Author: Angela Preston

In my 20+ years as an occupational therapist, I’ve learned one fundamental truth: a stressed nervous system cannot learn. This is why Rhythm to Grow is built on the “Go Slow” principle—a trauma-informed approach inspired by Australian physiologist Moira Dempsey. What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean? Trauma-informed care recognises that many children (and adults) have experienced events…

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “What can I do at home?” The good news is that supporting your child’s neurodevelopmental growth doesn’t require expensive equipment or hours of structured therapy. Here are five simple, evidence-based activities you can incorporate into your daily routine. 1. The Starfish Movement (Moro Reflex…

When I first started offering telehealth sessions, I’ll admit I was skeptical. How could I assess a child’s movement, observe their reflexes, and provide hands-on guidance through a screen? But over the past few years, I’ve learned that not only can OT work via telehealth—it can be incredibly effective. Here’s what you can expect. Before…

“Why can’t you just sit still?” It’s a question many parents and teachers ask, often with frustration. But what if I told you that for some children, sitting still is neurologically difficult—not a choice? The Vestibular System: Your Child’s Internal GPS The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, tells us where our body is…

Primitive reflexes are the building blocks of human development. Learn how these involuntary movements shape your child’s ability to learn, play, and grow.

Sensory processing refers to how our nervous system receives, organises, and responds to sensory information from our environment. While we often think of the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), our body also processes: The Two Patterns: Seeking vs. Avoiding Children with sensory processing challenges typically fall into two patterns: Sensory Seekers Sensory Avoiders…