The Expert in the Room: How child-led Therapy Supports Neurodivergent Development

When it comes to supporting neurodivergent child, there's a crucial principle that guides our work at Meaningful Activities: they are the expert in their own experience. This approach, often referred to as child-led therapy, is at the heart of our occupational therapy services.

Understanding child-led Therapy

Child-led therapy is based on the understanding that:

• Every child has unique experiences and needs
• Children have valuable insights into their own challenges and strengths
• Empowering child to lead their own development promotes long-term success and     self-esteem

Our Role

In child-led therapy, our occupational therapists (OTs) acta s facilitators rather than directors. This means:

• We create a safe, supportive environment for exploration
• We offer tools and strategies, but let the child   choose what works for them
• We follow the child's lead in therapy sessions, building on their interests     and strengths
• We validate the child 's experiences and perspectives

Benefits of Child-led Therapy

This approach offers numerous benefits for neurodivergent child:

1. Increased  Engagement: When children are involved in directing their therapy, they're more likely to be engaged and motivated.
2. Better Self-Understanding: By exploring their own needs and preferences, children develop a stronger sense of self.
3. Improved Self-Advocacy: As children learn to express their needs in therapy,  they become better equipped to advocate for themselves in other settings.
4. Authentic Skill Development: Skills developed are more likely to be maintained as they're based on the child ‘s genuine interests and needs.

Real-World Application

Consider Tom, an autistic in Adelaide who was initially reluctant to engage in therapy. By following Tom's lead:

• We discovered his passion for trains and incorporated this into our sessions
• Tom began to open up about his sensory challenges at school
• Together, we developed strategies that Tom was excited to try, based on his train     analogies
• Tom's parents reported improved communication and problem-solving at home

Supporting Child-Led Approaches at Home

As a parent, you can apply similar principles:

• Follow your child's interests in daily activities
• Offer choices to promote decision-making skills
• Validate your child's feelings and experiences
• Encourage problem-solving by asking open-ended questions

The NDIS and Child-led Therapy

Our Adelaide based occupational therapy services are designed to support this child-led approach. We work alongside families with NDIS plans that allow for flexibility and individualisation in therapy sessions.

At Meaningful Activities, we believe that by recognising your child as the expert in their own experience, we can provide more effective, meaningful support. Our goal is not just to help our child develop skills, but to empower them to understand and advocate for their unique needs.

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