Supporting Our Families
Supporting Our Families: Essential Resources for Parents, Teachers, and Therapists Supporting families, particularly those raising children with disabilities or different abilities, is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Parents and caregivers often seek guidance and resources to help them understand and connect with their children, build positive relationships, and foster development. At Look Hear Australia, we…
Read MorePlay: The Essential Building Block of Learning
Play is more than just fun—it’s the cornerstone of how children learn and develop. From the moment they are born, children use play to explore the world around them, build relationships, and develop crucial skills. Yet, for some children, learning to play naturally doesn’t come easily, and they may need structured support to develop these…
Read MoreChild Development – What does the evidence say?
In this blog, we explore some of the evidence and what it says regarding childhood development. It’s a bit more formal as I have adapted it from an assignment I completed for my Diploma of Childhood Development! Introduction Childhood is most often defined as the period between birth to 18 years of age (Lindon &…
Read MoreGross Motor – Our Top Picks
Mastering Gross Motor Skills: Essential Resources for Families and Educators Gross motor skills form the foundation of a child’s physical development, enabling movements such as crawling, walking, running, and climbing. These essential skills, powered by large muscle groups, not only support a child’s ability to navigate their environment but also lay the groundwork for fine…
Read MoreiPads and Tablets for Skill Development and Education
Top Educational Apps for Children: Making iPads Work for Families and Learning In today’s tech-driven world, iPads and tablets have evolved beyond entertainment tools to become invaluable aids in education and skill development. For families and educators, particularly those supporting children with disabilities, these devices can unlock new ways of learning, communicating, and thriving. At…
Read MoreBook Review: Life Admin Hacks — A Game Changer for Busy Families
Book Review: Life Admin Hacks — A Game Changer for Busy Families As a busy mum juggling family life, work, and everything in between, I’m always on the lookout for ways to streamline my life and reduce the chaos. Life Admin Hacks has been nothing short of a game changer for our family. The book…
Read MorePreparing for Christmas: 5 Practical Tips from an OT
Preparing for Christmas: Practical Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Holiday Season The holiday season can be an exciting but challenging time for families, especially for those supporting children with additional needs. From the changes in routine to sensory overload, Christmas can quickly become overwhelming. However, with a little planning and flexibility, you can create…
Read MoreHow to Set Up Your Yoto Player Before Christmas Morning 🎄✨
So, you’ve done the hard part: you’ve bought the Yoto Player, snagged some Black Friday deals 🛍️, or just decided this is the gift for your kids this Christmas 🎁. Fantastic! But before you wrap it up and put it under the tree 🎄, let me stop you right there—there are a few things you…
Read MoreMaking Your Own Yoto Cards: Fast and Detailed Guide! 🎵📚
Due to some fab feedback from one of the Yoto Community Pages, I have put together this guide…. It’s not super quick because I have done literal step-by-step. If you haven’t already read my ramblings about Yoto you can find it here. Have you ever wanted to customize your kids’ Yoto cards with their favorite…
Read MoreTravel Tips for Families and Our Top Tips
Making Travel Easier for Families including those with Additional Needs Disclaimer: I am not an affiliate marketer because I can’t work their systems/programs out. If that changes I will update and let you know. We will always be honest with you. Travel can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety for families, especially those with…
Read More10 Reasons Why the Yoto Player is My Pick for THE Christmas Present of the Year
If you’re on the hunt for a screen-free, engaging, and long-lasting toy, let me introduce you to my pick of the season: the Yoto Player. As a parent of two energetic boys (aged 3.5 and 1.5), I’ve seen my fair share of toys, but the Yoto Player has quickly become our most used item—daily, in…
Read MoreTravelling – Visuals and Social Stories to support your travels
Navigating Travel with Ease: A Guide for Families Using Social Stories and Visuals Traveling can be an exciting yet challenging experience, particularly for families with children who have additional needs. For those living in rural or remote areas, traveling is often essential to access vital services, visit family, or enjoy a vacation. The unpredictability of…
Read MoreSocial Skills – Recommended Resources
Mastering Social Skills: Essential Resources for Parents and Professionals Social skills are foundational to navigating everyday interactions and forming meaningful relationships. While some children acquire these skills through observation and experience, others, especially those with disabilities or developmental delays, require explicit instruction and support. For parents, educators, and therapists, understanding how to effectively support children…
Read More8 Reasons Why I Love Being an Occupational Therapist*
This year, Occupational Therapy in Australia celebrates its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of dedication, evolution, and impact. The journey began with the formation of the first Occupational Therapists Club in 1944. Since then, the profession has grown significantly, adapting to societal changes and the needs of individuals across various settings. From the early days…
Read MoreToileting – Our Best Resources!
