Most children are abused by someone they know or trust, not a stranger.
• Grooming can take place online or offline, and often involves gifts, secrecy, attention, and gradual boundary-blurring.
• Research shows many children don’t disclose abuse immediately because grooming makes them feel complicit, confused, or responsible.
• Offenders don’t only groom children — they often groom parents, caregivers, and institutions to gain access and credibility.

This article powerfully reminds us that prevention isn’t about fear — it’s about understanding patterns, recognising red flags, and creating environments where children feel safe to speak up.

📌 Awareness saves children. Conversations matter. Education is protection.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-12-31-inside-the-paedophiles-playbook-understanding-grooming-to-keep-children-safer/

29/12/2025

No one makes a spelling mistake on purpose. It's not laziness. It may very well be that the misspelling is a result of a lack of instruction about how spelling works. It may be a lack of meaningful practice. Use morphological word families. Review the reason for the spelling. If it came automatically to them, they wouldn't misspell.

Teach spelling. Teach spelling conventions. Teach that there are reasons for the "exceptions" to the rules. English makes sense.

10/12/2025

This study shows that OT–ASI is an evidence-based occupational therapy approach that can be applied to children with ADHD. Therefore, ASI (Ayres Sensory Integration®) is recommended as one of the intervention approaches that occupational therapists may prefer in working with children with ADHD.

This study comprehensively evaluated the effects of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

10/12/2025

The holidays can be magical - and sometimes overwhelming! Discover simple, meaningful ways to find balance and joy this season through an occupational therapy lens in this blog written by Alex Cohen 💜

Link: https://instsi.co.za/finding-balance-and-joy-holiday-activities-through-an-ot-lens/

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

🌿 Why Weighted Items Are Wonderful for You 🌿
Weighted blankets, lap pads, and soft toys aren’t just cosy, they help calm the body and settle the nervous system. The gentle weight and deep pressure sensation gives a sense of safety and supports regulation 💛✨

01/12/2025

With love, the editor ❤️

🌟 SAISI Newsletter: December 2025 Edition is Here! 🌟

This edition explores “Vision and Beyond”, diving into the connections between visual impairment, perception, and sensory integration. Discover lived experiences, school-based insights, practical sensory strategies, and reflections on how sensory connection brings light when sight is limited.

🌍 This public version is available to share with health professionals, educators, and clients. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fgeGC2s1IfsxXUlf1F5UqJECX7ziHXwF/view

Let’s broaden our understanding of vision and ASI®️ — check it out and help spread the word by sharing this post!

16/10/2025

Transform a bus. Change a life. Join SAISI in taking therapy on the road 💜

If your organisation would like to partner with SAISI in developing a sensory bus or truck, please get in touch with us at saisi@instsi.co.za.