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Beyond Individual Therapy: Rethinking Occupational Therapy in Education

Beyond Individual Therapy: Rethinking Occupational Therapy in Education

Recently, we had the privilege of facilitating a STEP Framework workshop with the School Support Officers (SSOs) and Education Support Officers (ESOs) at Kilkenny Primary School. While the workshop was designed to introduce an occupational therapy-informed approach to understanding student participation, the conversations that emerged highlighted a much bigger discussion—one that many schools, therapists and families are beginning to have.

July 14, 2026

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Preschool Boost: How Occupational Therapy Can Support Your Preschool

Preschool Boost: How Occupational Therapy Can Support Your Preschool

If you're an educator, preschool director or educational leader in South Australia, you've likely heard about the Flying Start Program and Preschool Boost. But understanding how these initiatives work—and how to make the most of the funding available—can be challenging.

Schools & Educators

July 7, 2026

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A More Restorative School Holiday: OT Tips for Educators

A More Restorative School Holiday: OT Tips for Educators

As the school holidays get closer, it’s important to take time to unwind so you can return feeling refreshed and ready once the new term rolls around.

Schools & Educators

June 15, 2026

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Learning from Bessel van der Kolk: A Reflection on Trauma, Practice, and Occupational Therapy

Learning from Bessel van der Kolk: A Reflection on Trauma, Practice, and Occupational Therapy

I recently had the opportunity to attend a session with Bessel van der Kolk, and I've been taking some time to reflect on the experience and what it means for my practice as an occupational therapist.

Professional Reflections

May 14, 2026

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When Social Skills Aren't the Real Problem

When Social Skills Aren't the Real Problem

Social difficulties are real. But sometimes, what looks like a social skills gap is actually an executive functioning gap. In this case study, an autistic music student came in wanting to work on social skills. Targeting the right need changed the trajectory of his career.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

April 21, 2026

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Beyond Screen Time: How Gaming and Anime Can Revolutionise Learning for Neurodivergent Students

Beyond Screen Time: How Gaming and Anime Can Revolutionise Learning for Neurodivergent Students

A student who struggles with literacy tasks spends hours analysing complex anime narratives. Another who finds maths worksheets overwhelming performs intricate statistical calculations to optimise gaming strategies. A third who rarely speaks in class becomes an eloquent leader in online gaming communities. As educators, we often see these as contradictions. But what if these interests aren't distractions from learning, but powerful pathways toward it?

Schools & Educators

March 16, 2026

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Why Term 1 Feels Hard (And What Actually Helps Kids Settle)

Why Term 1 Feels Hard (And What Actually Helps Kids Settle)

Term 1 can feel overwhelming for everyone. New routines, new expectations, busy classrooms, and early starts after the summer break. For many children, particularly neurodivergent kids, the first weeks of school aren't about thriving yet. They're about surviving.

Schools & Educators

February 16, 2026

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Navigating Summer in Adelaide: Sensory Strategies for Children

Navigating Summer in Adelaide: Sensory Strategies for Children

Summer in Adelaide brings long, scorching days, busy beaches, and school holiday chaos. For many children, the combination of heat, crowds, schedule changes, and new environments can be overwhelming. As occupational therapists, we know that thoughtful preparation makes a significant difference. Our latest resource shares evidence-based strategies across four key areas: temperature regulation, crowd management, routine stability, and sensory support.

Sensory & Community Life

January 17, 2026

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Understanding Body Doubling and Allied Health Assistant Support

Understanding Body Doubling and Allied Health Assistant Support

"They're just lazy." We hear this too often about neurodivergent individuals struggling with task initiation. The reality? Many aren't lazy or unmotivated: they're unsupported. Discover how body doubling with Allied Health Assistants provides the gentle accountability and shared momentum that helps neurodivergent brains accomplish meaningful tasks. Learn why executive functioning challenges aren't character flaws requiring correction, but neurological differences requiring different support strategies that build genuine independence.

ADHD & Executive Functioning

December 16, 2025

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The Art of Waiting: Why Rushing Development Can Harm Neurodivergent Children

The Art of Waiting: Why Rushing Development Can Harm Neurodivergent Children

Development isn't a race, and rushing can harm neurodivergent children. Discover why neurodivergent children develop skills in their own unique timeline, not as delays, but as different patterns reflecting beautifully wired brains. Learn about the hidden costs of pushing developmental milestones, including masking behaviours, anxiety, and eroded self-esteem. Explore a neurodiversity-affirming approach that follows your child's lead, adapts environments rather than children, and builds on strengths. Your child isn't behind: they're right on time.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

November 17, 2025

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The Simple Tasks That Aren’t So Simple: Living With an ADHD Brain

The Simple Tasks That Aren’t So Simple: Living With an ADHD Brain

This is a special blog written by our wonderful AHA, Shae Verity, reflecting on experience as an adult living with ADHD. From the hidden complexity of morning routines to the exhausting mental marathon of staying focused all day, discover why everyday tasks aren't "simple" for the ADHD brain. Learn about the constant decision-making fatigue, the challenge of racing thoughts at bedtime, and why rest isn't laziness: it's essential recovery from a brain that never stops working.

