Semona Diener Occupational Therapist

30/04/2026

Signs of proprioceptive difficulties in a child

👉 frequently bumps into objects, trips
👉 appears clumsy, poor coordination

👉 difficulty grading force (too hard / too soft)
👉 presses, pushes or hits too hard

👉 seeks strong input (jumping, running, crashing)
👉 enjoys “heavy work” (pushing, pulling, carrying)

👉 poor body awareness (doesn’t know where the body is in space)
👉 difficulties with posture and body positioning

👉 leans on hands or slumps when sitting
👉 gets tired quickly during activities

👉 difficulty with fine motor tasks (writing, fastening, drawing)
👉 problems with motor planning

👉 seeks oral input (chewing, biting)
👉 difficulty with focus and attention

Important:

This is not just “clumsiness” or personality.
It’s how the nervous system processes body input.

My name is Anna Olawa.
I am a physiotherapist, a diagnostician, and
a sensory integration therapist.
I have been a physiotherapist for 24 years.
I have completed over 57 courses and trainings.
I am recommended by families from across Scotland and England.

⸻

Paediatric physiotherapy • sensory integration therapy • child development • core strength • balance training • motor skills • proprioception • vestibular system • posture correction • kids physio • developmental therapy • movement therapy

02/04/2026

⭐ "OT practitioners are knowledgeable about development, underlying skills and intervention strategies needed for successful participation in 9 areas of occupation" (Bazyk, 2022) 🌐 Learn about the value of our profession in the OT FAQ: theOThub.com/occupationaltherapy

17/12/2025

19/11/2025

This is why play is so important! via Clever Classroom.

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

I don’t say this because I was taught it at Uni.
I say it because I know it to be true.

𝑶𝒄𝒄𝒖𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆.

Every time I swim in the ocean, I feel it... the energy that moves through me.

When I connect with friends, when I write, when I work on my passion projects... something shifts.

When I run a few hill sprints and go for a run my body my whole physiology changes.
Heart rate, breathing, hormones, neurotransmitters.... all shift in response.
Circulation increases. Endorphins rise. Stress chemicals fall. My body remembers what regulation feels like.

When I get a good night’s sleep my concentration sharpens and my mood steadies.

The things we 𝒹𝑜 matter.

Occupation isn’t just about doing.
It’s not just any occupations.
It’s occupations that are 𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭.

Everyone has their own unique occupational medicine.
What works for me, may not work for you.
Whats your occupational medicine?
And have you had your dose today? ✨ 🩷

17/03/2025

A new week is here, full of possibilities! As we dive into the week ahead, let's focus on breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive society for all. At Western Cape APD, we're committed to providing equal access to opportunities and resources. Join us in making a difference!



https://wcapd.org.za

Beaufort West Association For Persons With Disabilities | Bergrivier APD | Breede Valley APD | Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled | ChangeAbility | Drakenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities - APD | George Apd George | Goukam Health APD | Jo-Dolphin Swartland APD | Laingsburg Association for Persons with Disabilities - LAPD | Mossel Bay Association of and for Persons with Disabilities | Laingsburg Association for Persons with Disabilities - LAPD | Overstrand Association of Persons with Disabilities | Ocean View Association for Persons with Disabilities | Association for Persons with Disabilities Oudtshoorn | Olifantsrivier Apd | Robertson House | Tygerberg Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities | Witzenberg APD | Wallace Anderson Home | National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities | Western Cape Network on Disability

15/03/2025