Send us a textWhat happens when a child struggles with skills that seem to come naturally to their peers? The impact goes beyond just academic performance—it strikes at the heart of their confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning.In this revealing conversation with Adam Griffin, CEO and Medical Director of Hakkini, we explore the often misunderstood world of paediatric occupational therapy. Adam clarifies that childhood "occupations" include everything from holding a pencil to kicking a ball to fastening buttons—the building blocks of development that allow children to engage fully with their world.Adam shares powerful analogies that help parents and teachers understand how developmental challenges feel from a child's perspective: "Imagine going to yoga class where everyone else is doing flying crows while you're shaking, sweating, and getting nowhere—then having to return day after day." This persistent experience of struggle can transform a naturally curious child into one who dreads school and learning.The discussion tackles why families often delay seeking help, the importance of early intervention, and how neurodiversity resembles different "operating systems" rather than deficits. Adam advocates for a holistic approach that extends support beyond clinic walls into classrooms and communities, creating "stepping stones toward independence." Sometimes, simple adjustments like a morning bike ride can dramatically improve a child's school experience.Most importantly, Adam emphasizes the collaborative nature of effective development support: "Therapy cannot be done to the child; it has to be done with the child." When parents, teachers, and therapists align their efforts, children can overcome challenges and rediscover their natural drive to learn and grow.If you're concerned about your child's development or notice a student struggling in class, this episode offers valuable insights on taking that crucial first step toward support. Subscribe to School Talk for more conversations that help children thrive in learning environments.

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