Navigating Toileting Challenges: Resources for Parents and Professionals Toileting is a critical developmental milestone for children, encompassing a range of skills from fine and gross motor abilities to body awareness and communication. While some children master these skills with ease, others may require additional support and tailored strategies. Understanding how to navigate these challenges can…
Read MoreSleep Blog – Our Top Resources
Understanding and Improving Sleep: A Guide for Parents and Professionals Sleep is a fundamental aspect of health and development, yet understanding what constitutes “normal” sleep can be complex. The concept of normal sleep includes various patterns, habits, and individual needs, which can make it a challenging topic for many parents, families, and professionals. Sleep is…
Read MoreClinical Supervision – Why is it important?
TOPIC: Supervision – why is it important as allied health professionals? Today we will be focusing specifically on occupational therapists. What: There is a lot of evidence of reflect practice and supervision being beneficial to both the practitioner and the client. We want to talk about why we love about supervision!! Why: Supervision is so…
Read MoreParents Day 2024 – Top 5 Apps for new Parents!
Since becoming parents – we were keen to work out how best to use our phones to support our family and kids! Since having our family, we have been looking and exploring apps that make our life easier! Phones and tablets can be a blessing and curse and its important to work out your values…
Read MoreThe Link between Motor Skills & Social Development in Children
Welcome back to our blog! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of motor skills and the link to social skill development of children. From navigating social interactions to fostering independence, motor skills play a crucial role in every aspect of a child’s life. Let’s explore how enhancing motor skills can positively impact social development…
Read MoreUnderstanding Sensory Processing and how it can impact Mental Health
Sensory Processing – What is it and What Does it Mean? Introduction Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input from the environment. For many children, sensory processing occurs naturally and efficiently (automatically and without voluntary effort). However, for some, sensory processing can be a challenge, impacting…
Read MoreLets talk sleep promoting routines!
Why is Sleep important? Sleep is just as important as food, shelter and safety. It allows the brain to recharge and the body to regenerate. Healthy sleep allows people to function at optimal alertness. Healthy sleep requires: Children need sleep to be able to: I know you know this! The next question is how to…
Read MoreHomes for Ukraine – How Else to Help
Many families around Europe are supporting by offering their homes for Ukrainian refugees. Many are wondering – what else/ what other support is needed? We have done some brief research and list it below. This is not an exhaustive list, and please refer to your local authority/country/ government regarding specific support in your country, and…
Read MoreCommunication Boards for Ukrainian Refugees
We have created a one page communication boards (general and medical needs) to help refugees communicate their basic needs. This was designed with people with additional needs in mind, who may not have access to their communication board or systems, however can support communication for anyone. If further are needed, please let us know and…
Read MoreGuest Post: How Corona Lockdown is Effecting Me – An OT Student with #NotSoTerriblePalsy
This week we are all still in #lockdown due to #covid19. Tim and I are busy working for the NHS #stayathomesavelives #protecttheNHS mostly from home. We are fortunate enough to welcome Georgia – an OT student completing a virtual placement with Mararget Spencer from OT360. Georgia is talking to us about what she is doing…
Read MorePsychology for My Child
TOPIC: Psychology for my child. WHY: Psychology is a broad topic, and there are different psychologists who work in different areas. When working with children, psychologists usually are involved in the following ways: Supporting young people with mental health concerns Assisting young people to develop strategies to manage challenging behaviour Assessing children for behaviour, mental…
Read MoreLook Hear Ipad & Tablet Management Ideas
Read about some of our top tips on manage iPads and tablets with children. With the recent update to the WHO guidelines we thought that it is a perfect time to reflect on their usage.
