Play-based Paediatrics Allied Health Services

Play-based Paediatrics Allied Health Services Mobile Paediatric Physiotherapist using evidence-based play-based therapies covering most of the South East Queensland region.

I am a mobile paediatric Physiotherapist with my masters in sports medicine with 25 years experience in the rehabilitation, paediatrics, disability and aged care sector working with all patients from children to the elderly. Specialising in paediatric Physiotherapy, I utilise mainly play and sensory-based techniques as well as hydrotherapy with an ND affirming, individualised approach. I offer full assessments and reports. I utilise home based therapy and well as hydrotherapy and am a qualified swimming coach for children with special needs to develop water safety skills up to swimming. I can also provide a Telehealth service for those that are either very remote or find face to face therapy difficult. I travel over greater south-east Queensland treating patients with quite varied and often complex conditions from babies to young adults. Treatment is guided by clinical assessment with due consideration to underlying diagnosis, the findings of other therapists and the goals and interests of the client. In this initial assessment I identify areas needing strengthening or improved function/ coordination in any way. There are many ways to achieve the same end goal, which will differ based on what motivates and interest my patients. Some patients benefit mainly from hydrotherapy and others from a play-based program that we vary as their interest varies and others benefit from a combination. Some older clients may benefit more from a sport-based or gym-like program. Either way, the goal is to keep Physiotherapy fun and not just another thing they need to endure. If you are interested, send me a message and I’ll see what I can do.

Welcome to Play-Based Paediatrics - “Currently accepting new plan or self-managed NDIS participants.”If you are a parent...
02/04/2026

Welcome to Play-Based Paediatrics - “Currently accepting new plan or self-managed NDIS participants.”

If you are a parent navigating the NDIS journey for your child, you are not alone. Many families feel unsure where to start when their child first receives therapy funding.

At Play-Based Paediatrics, we provide mobile paediatric physiotherapy across the SE Queensland. region that supports children to develop skills they need for everyday life.

We help children develop skills such as:
• sitting, crawling and walking
• balance and coordination
• strength and mobility
• confidence with play and everyday physical activity

Our therapy is play-based, ND affirming and approaches each child based on their own individual personalities and behavioural and sensory needs. This helps children feel relaxed and engaged while learning new skills.

As a mobile service, we can see your child in the environments where they feel most comfortable and where their skills matter most:
✔ Home visits
✔ School visits
✔ Kindy visits

We also offer hydrotherapy, where the warm water environment can help children improve strength, balance, coordination, movement and water safety confidence.

We are also learn to swim accredited facilitating children with disabilities to access swimming where main stream swim coaching is often ineffective.

We work with NDIS families, Support Coordinators and therapy teams, and can provide reports to support goals and plan reviews.

If you have recently received an NDIS plan for your child and are unsure where to begin, we are always happy to answer questions.

📩 Send us a message or give us a call if you would like to organise an assessment or learn more about how paediatric physiotherapy may help your child.
Ph: 0418772542

Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day.This is not a day to talk about “fixing” or “curing” anything.This is a ...
02/04/2026

Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day.
This is not a day to talk about “fixing” or “curing” anything.
This is a day to understand, respect, and celebrate.

Autism is not a limitation. It is a different way of experiencing the world.

If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. There is no single mould, no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting the needs of Autistic people.

It’s time to shift the narrative.
Let go of outdated stereotypes and stigmas. Start recognizing strengths, talents, and individuality. Offer support where it’s needed, without forcing people into boxes they were never meant to fit into.

Real change starts with education.
Families, friends, and schools all play a role in creating environments where people feel safe, understood, and valued.

People on the spectrum don’t need to be changed.
They need to be supported, accepted, and celebrated for who they are.

And this is where the conversation needs to go deeper.

World Autism Understanding Month is about moving beyond awareness and building real, practical understanding. It’s about taking the time to listen to lived experiences, learn from research, and apply that knowledge in everyday life - at work, at school, and in our communities.

