Understanding the Overlooked Motor Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder The World Health Organisation’s definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder is “Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. They
York St. John University – First-class Honours degree in Physiotherapy BSc (Hons)
Amelia’s journey in working with children commenced at age 17 when she served as a lifeguard and coach at a summer club. She then transitioned to the role of a physiotherapy assistant at a prestigious private hospital in the UK. Pursuing her passion further, she enrolled in university to pursue a degree in physiotherapy. Post-graduation, she embarked on a career in the National Health Service (NHS), gaining extensive experience through rotational physiotherapy placements in both adult and pediatric settings, including acute and community care. Progressing from a static pediatric band 5 physiotherapist to band 6, she honed her expertise before transitioning to a private pediatric practice where she specialized in Dynamic Movement Therapy (DMI). Concurrently, she continues her impactful work in the NHS as a specialist pediatric physiotherapist.
Amelia’s approach to working with children is rooted in providing tailored, innovative, and impactful interventions for each individual. She is committed to empowering both parents and children, fostering belief in their abilities to overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations. Believing in the potential of every child, she is dedicated to facilitating their journey towards greatness, irrespective of past setbacks.
Dynamic Movement Therapy
Bobath for Adults
Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway (CPIP)
Whole Body Vibration Therapy (WBV)
TEDEI (Training in Early Detection for Early Intervention)
University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).
Peter graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for 11 years. During this time, he has worked within a private clinics in Singapore, and in 2 International School settings.
Clinically, Peter has worked with children from toddlers to teenagers and a variety of developmental and physical needs. Peter has worked with a variety of clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges.
Some recent notable professional achievements for Peter have been the opportunity to be a part of a development team for an Intensive Support Program in an international school setting, and the creation of in school Occupational Therapy services within another International school.
Peter believes in a holistic approach encompassing the Childs occupation at both home and school, taking not just a functional approach but also a psychosocial approach. He has centered his professional development to ensure he is skilled in working with not just the child but the team around them.
USC Chan Sensory Integration Continuing Education (CE)
Certificate in Dyspraxia- Defining, Assessing and Intervening for Change
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training
Reimbursement
Physical Agents and Modalities
Credentialing, Regulation, Licensure, and Supervision of OT
Dysphagia and related care (AOTA approved)
Therapeeds Julia Harper sensory Integration courses 1-2-3
Community Mobility (AOTA approved)
Floortime Greenspan Approach 201
HANDLE Introductory course
Supervision and case management (Florida gulf Coast University)
CPR training
Apple Teacher Certified
Common Sense Educator
Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Training
Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy
Our family has so much gratitude for KidsFirst and especially the teachers the therapists for our son. After our first meeting with the teachers and the therapists, we felt heard and we knew they could guide us through our son’s IEP.
Navigating the IEP process is challenging and in many instances frustrating. Often there were times when I felt unheard and dismissed by my child’s previous schools. It was the best feeling going into our IEP with a solid plan and the staff being there to support. Their collective knowledge of our son’s needs (and abilities) coupled with extensive experience in education/special education, along with their child-centred approach has allowed to identify those support that would benefit and assist our son in a way that makes our son feel successful. We learned so much along the way.
Enrolling KidsFirst gave us the robust IEP we wanted, and furthermore, needed for our son’s needs. Their level of care and understanding is unmatched. It has been nothing short of amazing for our son and the rest of us. He is so calm, well regulated and has developed more functional communication skills. Such a positive change for him – he has always loved school, but now it feels like he is getting so much more from it. We are now confident that our son will get what he needs from his education as long as he remains at KidsFirst.
We find that we can take a deep breath and have confidence that our child will get the support he requires. Our only regret is not enrolling our son earlier. We will and have recommended KidsFirst to other families who are not getting their child’s goals and needs met within their school and IEP. There is no clear path to get your child what they need, but KidsFirst have the resources to getting them there. Once again we have immense gratitude to the team that works with our son.