ADHD & Executive Functioning

October 28, 2025

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Getting the Most Out of Your Occupational Therapy Sessions

Getting the Most Out of Your Occupational Therapy Sessions

Getting the most from your occupational therapy sessions isn't just about showing up. It's about creating a true partnership. From preparing thoughtfully beforehand to staying connected between visits, small actions can transform your therapy experience. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach means we're not trying to change who you are, but empowering you to thrive authentically. Discover practical strategies that make therapy work in your real world, not just the session room.

Understanding OT

September 29, 2025

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Living with ADHD: One Year on Medication – A Personal Reflection

Living with ADHD: One Year on Medication – A Personal Reflection

This is a special blog written by our very wonderful AHA, Shae Verity‍, reflecting on experience as an adult living with ADHD. "I’ve decided to document the changes I’ve experienced over the past year as a now-medicated, high-functioning adult with ADHD. Before medication, my life was constantly in motion. My calendar was always full, I was always busy—active to the point of exhaustion. I never really stopped, until I crashed. At the time, I didn’t recognize it as burnout, but that’s exactly what it was. These crashes would happen frequently or occasionally, depending on how long I could keep going."

ADHD & Executive Functioning

August 28, 2025

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Learning Across Borders: Reflections from QC Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities

Learning Across Borders: Reflections from QC Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities

Our director Alex recently visited QC Kabahagi Centre in the Philippines, learning about their occupational therapy practices. The centre uses FlexiCoaching, a family-centred approach empowering parents in therapy. They bring therapy into natural environments, making it part of everyday life. This experience confirmed that effective therapy everywhere focuses on partnership and meaningful participation.

Professional Reflections

July 31, 2025

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School Holiday Guide: Neuro-Affirming Outdoor Spaces in Adelaide for Autumn

School Holiday Guide: Neuro-Affirming Outdoor Spaces in Adelaide for Autumn

Finding neuro-affirming outdoor spaces during school holidays can be challenging for families with neurodivergent children. Our guide highlights Adelaide's most accessible autumn destinations, with practical preparation tips and sensory considerations for each location. Discover how thoughtfully selected environments can support your child's unique way of experiencing the world.

Sensory & Community Life

June 30, 2025

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Understanding the PEO Model: A Holistic Approach to Occupational Therapy

Understanding the PEO Model: A Holistic Approach to Occupational Therapy

The Person-Environment-Occupation Model explains how meaningful engagement occurs when three elements align: Person (individual characteristics), Environment (physical and social contexts), and Occupation (purposeful activities). This holistic approach optimises these connections to create conditions where individuals can thrive being exactly who they are.

Understanding OT

May 31, 2025

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Insights from the Royal Adelaide Show

Insights from the Royal Adelaide Show

We believe that true growth happens when therapy steps out of the regular appointment environment and into the real world. Our recent visit to the Royal Adelaide Show with clients perfectly illustrates the power of community-based occupational therapy. Let's explore why these experiences are so valuable and how they align with our unique approach to therapy.

Sensory & Community Life

April 30, 2025

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Navigating Social Situations: Empowering Your Neurodivergent Child

Navigating Social Situations: Empowering Your Neurodivergent Child

At Meaningful Activities, we take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to helping neurodivergent children navigate social situations. Instead of teaching masking behaviours, our occupational therapy services focus on authentic skill development including emotion regulation, self-advocacy, and problem-solving. Our goal is empowering children to interact with the world while remaining true to themselves.

PracticesNeurodiversity-Affirming Practice

March 31, 2025

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Embracing Neurodiversity: A Fresh Perspective on Social Skills for Autistic Children

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Fresh Perspective on Social Skills for Autistic Children

We're leading a shift in how NDIS providers approach autism support. Instead of traditional social skills training, our occupational therapy services celebrate neurodiversity. Working alongside speech pathologists and psychologists, we help children develop self-understanding and confidence while respecting their unique communication styles. Together, we're creating an inclusive South Australia.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

February 28, 2025

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The Expert in the Room: How child-led Therapy Supports Neurodivergent Development

The Expert in the Room: How child-led Therapy Supports Neurodivergent Development

Child-led therapy forms the foundation of our occupational therapy services at Meaningful Activities. Rather than directing sessions, we create safe spaces where children lead their own development journey. By following their unique interests and validating their experiences, we empower each child to build lasting skills through genuine engagement and self-discover

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

January 31, 2025

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