Centre for Developing Children

Get to know Centre for Developing Children

From Centre for Developing Children's website.

• Our approach

  Therapy at Centre for Developing Children is guided by the CFDC Foundations Framework, integrating evidence-based approaches including Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), DIR® Floortime, and functional, goal-directed intervention. Sessions are play-based and led by the child's interests, with therapists following their lead while providing the right level of support and challenge. The approach focuses on understanding why things feel hard for your child—not just the behaviour itself—and targets the underlying systems that support regulation, engagement, and skill development. Every service is tailored to your individual child, recognising that development is unique and meaningful change happens when therapy is engaging, relational, and purposeful. Your child's nervous system and foundational sensory-motor skills are strengthened so they can build confidence and better participate in everyday life at home, school, and in the community.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are central to the therapy process, with the team offering practical, strengths-based collaboration to help your child participate more confidently in everyday life. Communication and partnership begin at intake, where background information about your child's needs and goals informs all therapy planning. The team works collaboratively with families, educators, schools, and support teams to ensure therapy translates into meaningful changes at home and in the community. Therapy is designed to be purposeful and relatable to your child's real-life routines and challenges, with the therapist understanding your perspective on what matters most for your family. This partnership approach reflects the philosophy that development thrives when it's meaningful to the child and family.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Raquel Baptista, Founder and Clinical Director with a Master of Occupational Therapy and ASI® certification, who developed the CFDC Foundations Framework and leads clinical direction with expertise in sensory integration and complex presentations. Mariam El Azzi, Senior Occupational Therapist and Clinical Lead, oversees clinical practice and specialises in early intervention and paediatric feeding. Vivianna Jneid, an Occupational Therapist, provides strengths-based, play-focused therapy supporting emotional regulation and functional skill development. Therapy Assistants Natasha Hartley (BScPsych) and Isabelle Mourani deliver structured therapy programs under Occupational Therapist supervision and support children through play-based intervention. All team members work collaboratively to ensure therapy is practical, meaningful, and supports consistency in skill development.

• Your first visit

  Your first step is a free 15-minute consultation where you can discuss your concerns and determine if the service is right for your family. After booking, you'll complete intake forms that gather background information about your child's needs, strengths, and goals. An initial consultation then follows, where the team begins with a comprehensive understanding of your child to guide therapy planning. Robust assessments are conducted to understand exactly where your child's challenges stem from, so therapy can specifically address these. This foundation ensures that treatment is carefully tailored to your child's individual needs from the start.