Munira - Children's Occupational Therapist

Check out GROVE’s special interest groups. This one is for autistic teens and sounds great. Connection makes such a difference in our kids’ lives and GROVE’s team is really lovely. 🥰

“Wait. I have a theory.”

“But what if…?”

Our Mythology Group brings together Autistic teens who love myths, legends and stories from around the world – from Ancient Greek and Irish Celtic to Aztec and Chinese mythology.

And they can go very deep into it!

One week they might be debating mythology, the next they're exploring runes, talking about D&D or creating their own characters and stories. Sometimes a game of Guess Who somehow turns into a wide-ranging conversation about mythology.

But what we see in all our interest groups is that the interest becomes the bridge to something else: connection and belonging.

There's no pressure to do, be or communicate in any way that doesn't feel authentic and natural. Cameras can be on or off (we have safeguards in place).

Young people have the opportunity to:

⚔️ Meet other Autistic young people
⚔️ Dive into thoughtful conversations (typed and/or speaking) and big ideas
⚔️ Share their knowledge, perspectives and favourite stories
⚔️ Build friendships through a shared interest
⚔️ Be themselves

At GROVE, we don't see interests as distractions from social connection. We see them as one of the most authentic ways that connection happens. And when you can be your whole self, alongside people who understand you, belonging often follows naturally.

WE HAVE SPACE IN THIS GROUP! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK A TRIAL.

I’ve unexpectedly got 6 virtual 1:1 OT spots available this month while my son’s at camp.
DM for info or see links below.

Writing difficulties ≠ difficulties with writing.

They’re about the skills below the surface, the ones that come before writing.

When we address and build these underlying skills, it helps kids':
Coordination
Self esteem
Confidence
Play
Feeling comfortable in their body

And as so many parents say… when we support a child’s nervous system, strength, and coordination, the light inside of them that’s been dimmed by worries and struggles starts shining again.

So this summer, remember:
*All the swimming, playground trips, and time in nature are helping your child feel more comfortable in their body.
*All the snuggles, stories, reading, and movie nights are building ideas, planning, and organization for their creativity.
*All the baking, painting, and building are growing their problem solving and imagination.
*And if home is where they want to be, that quiet time alone (or with you) is the reset their nervous system needs.

If you want help figuring out next steps, making a plan that fits your child, or checking you are on the right track, I am here.

You already know your child so well.

When we combine your knowledge and intuition with my 28+ years of experience, my understanding of the brain and nervous system, and my lived experience as a neurodivergent mum ....that’s when we can take things to the next step.

I would love to put heads and hearts together (cheesy, I know — but once you are in my circle, that’s it!) and be part of your child’s support team.

Comment ‘yup’ below or send me a DM to chat about how we can work together.

I bought this Remarkable writing device end of last year.

I've now been using it for 6 months.

And it's been life changing for me.

I hardly get sore hands from writing.

I love the smooth feel of writing on its screen.

It saves all of my paperwork so no more piles and piles of paper to scan and save.

I love how he pen glides and has a bit of weight for feedback.

I really wish I had gotten it way sooner than I did. I was thinking about this for years before I got it.

Oh and it can also change my writing into text in case others can't read my writing. 😉

Do you or your kids use a writing device?

Be More Cat!

This kitty is living its best life and honestly, I'm taking notes.

Rest without guilt.
Stretch often and take up all the space you need.
Find sunny spots.
Eat when hungry.
Snuggle up to those who make you feel safe.
Wander off and do your thing when needed.

Lessons from Whiskers ❤️

Free Video Series

Did you know I have a free video series answering some of the questions parents ask me most about their child's coordination and writing?

This is me trying to be short and sweet.

Not literally... these days I feel very short now that my son and his friends all tower over me!

If you've ever wondered where to start, or felt overwhelmed by all the advice online, these videos are for you. I've kept them practical, straightforward and (mostly!) free from my usual rambling.

🎥 Watch the playlist here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGF1QB8VjMG4We8acoco1mD9X8WZ5lRg&si=iV7Ae9zm7Tv4TuNJ

You'll get answers to these questions:
• Where do I start?
• How can I help my child's pencil grasp?
• How can I support letter formation?
• What can I do if my child presses too lightly or too hard?
• What activities can help develop writing?
• What if my child refuses to write?

If there's another question you'd like me to cover in a future video, let me know in the comments.

I'm so excited to be part of this discussion, Unschooling in a Neurodivergent Family, this Sunday 26th July.

If you've ever attended the Unschooling Summit you'll know how amazing their events and programs are. I was so honoured to be asked.