Read MoreHow to set up an Occupational Therapy Private Practice – Step 3
This is a follow on blog from our ‘Step 1‘ blog which we recommend reading first. It also links to the ‘Step 2‘ blog which (you guessed it, is best to read before step 3). This is specific to the United Kingdom, however most principles can be applied to other countries with similar registrations/processes for…
Read MoreHow to set up an Occupational Therapy Private Practice – Step 2
This is a follow on blog from our ‘Step 1‘ blog which we recommend reading first. It also links to the ‘Step 3‘ blog. This is specific to the United Kingdom, however most principles can be applied to other countries with similar registrations/processes for Occupational Therapists. TOPIC: You are thinking of taking on a few…
Read MoreHow to set up an Occupational Therapy Private Practice – Step 1
This is the first blog in a three part series outlining how to set up a private practice. Take a look at Step 2 and Step 3! Please note – this is specific to the United Kingdom, however most principles can be applied to other countries with similar registrations/processes for Occupational Therapists. TOPIC: Are thinking…
Read MoreGuest Post! What I wish I knew as a new grad Occupational Therapist!
TOPIC: What I wish I knew…. If you have stumbled across this blog post, you are probably a newly graduated occupational therapist! Congratulations on completing your degree! So …what now? If you are anything like I was, when you graduate, you are SO VERY READY to enter the workforce after many years of juggling studying and…
Read MoreGuest Post – Top 10 Tips for Adult Siblings of those with Additional Needs
TOPIC: Top 10 Tips For Special Needs Siblings (from a sibling!) WHAT: When we are children, there can be a variety of emotions regarding our siblings. Maybe you were jealous because they got to do all the fun stuff such as horseback riding and playing in a really cool looking gym? Maybe there were times…
Read MoreWhat is a Whole Class Approach?
TOPIC: What is a Whole Class Approach? Why do therapists talk about it so much? WHAT: Being a teacher in this day and age is hard HARD HARD! There are so many expectations and deadlines and benchmarks to meet, all while trying to nurture and teach the next generation. A big part of therapy is…
Read MoreParents Day 2019 – Top 5 Apps for new Mums and Dads!!
Guest Post This month we have a guest post! Farrah is a writer, millennial, and single mother of two – one living daughter, and one son not. She had both children while attending university, and is now studying a Masters degree. She frankly details life, pregnancy and parenting after the loss of a child, on…
Read MoreWhy do Therapists give me home programs?
TOPIC: Why are therapists family focused? Do we have to be involved? Are home programs that important? WHAT: Therapists talk about being “family centered” or “family focused” all the time. What does it mean? Why are therapists family focused? And why do I as a parent, keep getting homework from my therapist? I thought going…
Read MoreINSAR 2019 – Conference Day 3
Hi everyone, Tim here. I’ve been in Montreal last week at the International Society of Autism Researchers (INSAR) annual conference. This conference brings autism researchers from around the world together to discuss and share the leading research into the autism spectrum. Highlights from Day 3: Transitioning into adulthood Are healthcare providers ready to transition ASD…
Read MoreINSAR Conference 2019 – Day 2
Hi everyone, Tim here. I’ve been in Montreal last week at the International Society of Autism Researchers (INSAR) annual conference. This conference brings autism researchers from around the world together to discuss and share the leading research into the autism spectrum. Highlights from Day 2: Multimodal Measurement of Sensory Processing Measuring sensory reactivity reliably: Teresa…
Read MoreINSAR Conference 2019 – Day 1
Tim shares his reflections and information on the most up to date Autism research fresh from the INSAR Conference 2019!!
Read MoreGuest Post! Over Coming Adversity – The Complex World of Autism and PANS
E’s Journey: The Complex World of Autism and PANS E was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years. E developed a complex Motor Movement Disorder and Tourette like symptons at 5 years. Intellectual disability followed. My Journey: When at high school many years ago, I always remember an English Assessment being “Overcoming Adversity”. At the time…
Read MoreSleep Week 2019! How to promote healthy sleep in my child?
