SEED Paediatric Services

Get to know SEED Paediatric Services

From SEED Paediatric Services's website.

• Our approach

  The approach is child-led, relationship-focused and play-based, drawing on evidence-based theories including Ayres Sensory Integration, Attachment Theory, the DIR Model, Neuro-Developmental Technique, Polyvagal Theory and play theory. Sessions are tailored to each child's unique needs and strengths, with occupational therapists using clinical reasoning tools (SpIRiT and STEPPSI) to ensure interventions are highly responsive. The service is neuro-affirming, recognizing neurodiversity and celebrating each child's potential to thrive. Families are actively involved throughout, with regular meetings between parents and therapists to shape outcomes and review progress towards meaningful goals.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are essential partners in the occupational therapy process and are strongly encouraged to be actively involved in sessions and the wider journey. The service includes regular detailed meetings between parents/carers and the occupational therapist to discuss progress and shape outcomes. Parents are asked to share detailed information, complete questionnaires, provide feedback, communicate openly about any changes or shifting goals, and dedicate time to engaging with their child outside of sessions—such as reading materials provided and performing suggested activities. The more detail and commitment parents provide, the more precise and effective the therapy can be in achieving meaningful progress towards your family's goals.

• Meet the team

  Michelle Maunder and Sarah MacInnes are the two paediatric occupational therapists at SEED. Michelle has 30+ years of experience working with neurodivergent children and is a Co-Director; she holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy (1994) and a Master of Education in Adult Education (2007), with a wealth of experience in paediatric rehabilitation and clinical governance. Sarah is also a Co-Director with a Bachelor degree in Applied Science (Occupational Therapy), a Master's degree in Health Science (Paediatric Occupational Therapy) and is an MBA candidate; she brings over a decade of clinical experience in direct services focused on fostering growth and resilience. Both therapists are well-connected within the health industry and receive regular mentoring from leading international clinicians.

• Your first visit

  The process begins with an intake where you provide a brief summary of your child's strengths, interests and concerns, then you complete electronic questionnaires before your initial meeting. At the initial meeting, the occupational therapist discusses your child's developmental history, interests, strengths, primary concerns and function at home and school in detail. The therapist then meets with your child to undertake observations and both standardised and non-standardised assessments to identify their capacity and root causes of any difficulties. Following this clinical assessment, you meet with the therapist to discuss the findings, clinical formulation and recommendations, and together determine the path forward including detailed goals if you decide to commence intervention.