I'll be joining Esther Jones (Unschooling Space), Meghan Suniga-Davies (Flying Squad), and Melissa Crockett-Joyoue for this deep dive.

We'll be chatting about why so many neurodivergent families find that self directed learning is a better fit, some of the joys and challenges that come with it, and answering your questions live.

As both a paediatric Occupational Therapist and an unschooling mum, this is one of my fave topics both personally and professionally.

If you're curious about unschooling, already on the journey, or simply wondering whether self-directed learning might be suitable for your child, do join.

📅 Sunday 26th July
🕗 8.00–9.30 pm (UK time)
🇨🇦 3.00–4.30 pm EST
💻 Live on Zoom, with the replay included.
🎟️ Tickets are US$15 (or US$10 concession)

More information and tickets: https://www.theunschoolingsummit.org/july-2026-sunday-session

When it rains, it pours!
I've got 3 exciting gigs coming up:

1. Unschooling in a Neurodivergent Family deep dive with Esther Jones ( Unschool Space) and Melissa Crockett-Joyeue and Meghan Suniga-Davies who runs Flying Squads.

Sun 26th July

2. Sensory support over the summer holidays ....secret podcast with Sandrine Raspail Olmi, The Relaxed Nutritionist.

Stay tuned for the date - some time in the summer.

3. My presentation on Sensory Capacity in The PDA Space Summit - Early October but sign up now.

Let me know which you're interested in and I'll put the info below.

(So funny that light looks like a halo over my head but really I'm no angel. 😇 🚫😉)

I've had the pleasure of reviewing this mega bundle of neuroaffirming resources, including PDFs, e books and videos, and it's been one of the best resource bundles I've come across.

What I really loved is how practical the resources are and how they support the whole family, from children through to adults. Laura Hellfeld Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting's resources cover such a wide range of topics, from supporting self care, toileting and everyday challenges to understanding EHCPs and advocating for your child. I also love how everything is tailored to each family's individual needs rather than taking a one size fits all approach.

Jade Farrington - Counsellor and Therapist and Teo from NDwise Hub's resources were another highlight. I found the ones on rejection sensitivity, unmasking and finding joy particularly helpful for neurodivergent parents. They break everything down into small, manageable steps with thoughtful insights and practical strategies that are easy to apply.

The videos from Jess at GROVE - Online Community & Mentoring for Autistic Young People were brilliant too, full of ideas to help children embrace their authentic selves, find flow, navigate school in ways that work for them, and create more moments of joy and connection.

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist and part of a neurodivergent family myself, I wholeheartedly recommend this resource bundle. What I love most is that it supports the whole family, not just the child. It's an incredible collection of practical, compassionate resources that families can keep referring back to again and again.

I've had the pleasure of reviewing this mega bundle of neuroaffirming resources, including PDFs, e books and videos, and it's been one of the best resource bundles I've come across.

What I really loved is how practical the resources are and how they support the whole family, from children through to adults. Laura Hellfeld's resources cover such a wide range of topics, from supporting self care, toileting and everyday challenges to understanding EHCPs and advocating for your child. I also love how everything is tailored to each family's individual needs rather than taking a one size fits all approach.

Jade and Teo's resources were another highlight. I found their sessions on rejection sensitivity, unmasking and finding joy particularly helpful for neurodivergent parents. They break everything down into small, manageable steps with thoughtful insights and practical strategies that are easy to apply.

The videos from Jess at GROVE were brilliant too, full of ideas to help children embrace their authentic selves, find flow, navigate school in ways that work for them, and create more moments of joy and connection.

As a paediatric Occupational Therapist and part of a neurodivergent family myself, I wholeheartedly recommend this resource bundle. What I love most is that it supports the whole family, not just the child. It's an incredible collection of practical, compassionate resources that families can use over and over again.

The bundle is only available until the end of tomorrow, so if you've been thinking about it, now's the time. Go and get it. I highly recommend it!

The bundle is only available until the end of tonight (30th June), so if you've been thinking about it, now's the time. Go and get it. I highly recommend it! And it's only £25.

https://payhip.com/b/By9Lh

It's your FINAL CHANCE to pick up this mega bundle of neuroaffirming support resources and webinars before it disappears at the end of June.

Created and endorsed by Autistic professionals and parents. Featuring eight webinars and 19 pdfs to support Autistic people, families, and the professionals who work with us.

We had no idea what response we'd get when we released this on Autistic Pride Day and we're so thrilled by the value people are getting from it!

🗣️ "This is truly SO amazing! Thank You so much for your work 🤩" - Maria Kuoksa

See below for details.