Why is Sleep important? Sleep is just as important as food, shelter and safety. It allows the brain to recharge and the body to regenerate. Healthy sleep allows people to function at optimal alertness. Healthy sleep requires: Sufficient amount (time) Uninterrupted (quality) Natural sleep cycle (circadian rhythm) Age-appropriate naps Children need sleep to be able…
Read MoreChild Mental Health Week 2019: Using Sensory Processing to look after my Mental Health
Topic: How can I use my senses and sensory processing to look after my mental health? Why: According to Sutton and Nicholson (2011), sensory-based treatment has been identified as an effective treatment approach for clients who are distressed, anxious, agitated, or potentially aggressive and as an alternative for more coercive actions; they also determined that…
Read MoreLiena – Hope for Boro Village
Whilst in Botswana, we met a young girl named Leina. Leina is 3 years old who lives in a small village in the Okavango Delta with her parents, grandparents and siblings. She was initially introduced to us as “the disabled child of the village” as she was unable to walk due to what appeared to…
Read MoreHow we choose the websites we feature….
Today we explain in more detail how and why we chose the websites we have listed in our resource library. Topic How we choose the websites we feature…. Why: It is important for us to be transparent about how we are choosing our websites – it’s also important for our community to know how we…
Read MoreOur How and Why – The Reasons Behind an Online Library
Topic: The reasons behind an online library – Why Look Hear Australia? Today we interview Tara, the founder of LHA, about how and why she started the business with her husband Tim. Why did you start LHA? I wanted it to be a long-term resource that I could use for my therapy; to make it easy.…
Read MoreParents: What is the difference between a melt down and a tantrum?
What is the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum? This is a tricky question! Every child has tantrums – it is actually an important part of typical development. Children with disabilities can sometimes have meltdowns; a full “computer shut down and restart”. This can happen for many reasons that can be sensory-, communication- or…
Read MoreFive of the Most Common Questions Clinical Psychologists get asked!
TOPIC: What are some of the most common questions Clinical Psychologists get asked? Q: How long will treatment take? A: Treatment depends on the age of the child, their presentation and type of therapy they are engaging in. Typically therapy would start with 6 sessions, after which there would be a review of the childs’…
Read MoreApp Review: Why we love Theratrak!
TOPIC: Why we love Theratrak! We have been lucky enough to know Laura Simmons from Theratrak since the beta stages of the app. She has worked incredibly hard to develop an app focused on easy, user friendly home programs for parents and professionals; and I must say, she has done a stella job. Laura is…
Read MoreGUEST POST: What is Occupational Therapy?
TOPIC: “So…what is Occupational Therapy?” WHAT: Don’t worry if you find yourself asking this question when you first meet an Occupational Therapist (or even several times afterwards!). Believe me – we understand! Our job title can be hard to understand from our name alone. Let us provide some clarity… Occupational Therapy is an allied healthcare…
Read MoreBook Review: Retro Toddler – Anne Zachry: Everything Retro Is Cool Again!!
We reviewed Retro Toddler for Anne! See what we thought about it below!! Book: Zachry, A. H. (2018). Retro Toddler: More Than 100 Old-School Activities to Boost Development. First Impressions: One thing I enjoyed about this book was that it was clear and easy to read. The layout really lends itself to this; it does not feel…
Read MoreBullying – What is the evidence?
BULLYING – WHAT DOES THE EVIDENCE SAY? Bullying can be defined as a subcategory of interpersonal aggression characterized by intentionality, repetition, and an imbalance of power, often with the element of abuse of power being a primary distinction between bullying and other forms of aggression (Smith & Morita, 1999; Vaillancourt, Hymel, & McDougall, 2003). Bullying…
Read MoreGuest Post – Working in Rural and Remote Queensland
This month, in honour of the SARRAH Conference 2018 which is focused this year on ‘Changing Landscapes, Changing Lives’, we have a Question and Answer Interview with Myles Chadwick, Psychologist, working in rural and remote Queensland. Hi Myles, can you tell us a bit about yourself? (E.g. where you work, how long you have lived there…
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