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Our staff love sharing knowledge. Check out the below blogs written by our staff on some interesting and engaging topics.
You can also visit Research and Publications to learn more about research studies our staff are conducting and read some of their published journal articles.
To learn more about our staff, visit Our Expertise.
With the cooler weather creeping in and the days becoming shorter, there’s no denying that winter is coming. While the idea of jet-setting off to a tropical island sounds great in theory, realistically, most of us are bundling up, reaching for cozy sweaters, and preparing to embrace the season at
Every year on April 11th, the world comes together to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease—a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and overall quality of life. World Parkinson’s Day 2025 is an important opportunity to highlight the role of healthcare professionals, including dietitians at ORS, in supporting individuals with
“Lazy”, “Disorganised”, “Messy”. These are some of the words you might think if I asked you to describe hoarding. TV shows like “Hoarders” may come to mind, or your friend that has one too many pop culture figurines. Hoarding is more than just a mess, more than a reality TV
Neurodiversity 101: My Unexpected Crash Course Forget everything you think you know about autism – this isn’t a tale of limitation, but a raw, unfiltered journey of love, curiosity, and profound understanding. When 49% of Australians report having a limited understanding of autism, I used to count myself among the
The 30th of March marks an international initiative to spread more connection, solidarity and awareness around the lived experiences for someone with bipolar disorder. Having worked with bipolar in the community (outpatients) and hospitals (inpatients), I wish to take the opportunity this year to address the stereotypes I find problematic
What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the female reproductive system, which causes tissue similar to the lining of the womb to grow in different parts of the body, usually in the pelvis area including the pelvic wall, ovaries, bladder and bowel. Approximately one million Australian girls,
On March 19th, we observe Swallowing Awareness Day — a day dedicated to highlighting the crucial role of swallowing in our daily lives. Just like breathing swallowing is essential to everyday life. Did you know people swallow an estimated 500–700 times a day? This includes around three times an hour
As a parent or caregiver of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you want the best for their health and well-being. While behavioural therapies are essential, did you know that diet and exercise can also play a crucial role in enhancing their quality of life? At ORS we recognise it’s
Trigger Warning: Suicide, end of life and death are discussed below. Seneca the Younger, an Ancient Roman Philospher described the anguish of a dying person 2000 years ago: “Who is there in all the world who listens to us? Here I am, this is me in my nakedness, with my
The human brain is a complex organ and essential to everything we do in day-to-day life. Growing research and exciting advancements in Medicine and Neuroscience the past 30 years have enabled us to better understand how our brain is affected by genes, our environment and lifestyle choices. Brain Awareness Week is
What comes to mind when you think about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? For many, ADHD is thought about as something that primarily affects children and young people. You might think of a peer from school who struggled to sit still in class or frequently forgot their homework. However, we know that
This month is Gut Health month, a time when nutritionists and dietitians promote healthy eating principles that can help people thrive from the inside out. Gut health has been a topic which has gained interest in recent years for good reasons. Nourishing your gut with good nutrition is crucial to
Healthy Lunchbox Week, rolled out by Nutrition Australia, takes place this week from the 9th to the 15th of February and encourages Australian families to whip up some wholesome, nutritious, and delightful lunchboxes. Children typically consume about 30% of their daily food intake during school hours, primarily sourced from their
At ORS, we are committed to fostering continuous professional growth and ensuring our clinicians have the support they need to provide the highest quality care. Our PBS Professional Development and Supervision Program are central to this mission. Designed to complement one another, these programs offer a robust framework for skill
Considering a psychological capacity assessment? For NDIS participants and their supports, experiencing changes in mood, behaviour, or daily functioning can be common, though oftentimes confusing. You may have even noticed changes in memory, ability to complete everyday tasks, or shifts in social interactions. If you have concerns and have sought
As we’re heading towards the end of school holidays, it’s time for us carers and parents to think about how we can support our children in transitioning from holiday mode back to learning and routines. While holidays are perfect for letting our children consolidate their learning from the previous school
