Melbourne Occupational Therapy Associates

10/04/2026

As a trauma informed occupational therapist for more than 30 years I have seen session after session the rewiring of the sensory systems in response to trauma and long term anxiety, in particular tactile and auditory systems - and then what a difference addressing this can provide. What an amazing result could be achieved if like this article suggests occupational therapists were in the early response team to minimise the risk of this change creating more entrenched behavioural and functional difficulties.

How Trauma Changes a Child’s Sense of Touch and Sound - Neuroscience News

How does war affect a child's senses? New research shows that 2023 war trauma caused atypical sensory processing in 48% of young survivors.

07/12/2025

By age 5, a child’s brain is 90% of its adult size—but the part that controls self-control, focus, and decision-making is only 25% wired.

The prefrontal cortex—the seat of impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive function—continues developing well into the mid-20s. This means your 5-year-old literally can’t always follow instructions the first time, no matter how much they want to.

Neuroscience shows that yelling at a child for mistakes or slow responses doesn’t teach them faster. Instead, it activates the amygdala, flooding the brain with stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, repeated stress can hinder development in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, leading to higher anxiety, lower resilience, and reduced confidence. (Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2020)

Here’s what it means for dads: patience and calm matter more than perfect enforcement. When you regulate your own nervous system—through steady breathing, calm voice, and mindful presence—you model emotional regulation. Children learn best not from fear or punishment, but from observing how a safe adult handles frustration.

Research shows children with consistently regulated caregivers develop stronger emotional resilience, better problem-solving skills, and healthier social relationships. (Source: Developmental Science, 2018)

Instead of reacting with anger, imagine responding with calm guidance. You’re not just teaching them to obey—you’re teaching them to think, feel safe, and grow into confident, resilient adults."

07/12/2025

Well said.

Australia is pumping infinite money into supply-constrained markets such as disability and childcare, while the government also mandates and helps fund hefty wage increases in these sectors.

07/11/2025

This two-day workshop explores the dynamic changes in the adolescent brain, focusing on anxiety, addiction, and learning challenges, while offering practical tools for regulation and resilience. IN PERSON, Hosted by BOOST in collaboration with Hong Kong School Counseling Network

24/10/2025

I find using biometrics a very powerful tool to help teens and adults see real time change from their self regulation practices.

15/10/2025

LOVE THIS!

23/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16gFBUkAxd/

27/03/2025

Noise cancellation - to use or not to use. An interesting research article here showing that while ear muffs increased performance outcomes for this small cohort of children with ASD, noise cancelling headphones did not. As an OT I know that ambient sound provides important spatial, social, and safety cues. Perhaps the neurological benefit lies in reducing the "volume" of everything with the ear muffs rather than actively blocking out all ambient sound with the NC headphones. It will be interesting to see further research.

Objective/Background The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of standard earmuffs and noise-cancelling (NC) headphones in controlling b...

05/07/2024

Gen (our wonderful practice manager) and I just had an incredibly relaxing experience floating at Urban Float. Thanks Tahy and your team for the opportunity and we are looking forward to explore some opportunities together.

Discover a haven of well-being at Urban Float, the premier Wellness Center in Ringwood, Australia. Immerse yourself in transformative therapies, including floatation, sauna, and more.

03/07/2024

Sensory recipes with just two ingredients from Craft-at-Home Family

02/07/2024

A great opportunity to learn more as allied health therapist or teacher about neuroplasticity and polyvagal theory - and it's a live course - sit and talk with real people rather than your screen!!!

Embark on a transformative journey with our cutting-edge course, focusing on the powerful applications of neuroplasticity and Polyvagal Theory. Our course bridges groundbreaking neuroscience with real-world clinical practice, providing strategies to positively influence brain adaptability and mental...

28/06/2024

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