Building Thinking Through Body and Movement
A young child with Autism, Global Developmental Delay and significant language difficulties who struggled to understand and draw simple geometric shapes.
Child Profile
A young child with Autism, Global Developmental Delay and significant language difficulties who struggled to understand and draw simple geometric shapes.
Initial Challenge
The difficulty wasn't simply drawing a square or rectangle—it was understanding the spatial concepts and movement behind them.
Approach
Instead of starting with pencil and paper, we explored shapes through movement. Using tape on the floor, body movement, language (spatial concepts), colorful constructions and drawing, the child gradually experienced the concepts before representing them on paper.
Progress/Outcome
The child became able to draw the shapes independently while also improving spatial understanding, language, sequencing and motor planning.
Why it Matters
It reminds me that children don't just learn a skill - they build the thinking that makes the skill possible.
Embracing Challenging Behaviours Through Trauma-Informed Care
A preschool-aged child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Global Developmental Delay.
Child Profile
A preschool-aged child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Global Developmental Delay, experiencing significant distress at home, school and during therapy.
Initial Challenge
The child shifted from seeking rituals to actively seeking the therapeutic relationship — developing greater flexibility, emotional understanding and confidence during transitions.
Approach
Building trust through play, visual supports and emotional language — transforming rigid rituals into flexible interactions, with consistent support from parents, school and the multidisciplinary team.
Progress/Outcome
Meaningful change doesn't require confrontation. When children feel understood and emotionally safe, they become active participants in their own development.
Why it Matters
Trauma-informed care reduces anxiety, builds safety and connection, and creates the foundation for lasting growth across environments.
