Alet Byers Occupational Therapy

20/01/2026

✅ We know there is a big increase in autism diagnoses

✅ We know the *biggest* increase in autism diagnosis is in adults

✅ We know Autism is primarily genetic (80%+ according to twin studies), and this can include de Novo mutations

✅ We know the diagnostic criteria for autism has broadened significantly since it was first identified

✅ We know autism awareness and acceptance continues to grow, including the fact that autism is more than stereotypes

❌ What we don’t know (for sure) is if there are actually more Autistic people in the world- or if just more people who are autistic are accessing a diagnosis.

And yet, so many people are ignoring all of the facts we DO know and at the same time, pretending the last statement is a scientifically known fact- when it’s not.

Now, do I personally think there are more Autistic people now than there was 100 years ago? I actually do. I also think the biggest reason for the increase in autism prevalence is increased knowledge (which we still have a long way to go) as well as *some* decreased stigma (also have a long way to go). And as a result, I predict the prevalence will continue to increase, and this will be expected and not a “crisis”.

17/01/2026

02/05/2025

Weekends are for extra hugs!

30/04/2025

Should you consider buying a walking ring? Read the following to help you make a well-informed decision.

02/04/2025

Make those fingers move!

This activity is fun and can be upgraded for older kids to work on working memory, listening skills, counting and colors in the following ways:

1️⃣ Enhance this activity by assigning a sound for each animal (let the child help you decide on the sounds by asking "What sound do you think this animal makes?") for example "Tweet tweet tweet". The child must identify the animal on sound and feed the correcr hungry animal.
2️⃣Further upgrade by making the sound and asking for a certain amount of food, for example "Tweet tweet tweet....I'm hungry for three pieces of food."
3️⃣The final upgrade is to ask for a certain color of food for example "Tweet tweet tweet...I'm hungry for three pieces of orange food".

Remember to make it fun any playful! If the child struggles, rather downgrade a step to keep the activity at the 'just right' challenge.

Enjoy!

23/03/2025

04/03/2025

to get your little one to use a teether. You don't have to use peanut butter, you could try yogurt or smashed avo if your little one likes that. Can you think of some other things you can put on the teether?

01/02/2025

It goes too fast...Take a moment today to enjoy and treasure the stage your child is in. Even if it's a challenging stage, treasure it, it will be gone before you know it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18FWRHGQcg/

23/01/2025

Our baby and mom groups are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other moms and learn about your baby's development from a registered Occupational Therapist. Contact us for more information on 071 603 7505

22/01/2025

Our lovely groups are starting up again in Brackenfell. Contact today to book your spot!
071 603 7505

Offering Support and Guidance for Moms in Stellenbosch and Brackenfell

21/01/2025

A thought for the day....

20/12/2024

Moeg om idees uit te d**k vir Des vakansie? Bestel 'n Sensory Kit!
Pryse sluit aflewering uit, optel in Brackenfell
Kontak my gerus om te bestel by 071 603 7505