A child who covers their ears, constantly seeks movement, withdraws from touch or struggles to recognise hunger and pain is communicating something important through their nervous system. Trauma Research suggests an association between childhood trauma, attachment and adverse childhood experiences, and differences in sensory responsiveness. Trauma may affect threat detection, startle responses, body-signal awareness and the child’s capacity to regulate alongside a trusted adu

Occupational therapy is deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest: it’s also complex, emotionally heavy, and occasionally leaves you wondering if you are doing it right. Whether you’re navigating risk, balancing competing demands, or trying not to lose your core OT identity in a task-focused service, carrying that weight alone is exhausting. Supervision isn't just a tick-box exercise for students or a safety net when you’re struggling; it’s the breathing room every therapist need

Traditionally, we are told that research comes first. Then comes theory. Only once those foundations are firmly in place should we begin developing practical tools. But what happens when your brain simply does not work in that order? As a neurodivergent professional, my information processing does not always follow a neat, linear path. I often need to see an idea, explore how it might work in practice and understand how its different parts connect before I can step back and f

Following my neurodivergent ageing seminar last year, I am back at the National Neurodiversity Show 2026 to present Axia's Dyspraxia Centre of Excellence (DCOE). I am incredibly passionate about this service, and honoured to be able to talk about what we hope to achieve. Dr Buchan's vision for the DCOE seeks to raise awareness of dyspraxia and ensure that all stakeholders understand the wider implications of this condition. This approach prioritises treating individuals with

The festive season is often sold to us as a time of joy, connection and celebration, but for many children, young people, families and neurodivergent adults, it can also be one of the most overwhelming periods of the entire year. Routines shift. Sensory environments intensify. Social expectations grow, and on top of that, we’re all carrying our own stories: grief, change, transitions, burnout, financial strain and the pressure to “stay jolly.” As a specialist Occupational The

I am tempted to make some lame jokes about how learning to drive 'drove me mad' or was the 'road to Hell', but let's just say it was tricky! Many neurodivergent individuals excel at driving, such as professional racing driver Bobby Trundley, NASCAR driver Armani Williams, and international karting driver Elliott Shaw. However, many struggle with this task. This is not an intelligence issue; it is not a common-sense issue; it is a processing difference. Understanding this, usi

Halloween can be such a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially for those of us who are neurodivergent. The lights, the noise, the costumes, the crowds; it’s a lot. And if you’re a neurodivergent parent, like me, trying to make the day magical for your child while managing your own sensory limits can feel like walking a tightrope in an ill-fitting clown costume. Parents often feel overwhelmed before the day even arrives. Pumpkin carving sounds lovely in theory, but in pra

Neuroaffirmative therapy: making space for you to shine rather than trying to fit in. I like to think that neuroaffirming therapy is a...

Why choose JBOT-UK ® ? I get it : I am neurodivergent (AuDHD) so have plenty of lived experience alongside extensive professional...

After some interesting discussions with my colleagues, I wanted to share my thoughts on SPD. As occupational therapists (OTs), we work...

My updated sensory information packs are now available! They cover the 8 senses and have visual maps which allow you to understand your...

I am often asked, "Why JBOT, what does it mean?". J.B.O.T- UK represents my initials, profession, and geographical base. My logo includes...