Because meaningful understanding takes time.
And when we commit to learning, reflecting, and acting, we create environments where Autistic people feel understood, included, and supported - not just today, but every day.

Let’s not limit this to one moment.
Let’s make understanding the standard.
Because everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued - exactly as they are.












If your child has PDA, read this. And save it for later.Not all behaviour is defiance.Not all refusal is manipulation.No...
26/03/2026

If your child has PDA, read this. And save it for later.
Not all behaviour is defiance.
Not all refusal is manipulation.
Not all meltdowns are about discipline.
In children with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), resistance often means:
• “I feel anxious.”
• “I feel out of control.”
• “This feels unsafe.”
• “I am overwhelmed.”
• "I simply can't do this right now...but /I can't tell you why"
Pressure increases anxiety.
Anxiety increases avoidance.
Avoidance increases conflict.
And parents get blamed.
You may have heard:
“He just needs firmer boundaries.”
“She is choosing this behaviour.”
“You need to be more consistent.”
But PDA is NOT about poor parenting.
It is about a nervous system that is constantly stuck in fight or flight or "threat mode".
Even normal body sensations like thirst or hunger can trigger a feeling of threat and trigger a shut down or melt down.
When professionals focus only on behaviour, they miss the cause.
When we understand the anxiety underneath, everything changes.
Support becomes:
• Collaborative
• Flexible
• Regulating
• Relationship-based
Progress happens when a child feels safe.
And therapy works best when it:
• Sees the whole child
• Listens to parents
• Understands co-occurring sensory and motor differences
• Respects neurodiversity
If you feel unheard or stressed out you are not alone. Remember to take care of yourself and your family. Parental burnout is also real.
If traditional strategies have failed, you are not failing. They are simply NOT suited to your child.
Save this post for the days when doubt creeps in.
Share it with a teacher, therapist, or family member who needs to understand PDA better.
And if you want support from a team that understands anxiety-driven behaviour and works with your child — not against them — send us a DM or book an initial consultation through the link in our bio.
Your child is not a problem to fix.They are a person to understand.

26/03/2026

Paediatric Hydrotherapy (NDIS) – Brisbane

Looking for therapy your child will actually enjoy?

We deliver play-based, neuro-affirming hydrotherapy designed specifically for children — with Easter holiday sessions now available.

With 2 physiotherapists, we’ve opened up more spots across Greater Brisbane.
Every session is tailored to your child’s goals.
We focus on real progress and adapt each session to suit their individual needs.

We help children:
• build water confidence and safety
• improve strength, tone and range of movement
• develop movement and coordination
• manage sensory challenges

Our goal is simple: make therapy something your child looks forward to.

📍 Mobile service across Greater Brisbane
📩 Message us,
email - enquiries@playbasedpaediatrics.com.au
or call 0418 772 542

Limited Easter holiday spots available — book now

Paediatric Hydrotherapy (NDIS) – BrisbaneLooking for therapy your child will actually enjoy?We deliver play-based, neuro...
26/03/2026

Paediatric Hydrotherapy (NDIS) – Brisbane

Looking for therapy your child will actually enjoy?

We deliver play-based, neuro-affirming hydrotherapy designed specifically for children — with Easter holiday sessions now available.

With 2 physiotherapists, we’ve opened up more spots across Greater Brisbane.
Every session is tailored to your child’s goals.

We focus on real progress and adapt each session to suit their individual needs.

We help children:
• build water confidence and safety
• improve strength, tone and range of movement
• develop movement and coordination
• manage sensory challenges

Our goal is simple:
make therapy something your child looks forward to.

