Moyna Talcer Consultant Occupational Therapist

22/12/2025

I came home to a little gift and card from a client. Thank you for the very thoughtful cosy gifts. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

17/12/2025

17/12/2025

These stats are shocking. So much money wasted in SEND tribunals when the legal rights of children could have just been supported through appropriate provision in the first place without the significant delays in support and stress famalies get forced to endure, not to mention the costs parents must pay for professional support. Its criminal.

15/12/2025

I recieved an unexpected thankyou gift today from a wonderful client. I have to say though, the pleasure is mine. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

15/12/2025

🎄✨ Understanding the Challenges of Surprise Gifts for Neurodivergent Individuals at Christmas 🎁✨

As we embrace the holiday spirit, it’s essential to consider how surprise gifts can present unique challenges for neurodivergent individuals. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Anticipatory Anxiety: The unpredictability of receiving a surprise can trigger anxiety. Many neurodivergent people thrive on structure and predictability. The stress of not knowing what to expect can overshadow the joy of the gift itself.

2. Sensory Overwhelm: The festive season is often filled with bright lights, loud music, and bustling crowds, which can be overwhelming. Adding a surprise gift to this sensory mix can heighten feelings of discomfort and stress.

3. Masking Disappointment: If the surprise gift doesn’t align with their preferences, neurodivergent individuals might feel pressured to mask their disappointment and put on a happy face. This can lead to internal conflict and emotional strain.

4. Different Routines: Many neurodivergent people have specific routines that help them feel grounded. A surprise gift can disrupt these routines, making it hard for them to adjust and enjoy the moment.

⭐️Here are some simple strategies to help reduce anticipatory anxiety around gift giving for neurodivergent individuals during Christmas:

1. Open Communication: Talk openly about gift preferences. Encourage loved ones to share what they would like or appreciate, reducing surprises and aligning expectations.

2. Gift Lists: Create a wish list system where everyone can list their desired gifts. This allows for thoughtful giving while minimizing anxiety about receiving unwanted items.

3. Advance Planning: Plan gift exchanges in advance. Setting a date and discussing the process can help create a sense of control and predictability.

4. Familiar Environments: Choose familiar and comfortable settings for gift exchanges. Being in a known environment can help reduce sensory overwhelm and anxiety. Or even offer for gifts to be opened when they are alone, or in a safe space in their own time.

5. Gradual Reveals: Instead of surprise gifts, consider gradual reveals. For example, provide hints or clues leading up to the gift, allowing for some anticipation without the overwhelming surprise. Or even wrap the gifts in clear wrap so they can see the gifts easily. Give choice around this.

6. Preference for Experiences: Consider gifting experiences rather than physical items, such as outings or activities. This can be more enjoyable and less anxiety-inducing..

7. Support Systems: Ensure a trusted person is present during gift exchanges. Their support can provide comfort and help navigate any overwhelming feelings.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a more inclusive and enjoyable gift-giving experience for everyone involved! 🎁❤️

This holiday season, let’s prioritize understanding and communication. Consider asking your loved ones what they would like or if they prefer to pick out their own gifts. It’s the thought and consideration that truly count! 💖

12/12/2025

11/12/2025

🌿 Managing Anxiety with Neuroaffirming Strategies 🌿

Anxiety isn’t a flaw — it’s a signal from our nervous system asking for support. Christmas can often be a source of increasing anxiety for many neurodivergent people. There are many changes, increased sensory input, increased social interaction and lots of changes to daily routines.

As a neuroaffirming OT, I believe in meeting that need with compassion, curiosity, and tools that honour our unique brains. 💚

Here are a few gentle strategies that can help:
✔ Slow sensory input — deep pressure, weighted blankets, or a warm shower

✔ Grounding through the senses — notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear…

✔ Break tasks into tiny, achievable steps

✔ Create safe routines & use visual supports for predictability

✔ Movement breaks — stretching, walking, rocking, fidgeting

Remember: coping isn’t about pushing through — it’s about supporting the nervous system so it can feel safe again.

✨ Your feelings are valid. Your pace is okay. You’re doing the best you can.

Image from IEP Individualized Education Program

10/12/2025

Helpful breathing strategies to manage anxiety or hypervigilence over the seasonal period.

I often teach breathing strategies not to “fix” nervous systems, but to support them.

🌿 Research continues to show that slow, intentional breathing (like box or diaphragmatic breathing) can reduce anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and helping the body feel safe again.

As little as 5 minutes a day can be very effective. Small practice = big impact. 💛

Image from IEP Individualized Education Program

10/12/2025

Excellent new published research into using Sensory Integration Therapy with ADHDers shows clinically significant improvements in a range of functional areas. This is great to see in print, what we have known for years clinically.

This new randomised controlled trial consisting of 94 participants aged 6-8 years evaluated the effects of OT–ASI on sensorimotor performance, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and functional participation in children with ADHD. Findings demonstrated that OT–ASI produced significant improvements in sensorimotor and executive function domains, as well as enhanced emotional regulation. Moreover, children receiving OT–ASI exhibited increased participation across home, school, and community contexts, underscoring the intervention’s broad functional impact.

https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051083

Follow us to keep up to date on the latest research in Sensory Integration and Neurodiversity.

To learn more about supporting individuals with sensory differences across the lifespan see the link below:
https://loom.ly/aZ6S86c

09/12/2025

Here is a helpful wheel of apps on the iPad for Dyslexic students to support reading and writing differences.

Image by CALL Scotland Edinburgh