Last week, our Senior Occupational Therapist, Rhyannah, had the wonderful opportunity to present at the OT Australia Conference in Adelaide. It was an inspiring event that brought together professionals from across the country to share innovative ideas, evidence-based practices and new ways to support children and families.
In her presentation, Rhyannah introduced Sensory Kidz, a program developed to support exploration, engagement and connection for neurodivergent children and children with developmental delays.
So, what do jelly, bubbles, yoghurt paint, a parachute, whipped cream and coloured spaghetti all have in common? They are all part of our Sensory Kidz program, designed to create safe, joyful and meaningful sensory experiences that build connection and confidence.
Supporting children and parents through sensory play
Sensory differences can have a big impact on a child’s ability to feel safe, engaged and able to participate in daily life. Sensory Kidz was created to help children better understand and explore their sensory needs, while empowering parents to support their children through everyday routines like mealtimes, sleep, play and social interactions.
Led by allied health professionals, the program is child-led, play-based and grounded in evidence. Using Robin McWilliam’s Routines-Based Intervention approach, Sensory Kidz builds parents’ capacity to weave sensory supports into their daily lives in a practical and accessible way.
Through rich, hands-on experiences, children have the chance to engage their senses, try new things, and build social connections in a safe and supportive setting. Parents also benefit from learning alongside their child, sharing experiences and building community with others at a similar stage.
Program structure and outcomes
Sensory Kidz runs as a 10-week program, each week focusing on a different sensory system — from touch and movement to taste, smell and beyond. Sessions include a mix of free play, group movement and music, messy play, and parent reflection time.
Importantly, activities are designed to be low-cost and easy for families to replicate at home, so children can continue exploring and building skills beyond the group sessions.
Evaluation from families who took part in Sensory Kidz has been positive. Most parents reported increased confidence in supporting their child’s sensory needs at home and valued the chance to connect with other parents. Many families also found that their children were more willing to try new experiences and engage in different types of play.
One beautiful outcome has been the strong connections formed between families, with some continuing to catch up long after the program finished.
Looking ahead
The feedback gathered so far shows that Sensory Kidz is making a difference for children and families, supporting a sense of belonging and helping children thrive in their everyday lives. While early results are encouraging, further research and program development will continue to strengthen and refine this valuable offering.
We’re incredibly proud of Rhyannah for sharing this work on a national stage and grateful to all the families who have helped shape Sensory Kidz into what it is today.
At Stronger Together Foundation, safety, connection and inclusion remain at the heart of everything we do. Sensory Kidz is just one of the ways we’re working to create more opportunities for children and families to feel supported and empowered.