📍 Mobile service across Greater Brisbane
📩 Message us, email enquiries@playbasedpaediatrics.com.au or call 0418 772 542

Limited Easter holiday spots available — book now

Not all children develop movement skills at the same pace — and that’s okay. 💛Some children run before they walk.Some sk...
08/03/2026

Not all children develop movement skills at the same pace — and that’s okay. 💛
Some children run before they walk.
Some skip crawling.
Some need a little more time to build balance, coordination or confidence.

But sometimes parents notice small signs like:
• frequent falls
• not crossing their midline
• avoiding playground equipment
• difficulty jumping, hopping or climbing
• trouble keeping up with other children
• frustration with physical activities

These signs do not mean anything is wrong with your child.
But they can mean your child may benefit from support to build movement skills and confidence.
At Play-Based Paediatrics, children develop physical skills through fun play-based therapy that helps them feel relaxed and engaged.

We also offer:
✔ Mobile visits (home, school or kindy)
✔ Hydrotherapy in warm water to support strength and confidence

Sometimes a little support can make a big difference.
If you have questions about your child’s movement or development, send us a message or call 0418 772 542.
And feel free to share this with another parent who may find it helpful. 💛

Were there Neurodivergent Dinosaurs? 🦕Today’s physiotherapy session might have uncovered some evidence…These dinosaurs w...
08/03/2026

Were there Neurodivergent Dinosaurs? 🦕

Today’s physiotherapy session might have uncovered some evidence…

These dinosaurs were created by a child during a dinosaur-themed therapy session. Through play we worked on fine motor skills, gross motor skills, coordination and movement goals linked to therapy plans.

But the most wonderful moment came with the colours.
Many children enjoy making dinosaurs in familiar colours. This child chose something completely different and created a beautiful and unexpected combination.

That kind of creative thinking is something we often see in neurodivergent minds.

It reminds us that children experience the world in many different ways. When therapy gives them space to explore ideas, confidence and creativity grow alongside their physical skills.
In paediatric physiotherapy we absolutely work toward goals, especially for children supported through the NDIS. Progress matters.

But the best sessions feel like play.
When children laugh, experiment and create something they feel proud of, they stay engaged and motivated. That is when real progress happens.

And if a child walks out thinking they just had a fun dinosaur adventure rather than “therapy”… we know the session worked exactly as it should.

We still can’t prove dinosaurs were neurodivergent…
but we can definitely celebrate the brilliant ways children think and create.

What colours would your dinosaur be? 🦖

16/02/2026

When your child struggles with balance, fatigue, core strength and tone, coordination, strength or everyday skills, you do not need more repetitive drills.
You need therapy that works.
In my sessions, your child sees games, movement, challenge and achievement.
I see progress.
Behind every activity, I target:
• Balance and core strength
• Motor planning
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Sensory-motor coordination
• Hand–eye coordination
• Proprioception
• Retained primitive reflexes
• And more, based on a personalised assessment
Every game has purpose.
Every session follows clear goals.
Every activity builds measurable outcomes.
If I do my job well, it looks like play.
Children do not respond to rigid, repetitive exercises.
They respond to laughter, challenge, connection and success.
That is where real therapy happens.
As a paediatric physiotherapist — and as a parent of a child with complex needs — I understand how clinical, inflexible therapy can lead to disengagement. I design every session around trust first. Progress follows naturally.
The results go beyond the session:
Stronger bodies.
Better endurance.
Improved coordination.
Greater independence with dressing, riding a bike, swimming and daily routines.
And even more importantly:
Confidence.
Independence.
Self-esteem.
If you want therapy your child looks forward to — and results you can measure — schedule your personalised assessment now.

16/02/2026

I was asked recently,
“What’s the big breakthrough helping children with Trisomy 21 achieve such incredible results?”
The truth?
There isn’t one single breakthrough.
The shift comes down to two things.
First — better access to therapy through the NDIS.
Second — therapists who refuse to place limits on what these children can achieve.
When children with Trisomy 21 receive consistent, targeted physiotherapy in a supportive environment, they thrive.
When therapy includes both land-based sessions and hydrotherapy, we build strength, coordination and confidence in ways that truly translate to everyday life.
And when expectations change, outcomes change.
We see children master gross motor skills people once thought were out of reach.
We see first goals scored.
First baskets shot.
First moments of “I did it.”
The difference?
The right support.
The right team.
And a belief that potential has no ceiling.