Why Choose a Dietitian For Your New Year’s Resolutions? There are many benefits to working with a dietitian to achieve your nutrition-related resolutions: Expert Advice: A dietitians has extensive training in nutrition science and can offer evidence-based recommendations that work. Customised Plans: Your dietitian will create a meal plan tailored
As we enter a new year, many of us set New Year’s resolutions focused on health and well-being. Whether you aim to eat healthier, lose weight, or manage a health condition like diabetes or PCOS, your success often depends on one key factor: Nutrition. This is where the expertise of
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has become an essential focus for many individuals. With an increasing awareness of the importance of mental wellness, access to psychological support is vital. One effective way to receive this support in Australia is through the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Scheme. This
The Power of Gratitude: Transforming Your Relationship with Food The gratitude movement has gained popularity as a practice that can improve mental and emotional well-being. However, did you know that gratitude can also play a role in your relationship with food? Practicing gratitude during the holidays helps us shift focus
The Christmas season can be a time of joy and connection, but for individuals with autism, it may also bring heightened sensory and emotional challenges. Bright lights, crowded events, unfamiliar routines, and festive noise can all contribute to sensory overload. By using sensory-friendly strategies, familiar elements, and careful planning, we
As the festive season approaches, Christmas brings with it a time for celebrations, togetherness, and delicious meals and desserts. While the holiday seasons are filled with indulgence and joyful family gatherings, they also present a remarkable opportunity to reflect on how nutrition and dietetics can support our health and wellbeing
As a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist at ORS, Regina and I have witnessed firsthand how excess screen time can harm the development of younger kids and teenagers. Particularly regarding brain function, mental health, and social skills. Research indicates that prolonged screen time can lead to difficulties in concentration and cognition.
As allied health providers, at ORS we are passionate about transforming lives, and we achieve this through our exceptional team and innovative approaches such as the use of Artificial Intelligence technology. For those new to the area Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machines or software that can mimic human intelligence
Exams can be nerve wrecking for the best us and HSC exams are no exception. Some level of anxiety can be helpful in assisting us to perform at our optimum but too much can become debilitating. It can seem like this is crunch time for all your hard work over the
As dietitians, we often meet parents who worry about their child being a fussy eater. They are concerned about their child rejecting food. Many parents face challenges when it comes to feeding their children, especially when picky eating habits take over. You are not alone! In this blog post, we
ADHD in Females Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects how the brain works. It is often inherited and impacts key brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which are known as “happy chemicals.” People with ADHD have a different brain structure. This is especially true for the prefrontal
Meet Sabrina Sabrina, a young woman with Down syndrome, has always been full of life, with a love for singing and dancing. However, behind the joy, Sabrina had struggled with sleep for years. Traditional methods, like bedtime routines and relaxation techniques, left Sabrina feeling frustrated and disconnected from the restful
During National Nutrition Week, we explore the four pillars of how food affects us. These pillars include our physical, social, cultural, and emotional well-being. We also share helpful tips from our dietitians who support NDIS and private participants. What does food really mean to us? Food is a vital component
As a long-standing provider of disability employment services and a national NDIS allied health provider, ORS has supported a large neurodiverse client base in obtaining and maintaining suitable employment.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement and posture. It can affect different parts of the body (one side, legs only, both arms and legs) in different ways (e.g. impairments in communication, mobility, learning, behaviour & emotional wellbeing); and it can be associated with epilepsy, intellectual
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal condition to affects women. In this month’s blog, our resident women’s health dietitian Nicole Saliba from our Eatsense by ORS clinic unpacks what PCOS is and what role diet and lifestyle plans play in managing the condition. What is PCOS? Polycystic
Identifying and supporting individuals with mental health challenges and neurodevelopmental disorders early is a core priority for improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians. Mental health and wellbeing issues for Australians are much more common than many people think, with experiencing a mental disorder at some point in their life