Nina
University of Limerick, Ireland – Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
After graduating Sinead moved to Singapore where she worked for 2 years in school based early intervention with 0-6 year old children with Neuro physical And developmental delays. Sinead then went on to complete over 3 years in an acute hospital. In 2018 Sinead returned to work in paediatrics in a private setting where she got to work and train in the application of therasuit and neurosuit, spidercage therapy and Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME).
In 2021 Sinead made the decision to return to Ireland with her family, where she continued to work in paediatrics private practice. Being Ireland’s first CME therapist, Sinead worked in introducing this ground breaking therapy to families and therapists. Sinead assisted in setting up individualised intensives for clients and implementing intensives during school holidays.
Sinead strives to empower children to reach their maximum potential and believes that every milestone is a big milestone. Sinead also knows that motivation is important for participation and does her best to understand each child and get to know their personal interests and goals to help them achieve greater function.
Vestibular rehabilitation in adults
Cuevas Medek Exercises certified
Therasuit method and spidercage therapy
DMI certified
Masters of Speech Pathology
National University of Singapore – Bachelor of Arts (Social Work)
Alzena worked in a paediatric setting in Australia and has experience in a variety of clinical areas. The areas include working with children that presents with speech and language difficulties and disorders, autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay, social communication disorders, fluency disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Having completed a degree in social work, and a diploma in psychological studies, Alzena demonstrates a strong interest in working with the vulnerable population. She strives to advocate for her clients in pursuit of the best possible outcomes.
During her free time, Alzena also volunteered in a hospital supporting adults with chronic aphasia and special education school supporting children with special needs.
Alzena is passionate about providing holistic evidence-based client-centred care to clients and their families. She believes in employing innovation and creativity to ensure that therapy sessions are fun, enjoyable and at the same time support clients in realising their full potential. She strives to empower parents, teachers and other relevant stakeholders by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to support their child’s speech and language development.
Hanen – It takes two to talk
Attended trainings on Key Word Sign Australia
National University of Singapore
Holly has extensive experience working with children in different settings since graduating in 2009. She has worked with patients and their families in special education schools as well as in private therapy clinics.
She sees children aged 18 months to 18 years old with a variety of conditions and developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, etc.). She has experience seeing them in individual sessions, group therapy sessions, home therapy as well as in tele-therapy.
She is particularly passionate about working with children aged 7 and under. She is keen to help them and their families build a good foundation for their child’s speech and language development.
She is fluent in English and Mandarin. She is also able to speak conversational Cantonese.
Holly believes in helping every child to live up to their fullest potential. She strives to partner with caregivers and other professionals to provide therapy that would best benefit the child and the family.
It Takes Two to Talk – The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Language Delays
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Level 1
Talktools: A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy
SOS Approach (Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding)
M.O.R.E.: Integrating the Mouth with Sensory and Postural Functions
Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
University of Melbourne, Australia – Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
Singapore Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Prior to being an Occupational Therapist, Melissa held previous roles in early childhood and special education where she had the privilege to work with children and young adults with special needs in both school based and center based settings. These experiences gave her opportunities to assess and tailor interventions to meet the individual care needs and goals of her clients and families.
As an Occupational Therapist, Melissa is passionate about creating a supportive environment for growth and learning, nurturing the potential within each client by giving them the tools to thrive. She is a strong advocate in partnering caregivers during the therapy process, recognizing their essential roles in achieving positive outcomes together.
La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) – Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice
Prior to arriving in Singapore, Kacey worked as an allied health assistant in a private therapy clinic in Melbourne, where she found her passion in working with children with a wide range of needs. She was also a tutor for children with disabilities and find much joy in working with all children. Upon graduating with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Kacey has experience working in public healthcare settings, private and community clinics. In her career as a paediatric occupational therapist, she has worked closely with preschool and school-aged children to support the development of executive functions, emotional regulation, as well as other motor and learning challenges.
Kacey believes that every child is different and that effective intervention should be tailored to their unique strengths, abilities and interests. By creating a fun, encouraging, and supportive experience, she is able to connect with the child and build a strong and meaningful relationship with them. She is also passionate in finding the best strategy to support children enjoying the therapy sessions while becoming more self-confident and making improvements in their own skills.
