Kate Reeve, BOccThy (Hons), CASI

How can we make it easier for families to tell us a strategy isn’t working? “How did you go with the activities?” can unintentionally feel like a progress check parents need to pass. We might instead ask: “What did you notice when you tried it?” “Was there a chance to try it?” “What would make this more manageable?” These conversations give us useful information about the fit of our recommendations - and room to change them together. What language do you use to help families feel comfortable sharing the tricky parts?

How can we help parents feel comfortable following their child’s lead? We often encourage child-led play, but “just follow their lead” can feel vague for parents. Modelling it together can make the idea more practical: notice what interests the child, wait, copy an action or offer a comment without asking a question. Then invite the parent to try, with space to find their own way of connecting. There’s no need to make every interaction a teaching moment. How do you help parents feel confident joining their child’s play?

One routine can be a useful starting point When families raise several concerns, it can be tempting to offer several strategies. But where do they start? Ask: “Which part of the day would you most like to feel easier?” Explore that routine together - what happens before the difficult moment, what the child might be finding hard and what already helps. Agree on one manageable change, then check in and adjust. What questions help you understand a family’s routines beyond what you see in the clinic?

When families don’t have room for more activities.. “We just haven’t had time.” When a family shares this, it’s a useful opportunity to revisit whether the plan fits their everyday life. Try asking: “What felt manageable, and what was hard to fit in?” Together, you might choose one priority, simplify a strategy or build it into a routine they already have. Sometimes the family needs us to reduce the demands of the plan. How do you adapt your recommendations when families are stretched?