Navigating Childhood Development Differences
Empowering children and their families to overcome their unique developmental, emotional, and sensory processing challenges with individualised paediatric occupational therapy.
I believe:
Every Child Deserves to Thrive
When children face developmental or sensory challenges, the impact extends beyond the child to touch every aspect of family life. Without the right support, these challenges can hinder a child’s ability to reach their full potential. As your “Different OT”, I’m here to change that narrative. With a focus on early intervention and understanding neurodivergence, I can offer personalised strategies that empower your child and family to navigate developmental milestones with confidence.
Early Intervention Screening and Practical Advice
Understanding Neurodivergence
Daily Living Skill Development
Emotional and Sensory Regulation Tools
Environmental RecommendationsEarly Intervention Screening and Practical Advice
Developmental Milestone Workshops
Interactive workshops for parents, caregivers and educators about developmental milestones.
Parental Guidance Sessions
Small group sessions for parents about common challenges they are facing and a chance to celebrate successes.
Screening Follow-up Support
Tailored sessions for parents and caregivers about their child’s development.
Interactive Play Sessions
Child lead play based intervention to target specific developmental progress.
Collaborative Planning Meetings
Attendance at meetings with all key supports to create cohesive, practical support plans.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodiversity Awareness Education
Training for families and educators about neurodivergence and how it presents across environments.
Individualised Goal Setting
Unique goals created with strategies to support their implementation for neurodivergent children.
Workshops for Siblings and Peers
Support and education to understand their wonderfully different sibling or peer.
How does my brain work?
Supporting neurodivergent children to understand their brain and the strengths that come with it.
Daily Living Skill Development
Mealtime Routines and Strategies
Supporting children with eating, mealtime challenges and fostering a love of food.
Selfcare and Personal Hygiene Skills
Fostering independence in skills such as dressing, toileting and sleep.
School Preparedness
Supporting children to transition into a new learning environment and advocate for their own needs.
Play and Leisure Skill Enhancement
Focusing on what brings joy to the child and enhancing their engagement in meaningful ways.
Time Management and Routine Building
Helping families establish effective routines including management of screen time.
Emotional and Sensory Regulation Tools
Emotion Coaching for Families
Strategies for families to support emotional regulation for themselves and in their homes.
Sensory Processing Support
A combination of formal and informal sensory assessment combined with personalised sensory recommendations.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Emotional regulation strategies to improve anxiety, low mood and poor self-esteem.
Behavioural Support Strategies
Tools to understand the function of a behaviour and strategies to support necessary intervention.
Environmental Recommendations
Customised Sensory Spaces Consultation
Expert advice on creating sensory-friendly environments at home and school.
Home Environment Assessment
Personalised assessments to modify home environments for maximum function.
School Based Sensory Supports
Strategies for creating inclusive school environments and advocacy for each child’s sensory needs.
Community Inclusion Projects
Facilitating development of sensory-friendly community spaces and educating people about their own sensory needs.
Workplace Sensory Assessment
Creating neurodiverse-friendly workplace environments.
Technology and Sensory Tools
Integrating technology to support sensory regulation and providing access to sensory tools for trial.
Why Choose Me
About The Different OT
Based in my home town of Tauranga and passionately serving the Bay of Plenty, “ The Different OT “ is born from over a decade of experience in paediatric occupational therapy. My unique approach combines personal expertise in neurodiversity with a deep commitment to family and community support. I like to think outside the box and deliver service in a different way that provides a sense of hope for families seeking a path to progress.
It’s time to embrace our differences and celebrate our strengths!
A Different Approach To Therapy
Expertise You Can Trust
Hi, I’m Kelly. I am a dedicated paediatric occupational therapist, with a wealth of knowledge in child development. I am also a mum to two small humans and live the juggle of life/work/play each day. I am dedicated to my clients and work in a family centred way with a focus on ensuring every child can participate, perform, and progress in a “just right” way. I believe in adding skills to everyone’s kete so that ultimately, they have everything they need in the future.
Personalised, Child-Centered Approach
Expertise in Neurodivergence
Goal Setting with a JUST RIGHT challenge
Commitment to Family and Community
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paediatric occupational therapy?
Paediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children gain independence and meaning in their daily activities. It aims to improve function, skills and emotional and sensory regulation. Check out this link for some more information What Do Pediatric Occupational Therapists Do? – The OT Toolbox