Belinda van Wel is a Registered Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from University of Sydney in 2001, with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy). Belinda has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (Autism Spectrum Disorders) through University of Canberra, and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Occupational Therapy with La Trobe University.

 

Belinda loves working with children of all ages and abilities, and has worked with children who are experiencing challenges in participating in their everyday activities for a number of reasons, such as developmental delay, sensory processing issues, motor planning difficulties and ADHD. She has a special interest in working with children on the autism spectrum, and their families. Belinda is passionate about delivering a holistic service, with a focus on participation and engagement in activities that are important and meaningful to the child and their family. She draws on a range of approaches, and has completed specialised training in a number of therapy tools, including the M.O.R.E program, the SCERTS model, SOS feeding therapy, Integrated Play Groups, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, and comprehensive training in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing.

 

Prior to starting Thriving Kids, Belinda worked as an Occupational Therapist, School Leader and Early Learning Director at Giant Steps Sydney - a renowned school for autistic children. She has worked closely with teachers, developing strategies to support participation and engagement in learning activities, and enable children to reach their full potential in learning. Thriving Kids has been operating in the Illawarra region under Belinda's leadership since 2013.

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Belinda has conducted many training programs, working with parents, teachers, preschool teachers, and community recreational service providers. She has presented at a number of conferences, including the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in 2009 and 2011.