Narara local Zoe Gianduzzo is on a mission to change the lives of children on the Central Coast.
A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, the paediatric specialist has a passionate interest in the neurological impact of trauma on the brain, following her own personal experience of having a neurological disorder and the ongoing journey of recovery.
Gianduzzo suffers from Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness, also known as PPPD, a condition that causes chronic dizziness or vertigo.
She partners with a vestibular physio and an occupational therapist as part of her own rehab program and feels this experience helps create a stronger understanding of the journey of her own therapy kids.
She is using this experience as motivation; currently developing her expertise in the field of paediatric trauma through additional study on neurobiology with world-renowned, Canada based OTs, Kim Barthel and Tracy Stackhouse.
An avid rock-climber and ballet dancer, Gianduzzo refuses to be controlled by her condition and is passionate about the mental, physical and psychological benefits of leading an active lifestyle – an ethos shared with the children and families she works with at MoveAbout Therapy Services at Berkeley Vale.
Gianduzzo says when people think of trauma, they might imagine a physical accident, but in children trauma could be experienced through a number of social and environmental factors.
“Complex trauma is experienced in a range of situations and can be related to a number of early life adversities like ante-natal exposure to alcohol, poverty, neglect, and pervasive developmental issues,” she said.
“Trauma impacts the brain, and in kids is often reflected in their behaviour.
“We see this in our clinic when kids are struggling with interacting with their peers, their ability to learn and engage at school, and their sleep could be impacted too.
Gianduzzo says the goal is to help their nervous system find a more calm and organised state.
“I do this through many different approaches, but mostly focusing on relationship and sensory based support.
“While our therapy sessions look like play, we are really supporting their brains and nervous system to function as optimally as possible.”
“It is this practical, social and play-based approach to therapy that makes it so effective with young children.”
As this area of health management evolves, the team at MoveAbout is excited about new and innovative approaches becoming available for the purpose of enhancing a child’s well-being.
MoveAbout Therapy Services provide individual and group therapy services for children across their three clinics in Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast with a team of more than 20 specialist occupational therapists.
MoveAbout also provides education, coaching, training and support for parents, caregivers and teachers to ensure holistic support for the communities who support the kids.
For more information about paediatric occupational therapy, visit moveabout.com.au or contact MoveAbout at 02 4389 1812.
Source:
Media release, Aug 25
MoveAbout Therapy Service
