What do we do?

Circles of Willow Neurodiverse provides individual physiotherapy, individual paediatric physiotherapy and group exercise for neurodiverse people. We have been approached by parents of neurodiverse children for individual interventions and now offer these as well as holistic parent led, physio facilitated groups to people with ADHD and or ASD children living in our community. Some children require a period of individual treatment before they can then be integrated into a group. In group we have fun together and employ research findings to guide us, to unwrap the gifts of neurodiversity.

As we work with the children and their families new needs become apparent. As a physiotherapist, my skills lie in the field of movement and exercise prescription. Therapy for intergenerational trauma and subsequent self-education around trauma, has led me to a far deeper understanding of the body, emotions and mind. This interplay affects us much more than we think. I believe physiotherapy interventions done mindfully impact our nervous systems profoundly. People who identify as neurodivergent, are often under more stress than their neurotypical peers. For them the unique combination of targeted exercise and mindfulness is vital.

We welcome the opportunity to design programs targeting your needs using science, mindfulness and movement.

Our groups for term3 shall finish on 21/09/2024 . We shall resume for term 4 on 26/10/2024 and run until 11/12/2024 10:30a.m. For individual assessment and treatment kindly contact us to make a suitable time.

Our children are our greatest asset. How do we best support them to reach their full potential?

We welcome the to talk to you. You know your child best. Call Merima on 0422 419 793 or email merima@circlesofwillow.com to discuss your unique experience with neurodiversity. Conversation and subsequent thorough assessment give us a strong foundation for our work together and forms a basis for our reassessment process. Term 2 has been a period of growth. The children have undergone big changes. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to complex medical problems is once again validated. Parents are able to see and encourage growth in participation, muscle strength and mindfulness adherence. Who would have thought that our children could lie still on the mat for 2:07 minutes? Yes there was the odd wriggle and they opened their eyes but they were calm!

Our point of difference is to walk beside you. Let us embrace the gifts brought to us by neurodiversity.

Our Inspiration

Neurodiversity touched our family. As a semi-retired physiotherapist and hands on Oma (grandmother), I needed to understand. So I began to delve into ADHD and ASD. My science background, clinical experience, and avid interest in mental health gave me a unique skill set to provide parents with effective interventions. All complex medical conditions require a multi-disciplinary approach. A good illustration of this is the management of cardiovascular disease where a combination of diet, stress management, blood pressure management, exercise etc. adhered to collectively can produce improvement in health. ADHD and ASD children benefit from a team approach.

Basic Resources

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhd

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/autism

ADHD 2.0 E.M Hallowell MD and J.J. Ratey MD

The Explosive Child R.W Greene PhD Disconnected Kids Dr Robert Melillo

Uniquely Human Barry M. Prizant

Different not Less Chloe´ Hayden

ADHD can be exhausting for parents and the child

What is Circles of Willow Neurodiverse?

Our physiotherapy groups use evidence-based fun interventions to enhance the children’s developmental foundations by improving their strength, coordination, balance, proprioception, and vestibular function. We understand the power of unique bond between parent and child and provide an environment which allows self-regulation. We believe that parents and children both need a nurturing space.

Kindly note: a formal diagnosis is not necessary to join our program. If you have concerns regarding your child’s activity level, motor function, balance or coordination; consider a physiotherapy assessment.

Physiotherapy is not always at the forefront in managing ASD children. But paediatric physiotherapists Dr Sarah Redman APAM and Lisa Truscott APAM have identified five facts about physiotherapy and ASD:

“Movement difficulties are highly prevalent in children with ASD.” These can impact academic, social, self care and community relationships.
“Physical activity level is lower in children with ASD but interventions are effective.” Physios are qualified to promote physical activity and motor development.
“Physios identify movement disorders prior to ASD diagnosis.” Early identification and referral to appropriate professionals provide better outcomes long term.
“Physiotherapy improves motor outcomes in children with ASD.” Gross and fine motor skills often require interventions.
“Physiotherapy can improve sports participation and activity goals.” community based programs reduce anxiety, improve quality of life and augment self-regulation.
Children may have an overlap of ADHD and ASD. Movement difficulties are prevalent in both groups.