14/01/2026

After a lifetime of therapy appointments—and an increasing awareness of how they may differ from their peers—it’s very common for adolescents to begin refusing therapy. This is completely natural, and engaging them requires a very different approach.
At play-based paediatrics, we work hard to include tweens and teens as equals in discussions about their therapy, involving them directly in goal-setting and linking therapy to what matters to them. So instead of “improving gross motor skills,” the goal might be making the basketball team. Instead of “increasing core strength,” it might be learning to ride a bike.
Sessions need to be fast-paced, purposeful, and fun. I stay closely attuned to their mood and engagement, and I’m always ready to hand over more control if I sense they’re disengaging. We play sport-based games—and we play for keeps.
For those who flatly refuse therapy, we often start with something irresistible to them—LEGO, ten-pin bowling, or another personal favourite. Once trust and rapport are established, we can gradually branch out into other activities that support their therapy goals.
If your tween or teen is struggling to accept the therapy you know they need, don’t hesitate to get in touch. There isanother way.

EXCITING NEWS! Play-based Paediatrics is getting a new Physiotherapist for 2026!We hope that all of the families that ar...
11/01/2026

EXCITING NEWS! Play-based Paediatrics is getting a new Physiotherapist for 2026!
We hope that all of the families that are part of Play-based Paediatrics had a wonderful and hopefully peaceful new year.
Peter’s enthusiasm, passion and energy that has made our service so popular has meant that we have been looking to grow. Over the last 12 months we have been tirelessly searching for a special therapist who can add even more fun, life and laughter to the lives of our precious clients.
At last we can announce we have finally found our unicorn, Nghi! Nghi is a passionate physio, with a drive for excellence, the ability to offer both pool and land-based therapy, and most importantly she knows how to make therapy fun!
Nghi has been working in the area of paediatrics treating and diagnosing a broad base of conditions. Once Nghi saw our page, she knew straight away that she wanted to join us to deliver a play-based alternative to the boring, repetitive and clinical options being offered elsewhere and light up children’s days whilst, at the same time, helping them meet their developmental milestones and thriving.
Nghi will be joining Peter to relieve some of his load while also taking on her own clients. She will be seeing children in the pool and in their own homes and currently still has some capacity. If you are interested in having Nghi join your child’s therapy team, get in contact, and we will see if we can fit you on her list which commences February 2.

10/01/2026

Functional Therapy is a term people will hear a lot with respect to adult training and gyms. Play-based Physiotherapy utilises this exact approach only in younger children, it's play/ games or modified sports based on their personal goals or interests.
Functional therapy focuses on practising everyday activities and play — the kinds of movements typically developing children do without thinking.
This approach is far more effective than repetitive, isolated exercises. (The more traditional approach to therapy) Functional activities naturally combine strength, coordination, balance and motor planning, while also activating multiple muscle groups and nerve pathways at the same time. These methods are increasingly used in adult sports training — and for good reason.
For many of our children, we’re supporting much more than strength alone. We’re working on coordination, balance, motor planning and proprioception — and just as importantly, confidence. There’s something incredibly powerful about a child finally being able to play the games their peers or siblings seem to find so easy.
Through play, children are also learning skills they can use in social situations, improving inclusion and self-esteem — values that sit at the heart of everything we do. Because at the end of the day, every parent wants the same thing: to see their child happy. And nothing beats that smile when a child realises they’ve mastered a new skill.
What may look like a simple game can lead to meaningful, lasting change — often far more effectively than traditional, highly structured exercise programs.

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Brisbane, QLD

Telephone

+61418772542

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