Essentials of Sensory Integration by Dr Teresa May – Benson
DIR®/FloortimeTM 101 DIR Model (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship Model)
Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
She has over 4 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in special education in Singapore. Grace has experience working with children with autism, cerebral palsy and profound multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). In a school-based setting, she has worked closely with Individualised Education Program (IEP) team to support students in areas such as sensory integration, self-care skills, leisure participation, assistive technology prescription, and vocational training. Grace has carried out postural care interventions such prescription of specialised seating and sleep systems through collaboratively working with other therapists and providing parent coaching on 24-hour postural care. She has also conducted trainings for teachers in school to equip them with strategies that can be carried out in their classrooms.
As an Occupational Therapist, Grace believes that attunement is key to connect with the child before supporting them to develop their skills to participate in their daily activities. She is passionate about integrating children with disabilities in the community through empowering their families and advocating for their needs. With a strong supportive ecosystem, the child can meaningfully engage and thrive in their natural environment.
USC Sensory Integration Continuing Education Certificate Program
DIR 101 Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®
Postural Care Awareness (Level 2) by Open College Network (West Midlands)
Essentials to Sensory Integration Intervention by Dr Theresa May-Benson
University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).
Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.
Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children’s health.
Ayres Sensory Integration
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
Certified DIRFloortime Provider
SOS feeding
Beckman Oral Motor
MORE Feeding
Reflex integration
Rhythmical Movement Training
Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)
Interactive Metronome
Therapeutic Listening
Trauma Informed Intervention
Attention Autism
DMI Certified
University of Sydney -Master of Speech Language Pathology
Nanyang Technological University- Bachelor of Arts (Honors), Linguistics and Multilingual Studies
Samuel is an AHPC registered Speech-Language Therapist who believes that therapeutic success requires the harmonious teamwork of the therapist, caregiver, and the community. Following his Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Multilingual studies, he was awarded a postgraduate scholarship from the Ministry of Health to read Speech and Language Pathology at University of Sydney.
He has worked in a variety of settings across a wide range of populations in Singapore and Australia. Prior to joining KidsFirst, he worked in acute and community hospitals, providing assessment and intervention for clients with swallowing and communication difficulties. He is adept at treating language, speech, social and cognitive communication disorders and has also provided services at preschools, paediatric clinics and early intervention centres. These experiences have helped Samuel develop a broader understanding of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds that are involved in providing holistic speech therapy services.
In his time with public healthcare, Samuel spearheaded a national campaign that addressed the need for the provision of modified diets in the community. This pioneer campaign was publicly launched with media coverage and allowed Samuel to work with different community stakeholders to better understand their needs.
Samuel believes in creating a fun, child-centered therapeutic environment and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to work on goals that are meaningful to his clients. He provides therapy in English and Mandarin.
Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his children and strength training.
Fully Registered Speech-Language Therapist
Certified Clinical Supervisor with Allied Health Professional Council
Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) Technique
Signing Exact English Stage 1
Hanen: More Than Words
Play Project
McNeil Dysphagia Therapy (MDTP)
Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT LOUD)
Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
DIRFloortime® 101
Dynamic Temporal & Tactile Cueing (DTTC) for Speech Motor Learning
Enhancing Early Language and Literacy Skills with Read It Again!
Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk
Liverpool John Moores University – Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary – with SEN)
University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science in Sports Coaching
Anita graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Over her career, Anita has taught in various settings of Educational needs in England and Australia. For the last three years, Anita had been based in an Autistic Specialist School in Melbourne.
University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).
Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.
Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children’s health.
Ayres Sensory Integration
Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)
Certified DIRFloortime Provider
SOS feeding
Beckman Oral Motor
MORE Feeding
Reflex integration
Rhythmical Movement Training
Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)
Interactive Metronome
Therapeutic Listening
Trauma Informed Intervention
Attention Autism
DMI Certified