Our Method

I draw on 41 years of experience as a clinical physiotherapist, an avid interest neuroscience, personal meditation practice, and extensive group facilitation experience to craft unique, individualized small group sessions. Circles of Willow Neurodiverse is guided by the science, strengthening weak muscles, improving coordination and balance, and assisting sensory integration.

We provide a serene environment and deliver holistic interventions. Our therapy space is a non-clinical, low-simulation environment that incorporates nature. We support carers and their children with the ongoing stresses through the power of connection and give parent-children teams a chance to co-regulate.

Regular mindfulness breaks enhance focus but also allow learning through repetition and practice. Circles of willow is a safe inclusive space. Neurodiversity is welcome. A ‘calm corner’ is provided if required. Soft music enhances our group sessions.

We understand that our clients display a variety of behaviours but require that child to be able to follow simple instruction. In the event of excessively disruptive behaviour, we rely on a short break from the program so your child can regulate. Close communication regarding ongoing behavioural patterns allows us to work effectively with you both. Creative solutions are usually possible.

Our neurodiverse space is a respectful, understanding, and safe.

Working collaboratively in a small group supported by a parent and encouraged by others who understand is a highly transferable life skill.

soft textures, gentle colous, weighted blanket, fidget spinners

Merima Jackson Bio

Merima founded Circles of Willow Neurodiverse, a parent-child physiotherapy group for families embracing neuro-affirmative therapies for their ADHD and/or ASD children. Personal and professional reasons, and growing mental health awareness led her the realization that her skillset applied perfectly to the rising need for services in our local community.

Graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland, she began to learn. In 1990, she undertook a postgraduate Diploma of Musculoskeletal Acupuncture, a move which cemented the holistic approach into her work.

The combination of extensive experience as a clinical physiotherapist, an avid interest neuroscience, personal meditation practice, and extensive group facilitation experience make her small group sessions individualized unique.

Circle of Willow groups provide a calm space for you and your child to co-regulate prior to participating in activities that use structured fun to achieve clinical outcomes. She works with children in age brackets of 4-7 and 8-11 years of age. Her 4 year-old-clients need to be at kinder to gain the most benefit from our group interventions. Groups are limited to 4-6 parent-child teams. These sessions support participants to rewire their nervous systems prior before the turbulence of adolescence.

She uses a holistic, evidence-based approach . She believes that parents know their children best and that both parent and child benefit from the chance to spend one on one time together. Merima welcomes a chance to become part of the team supporting the family.

Merima has also pursued circle facilitation, working with women in circle to improve wellbeing through the power of connection. She’s a highly involved Oma, seeing and understanding the challenges faced by family units with neurodivergent children. A deep love of nature, colour, creativity, family, food, and fun enrich her full life.

What’s Involved?

Prior to commencement we spend time getting to know your child through you. To assess our impact we need to understand the what makes life difficult at home. Initially, we shall send you a form which once returned to us is followed up by a face to face consultation with the parent only. this enables you to raise any concerns that you have in regard to your chil’s neurodiversity.It is expected that this will take 30 minutes. This is followed by a face-to-face paediatric physiotherapy assessment which allows us to identify the areas that require strengthening and integrating. When these steps are complete you shall be able to join our group. Ideally a reassessment is required after 3-6 months. We are open to feedback from you anytime.

Fees

Parent only consultation 30 minutes $60.00

Paediatric assessment 60 minutes $160.00

Parent child class participation 60 minutes $50.00

Paediatric reassessment 30 minutes $80.00

We are unable to take NDIA managed clients at this time.

When are groups held?

Our groups are held on Saturday mornings in Sunbury. Rested children participate more easily. Our 4–7-year-olds run from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and our 8–11-year-olds from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Circles of Willow Neurodiverse work with children who attend kinder or primary school. We run with the school terms unless otherwise notified.