Charlotte Goldsmith Occupational Therapy

19/02/2026

Proprioception. I knew nothing about this twelve months ago. In simple terms, it’s the sense that lets you know where your body is in space. My daughter’s love of climbing is linked to proprioception. It’s a seeking behaviour, a method for regulating her nervous system, which can feel busy with sensory “noise”. Big movements and deep pressure say to her brain “You are here, you are contained, you are safe.”

A friend with an autistic son gave me a book to read to help me understand the sensory reasons for some of my daughter’s behaviours. We were going through a tough time as we tried to find ways to make her life easier and calmer - to make her feel safe in her body.

The sensory side of autism can be complex and quite honestly, mind blowing. I’ve immersed myself, trying to learn as much as I can, because my daughter can’t tell me what she’s experiencing in her body or why certain situations overwhelm her. Learning has been a long process of trial and error. Some sensory toys seem to work, others get tossed or ignored completely. The journey to supporting a sensory seeker safely can feel so overwhelming and frustrating, until something finally works.

Transitions, particularly to bed, have been hard lately. She has an ongoing safety issue with climbing in her bedroom that still hasn’t been resolved properly (with a safe bed) but that’s another story.

Over the last few days, she has been going to bed in a calmer, more relaxed state. She hasn’t climbed her cot or become distressed, and in a lightbulb moment I have realised why. Before bed, she has been spending long periods in a sensory swing we installed in the autumn. She has been using it in a new way, wrapping the material around her body and leaning forward as if suspended in the air. I imagine it feels like arms holding her, and that this feeling in the nervous system is one of safety.

The realisation that something I’ve researched and invested in is helping her get what she needs is everything. I’m under no illusion that every bed time will be easy, but the game has definitely changed for the better. ❤️

15/02/2026

Why do children sit in the W position?
Why does your child always sit like this?
(It’s not just a habit.)

“They just feel comfortable.”

Not exactly.

Children choose positions that give them stability - not correct posture.

What does it mean

W-sitting gives:
• a very wide base of support
• no need for balance
• no trunk work

So the body doesn’t have to control itself.

Consequences

Over time it may lead to:
• weaker core muscles
• poorer balance
• delayed coordination
• in-toeing walking
• clumsiness during sport

What to do

Don’t just say “sit properly”.

Change the environment:
• side sitting
• long sitting
• sitting on a stool/step
• kneeling positions

The body learns through experience.

Posture is not taught by words.
It’s taught by movement.

📌 Stability first → better movement later

My name is Anna Olawa -I am a paediatric physiotherapist and sensory integration therapist with over 23 years of experience.
I run a private clinic in Aberdeen and support children through evidence-based, play-focused therapy.
I also educate parents on social media -
I believe therapy should be effective, safe and truly child-centred.

06/01/2026

Our campaign partner and Guardian columnist John Harris is back on his Substack for 2026, writing about the battle to protect SEND legal rights.

Read John's latest piece here 👇
https://maybeimamazed.substack.com/p/and-so-it-begins-2026-will-be-the

01/01/2026

Happy new year to everyone! Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2026!

18/10/2025

The benefits of the old fashioned chalk board or easel for your little ones.

Why Kids Should Work on a Vertical Surface

"Learn more about the benefits of working on a vertical surface and find some creative ways for kids to work in this position!"

Read more here > https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/motor-skills-and-more-working-on-a-vertical-surface/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

03/09/2025

So the summer holidays draw to an end. Good luck to everyone going back to school this week.
Transitions to new Schools/Colleges/Nursery, familiar faces and some new faces too. Wishing everyone a great week. Im looking forward to seeing you all soon.

18/08/2025

Celebrating my 5th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

30/03/2025

https://www.mindful.org/body-scan-kids/?utm_content=buffer85f54&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

An 11-minute body scan for children to help bring calmness, attention, and appreciation to hectic daytime routines and marathon bedtime rituals.

10/01/2025

Discover our official Children's Mental Health Week 2023 resources for schools and youth groups that'll encourage children and adults to connect with others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways

20/12/2024

20/12/2024

Happy Christmas everyone !
Thank you to all the lovely families and children I have seen this year. I will be back to work on the 6th of January.

Best wishes

Charlotte and family

18/12/2024

Credit NeuroWild