Today is a wonderful opportunity, as we celebrate Early Childhood Educators Day, to acknowledge and celebrate the critical role that early childhood educators play in shaping the lives of our youngest learners. As both a speech pathologist and a mother to a 3-year-old autistic boy who attends daycare four days
Ask anyone with depression how their body feels, and they’ll probably mention something about aches and pains. In addition to chronic joint pain, they may also suffer from gastrointestinal problems, tiredness, and appetite changes. As it turns out, both the depression and their bodily aches may connect to one another. There
In Australia, 42.9% of people have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life. A mental health disorder often impacts a person’s cognition, behaviour, and emotion regulation. Sometimes a person’s behaviour can become concerning. For example, when they engage in aggression, self-injury, or even running away from
May is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month. Let’s #FlushTheStigma around Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) this May. It takes guts to talk about Crohn’s and colitis. Crohn’s and colitis impact Australians at all ages and stages of life. More than 100,000 – or 1 in every 250 Australians – live with
Our Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapist’s at ORS are passionate about empowering individuals to embrace a lifestyle that prioritises their well-being. This Exercise Right Week, I’m excited to share the benefits of regular physical activity and provide practical tips to help you make exercise a sustainable habit. The Holistic Rewards of
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a compassionate and scientific approach aimed at helping individuals with challenging behaviours, focusing on understanding the person’s strengths and triggers to promote a positive change. The purpose of PBS is simple yet profound: to improve the quality of life for individuals by understanding and addressing
To maintain Board-approved supervisor status, psychologists must undergo refresher training every five years by completing a Board-approved master class. ORS’ competency-based workshop entails at least six hours of direct/live training.
With 1 in 5 Australians living with poor mental health better access to Accredited Practising Dietitians is needed to deliver important dietary support. Dietitians are an important part of your mental health team and studies show that seeking mental health support from a dietitian can lead to
Everyone values the importance of a good night’s sleep, but not everyone knows the vital role that physical activity and exercise play in sleeping well. Let’s celebrate ‘healthy sleep’ with some quick tips. Circadian Rhythm or 24-hour Body Clock Our bodies have a 24-hour ‘circadian rhythm’ or internal clock, and
What are the key ingredients to being successful in keeping resolutions? The LGBTQ+ community is a diverse group of individuals who may differ not only on their sexual and romantic orientation or gender identity. For instance, individuals who are transgender and gender-diverse are 3-6 times more likely to be autistic
The Need for Quality Management in Disability Allied Health Services The disability-allied health sector in Australia, particularly within the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), confronts a myriad of unique challenges that underline the imperative need for robust quality management systems. Central to these challenges are the diverse and
The health of your gut not only impacts how you feel physically but also mentally. In fact, your gut is a gateway to your overall health. It is safe to say most Australians do not have great gut health with at least 50% experiencing unpleasant gut symptoms such as bloating,
As the new year rolls in, so too do the unrealistic New Year’s resolutions we promise we are going to keep, whether it be losing an unrealistic amount of weight, completely cutting out a food group or committing to hitting the gym every single day of the year. While nearly
With Christmas and New Years impending after a challenging 2024, increased pressure and stress that extends above and beyond a typical holiday period is being felt by many. Prioritising well-being and finding a balance that suits you can feel impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways
The opportunities to overindulge and let your exercise slide are endless during this time of the year. If you have historically found it difficult to maintain your weight or eat well in general over the Christmas period then below are some helpful tips to limit overindulging and also keep you
The timeliness of International Stress Awareness Day 2023 coinciding with Psychology Week 2023, and notably the latter’s theme “Make Self-Care Your New Superpower”, takes on profound significance in the field of psychology, particularly in the current climate. The landscape of mental health services is evolving rapidly, driven by the challenges
The theme for the 2023 Occupational Therapy (OT) week is Unity through Community. Let’s explore what that means. What is a Community setting? The community is any place that is meaningful to the client. The community can include childcare, kindergarten, school, workplaces, day centres and local shopping centres. It could even
Life’s complicated enough – so let’s ‘Try for 5’ and make eating vegetables easy Vegetables are a key part of our diet for good health and wellbeing. Despite this, only 9% of Australian adults and children are eating the recommended daily 5 serves of vegetables. Every year, Nutrition Australia runs
