May 03rd, 2022

​Is a child you know struggling at home and school?

A child you know may 

• not be keeping up with their peers
• not be engaging in learning
•  be struggling with handwriting
• be miserable at home or school
• not be socialising successfully
• have unusual or odd behaviours
• behave aggressively
• avoid new experiences

 
Physical, thinking or sensory problems may create challenges for learning, social exchanges and behaviour.  Some common causes are:

• Developmental Dyspraxia or Coordination Disorder
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Developmental Delay
• Learning difficulties
• Sensory Processing / Integration Disorder
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders 

 
Many children will not have a diagnosis; however, Therapy Professionals friendly therapists may be able to help.
 
Some common issues families and teachers may experience are in the following lists:

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Movements 

• being clumsy, uncoordinated
• being accident prone
• poor balance
• playing sports
• poor posture, floppy or rigid
• avoiding physical activity
• poor hand eye coordination
• sitting still

 
 Hand skills 

• handwriting
• using cutlery
• dressing – buttons and zips
• washing and cleaning themselves

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Sound, touch, sight, taste, smell or balance

• sensitive to certain sounds or noises eg covers ears to block out sound
• resisting brushing teeth and hair, or cutting nails
• needing to chew objects eg cloths or toys
• needing to swing, rock, flap, spin or touch objects
• fussy eating or gagging on some foods
• being in a busy place eg shopping malls

Thinking

• reading 
• short attention span
• losing and forgetting things
• following instructions
• being understood
• being motivated 
• getting started (initiating)
• problem solving 

 
 
Relating to others

• playing with others
• expressing needs and wants clearly
• fitting in - has few friends
• eye contact
• confidence
• interpreting social cues

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Behaviour                  
                                    

• constantly being ‘in trouble’
• being the ‘class clown’
• being obsessed with a topic 
•  ‘melt downs’
• trying new things
• being withdrawn
• coping with change
• anxiety

 
One or more of these problems may indicate a need for help
 
We know when a child is struggling, it affects the whole family and classroom. Our therapists will give support and advice as required by:

• identifying and helping you understand the cause of your child’s difficulties
• providing cost effective practical everyday solutions for you and others to help your child
• making a plan and helping you put it into action
• sourcing equipment

 

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Therapy Professionals Therapists
 
will work with people of all ages who are struggling with physical, thinking, sensory, social and behavioural challenges.
 
We provide services wherever the person/child lives, works, learns or plays.
 
When desirable we will work closely with:

• families
• caregivers
• teachers
• teacher aids
  
•  our team of Physio, Speech Language, Music and Occupational Therapists, & Dietitians (see individual therapy brochures).
• other health professionals
• workplaces, employers and schools

 
If a child you know needs help, you don’t have to struggle alone, we can help we can come to you. 
 
Just contact Therapy Professionals:
 
            Ph: 03 377 5280          Email: [email protected]
            Website: www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz