VIVIENNE WILLIAMS
Who is Vivienne and how much experience does she have?
Vivienne is the founder and principal of Kids Matters Occupational Therapy. She has two beautiful children of her own – a son and a daughter so understands family life from the inside out. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 1997 and has worked in paediatrics since then.
Besides managing the practice, Vivienne works with children with a range of sensory processing challenges such as those who are over-sensitive to touch and movement, or who require additional stimulation. Her interest in sensory processing issues saw her develop Kids’ Matters full sensory gym, equipped with the best possible resources to achieve optimal outcomes. She is a big advocate of DIR /Floortime, using the approach with children who have Autism, ADD, ADHD, Aspergers, developmental delays and other organisational, planning and learning issues, including Dyslexia. She also works with regulation and behavioural issues, and uses her SOS training to assist with feeding concerns.
Seeing non-engaged children become responsive, give their first hug and attempt classroom or playground activities inspires Vivienne. She relishes collaborating with families to develop individual plans that empower their child, and loves sharing techniques and new therapy approaches and ideas with her team of committed staff.
Read more information about Vivienne's skills and training. Vivienne works with a wide variety of children and ages. She has experience and success in working with: • Sensory Processing Difficulties Additional Training & Certifications Vivienne has a warm and engaging personality that she is skilled at modifying to adapt to the needs of the children she works with. She is very family centred, listening to family concerns, values and priorities and addressing children’s needs in the context of the whole family. This involves time with both the parents and the children and much training and support is given to help parents integrate therapeutic ways into everyday life. All therapy is individually tailored for each child to get realistic outcomes according to priorities and values. While she has experience with a wide variety of clients, Vivienne now works mostly with children with Sensory Processing Disorders (including motor challenges), Autism/ Asperger Syndrome, Dyslexia and Learning difficulties and Attention Deficit Disorders. She does much regulation, engagement and development of play skills in children. She works mostly with people from 2 years through to adulthood. She will see babies with Autism and Sensory processing disorders. She enjoys the whole family, collaborative approach and loves to involve parents, siblings (if appropriate) and other professionals to ensure you get outcomes for your child. Vivienne is very understanding and relatable as she has the lived experience of special needs through her family. She has extensive professional training and experience in sensory integration theory and practice, play and DIR/ Floortime certification, Collaborative problem solving training. Vivienne comes from a big family and has her own children as well as many nieces and nephews. She enjoys the outdoors with hiking and camping, reading and listening to self-development books or fantasy novels. She loves cooking and feeding her family and friends interesting and yummy things. She also loves doing expressive art and being with friends and family. Vivienne’s favourite books are the Harry Potter series. She also really enjoys Emily Rodda’s novels such as the Deltora Quest. What happens if you don’t like your therapist (or they don’t feel best equipped to help you)? Sometimes, despite our best efforts you or the therapist may find that you are not a good fit. If your therapist feels that he or she is not best suited to you, he/ she will discuss this with you and recommend a more appropriate therapist. We will then offer you a discounted first session with a new more appropriate therapist at Kids Matters. If you feel that your therapist is not a good fit within the first three sessions, simply discuss this with our admin team who will find a more suitable therapist. We will then offer you 50% off your first consultation with the new therapist. • 2.5 year old boy with an inability to listen and follow any directions. • 4 year old boy in the process of being diagnosed with autism. • 7 year old boy with writing issues. • 11 year old boy with sensory processing challenges and explosive behaviour. • Adult male could no longer comfortably or consistently go out in public.Experience with Children’s Issues
• Emotional Regulation issues
• Learning Disabilities/ Dyslexia
• Autism/ Aspergers syndrome/ Pathological Demand Avoidance
• Developmental Delays
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Motor coordination problems – gross and fine motor
• Handwriting concerns
• Delays in play skills
• Various syndromes
• Feeding difficulties
What approach does she take?
Is Vivienne Right For You?
Vivienne’s background and culture
A few of Vivienne’s favourite things
Vivienne’s Case Studies
AT A GLANCE
Locations:
Yeerongpilly & Greenslopes
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Area of Focus:
Sensory processing, play, Autism, emotional and behavioural regulation
Modalities:
Play interventions, sensory interventions, collaborative problem solving, regulation tools
Accreditations:
DIR-Floortime
Services:
Individual sessions, Telehealth, Seminars