The International Organisation for Standardisation’s ISO 9001 standard has become the globally recognised framework for quality management systems. First published in 1987, ISO 9001 has undergone several revisions, evolving from a prescriptive checklist to a risk-based, flexible system for managing quality. With over 1 million certifications worldwide, ISO 9001 adoption
What is ISO 9001? ISO 9001 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). It provides a model for companies to follow to meet customer quality and regulatory requirements for their products and services. ISO 9001 is part of the more prominent ISO 9000 standards
Understanding the Role A disability dietitian is a specialised healthcare professional who has in-depth knowledge of nutrition and its impact on individuals with disabilities. Living with a disability comes with many challenges including various nutrition issues. Early intervention with a dietitian can help prevent and manage these issues. Dietitians do
Welcome to our inclusive space, where we celebrate neurodiversity. Understanding the significance of autism assessments and the support they offer neurodivergent individuals on the path of self-discovery can be transformative, yet the process and benefits might not always be clear. Whether you’re navigating the world of autism assessments for yourself
With all the gifts exchanged and opened, Christmas and end-of-year parties, and all the reflecting done and dusted, it’s now the time of the year when we all sober up, take out our thinking caps and pen to write down, or type out our eat better resolutions. Like most Australians
Today we celebrate the start of Transgender Awareness Week!
This is a week to highlight transgender people and their allies taking action to bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.
In Australia, bipolar disorder affects one in 50 people each year. This rate is higher than the rate of all forms of cancer combined which affect one in 250 people and depressive disorders which affect one in 20 people. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition which
What can you do if your treating doctor tells you that you can never return to employment, or tells you that at this time employment is not a safe or suitable option for you? First it is important to understand that vocational rehabilitation is an emerging science and not all
As humans, we are conditioned to seek social connection with others. A sense of social belonging is not only something most people seek in their lives, but an innate drive. The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time for some given this is usually spent gathering with family and
According to the Fair Work Commission, Australia, bullying in the workplace happens when: A person or group of people repeatedly behave unreasonably towards another worker or group of workers The behaviour creates a risk to health and safety. Examples of bullying include: Behaving aggressively towards others, teasing or playing practical
Participation – Inclusion – Independence – such powerful words, and the theme for this year’s National OT Week. As OTs working with NDIS participants, we often achieve big outcomes, through home modifications and complex assistive technology, which are wonderful achievements. Whilst a stair lifter, scripted wheelchair, and accessible bathrooms are
Every day in Australia, around 65 women are told they have breast or a gynaecological cancer (Cancer Council, 2021). The Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign raises awareness about these cancers, cancer prevention and research, and importantly, support services. Supporting carers of someone with cancer is vitally important, not least because
For now, COVID-19 is sticking around, and with Australia “living with the virus” and re-emerging from lockdown, what implications are there for individuals transitioning back to work and school? Courage Due to reduced social interaction during COVID-19 lockdown – in person – for many, those skills need to be
What if I have difficulty getting on with my rehabilitation consultant? Mutual respect and a sense of partnership can help a vocational rehabilitation plan become successful. This is also called a rehabilitation alliance. If you think this alliance could be better, it is important to try and identify why you
Will I be able to choose the type of jobs that I attempt, or choose the location of the jobs or the hours that I work? Yes. It is most important that your job preferences are acknowledged and respected. You can help by being as clear as you can about
What are my rights if I agree to participate in vocational rehabilitation? Although your rights may not be explicitly stated it is now generally accepted that vocational rehabilitation ought to be delivered in a ‘tailored and person centred’ way. There is no standard approach that fits everyone. This means that
People who need help with employment following a serious injury, health condition, disability, or adverse event, may be offered assistance to return to meaningful employment. This assistance is often called ‘vocational rehabilitation’, or sometimes ‘occupational rehabilitation’. The term rehabilitation can also refer to other forms of medical rehabilitation (physiotherapy,
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