Neurodevelopment and Coordination Physiotherapy 

I provide physiotherapy support for children with neurodevelopmental differences, including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). I have a strong professional interest in this area and work with children and families in a way that is respectful, playful, and developmentally informed. 

I believe children develop best when they feel safe, understood, and supported. My approach is to meet each child exactly where they are at, without rigid expectations or pressure to perform. 

Child-Led, Relationship-Based Approach 

• Flexible, child-centred sessions with no fixed agenda 

• Build rapport and trust through play and meaningful interaction 

• Use of DIR® Floortime™ principles: following the child’s lead, encouraging engagement, and supporting development within safe relationships 

• Supports emotional safety and motivation, which are key foundations for learning new motor skills 

How Physiotherapy Supports Neurodevelopment 

Movement, posture, balance, and coordination influence how children experience their bodies and interact with the world. Developing gross motor skills supports children to move with greater ease, confidence, and efficiency, reducing frustration and physical effort during daily life. 

Areas of focus may include: 

• Gross motor delays or movement skill development 

• Balance and postural control 

• Coordination and motor planning 

• Proprioception and body awareness 

• Muscle tightness, strength, and movement efficiency 

• Toe walking or gait differences 

Benefits for children: 

• Feeling physically secure and capable 

• Greater participation in play, school activities, or sports 

• Ability to explore their environment with comfort and confidence 

• Supporting their individual goals, preferences, and needs 

Why Movement and Play Matter 

Research highlights the link between movement, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and overall development. Playful, purposeful movement helps develop neural pathways for: 

• Coordination 

• Attention and focus 

• Self-regulation 

• Body awareness 

Supporting physical competence helps children: 

• Engage more comfortably with their environment 

• Participate in activities they enjoy 

• Increase confidence, enjoyment, and independence in daily life 

The focus is not on changing who a child is, but on empowering them to move, play, and participate on their own terms. 

Getting Therapy Right for Children 

Effective physiotherapy for children is not about forcing skills or repeating the same task at all costs. Children learn best through play, positive relationships, and feeling safe, understood, and respected. 

Every child has different needs, and these can influence how they engage in therapy. Differences in communication, cognition, sensory preferences or sensitivities, anxiety around movement, regulation, interests, energy levels, and health all affect participation from day to day. These factors are recognised and respected within each session. 

Sessions are guided by the child’s cues, interests, and motivation on the day. If a child is tired, overwhelmed, or not ready to practise a particular skill, therapy may shift to a different activity or focus on another area of movement. Problemsolving, creativity, and flexibility are key. 

By following the child’s lead and creating enjoyable movement experiences, physiotherapy supports learning, confidence, and longterm engagement with movement — recognising that progress is individual, nonlinear, and that every day can look different. 

A Personal and Professional Perspective 

My passion is informed by my own experience. As a child, I ran on my toes, struggled with emotional regulation, and general regulation of my energy and attention and I struggled with sport which affected my confidence. Later, discovering sport and physical activity helped me improve: 

• Fitness and gross motor skills 

• Body confidence 

• Social connection 

These experiences shape how I work with children today. I aim to help children with neurodevelopmental differences develop: 

• Gross motor ability 

• Balance and coordination 

• Confidence and enjoyment in movement 

So they can participate meaningfully in PE, sports, play, and everyday life — with less fear, less effort, and more fun. 

A Supportive and Individualised Approach 

Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Physiotherapy does not aim to change who a child is, but to support movement, comfort, and participation in ways that respect the child’s body, development, and overall wellbeing. 

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your child, or if your child has a diagnosis not listed above, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss your concerns.