Occupational Therapy in Action: A Holistic Lens Through the PEO Model

October 4, 2025

As we celebrate OT Week 2025 with the theme “Occupational Therapy in Action,” it’s a chance to reflect on the heart of our profession- supporting people to live healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.


One of the most powerful frameworks we use is the PEO Model: Person, Environment, and Occupation. Our Practice Lead, Tran Vu, explains below.


This model highlights the dynamic interaction between an individual, the environments they live in, and the occupations (activities) they engage in. Health is not just about physical care—it is holistic, shaped by body, mind, community, and purpose.


The Person


The person includes not only physical abilities but also cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.

OTs work with people to build on their strengths and address barriers, whether that’s through pain management, developing coping strategies, or enhancing cognitive skills.


Health is supported when people feel empowered, capable, and connected to their sense of identity and values.


The Environment


Health cannot be separated from the environment—our homes, workplaces, communities, and cultural contexts.

OTs advocate for accessible spaces, inclusive workplaces, and supportive communities.


By adjusting environments—whether with technology, design, or social supports—we create opportunities for participation, safety, and belonging.


The Occupation


Occupation refers to the activities that give life meaning—self-care, work, leisure, play, and community participation.


OTs help people to find balance across these domains, reducing stress and supporting wellbeing.


Whether it’s helping a child join in sport, an adult return to employment, or an older person maintain valued roles, occupation is at the centre of health.


OT in Action: Holistic Health


When the person, environment, and occupation fit together, health outcomes improve. Occupational therapists put this into action by:

Promoting mental health: Through meaningful engagement in daily routines, hobbies, and social connection.


Preventing chronic disease: Supporting lifestyle changes in nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.


Enhancing community wellbeing: Building inclusive spaces where everyone can participate.


Supporting resilience: Helping people adapt to life transitions, illness, or disability with dignity and independence.


A Holistic Vision for OT Week 2025


“Occupational Therapy in Action” means more than supporting daily tasks—it means addressing the whole person, their environment, and the occupations that make life rich and purposeful. By applying the PEO Model, occupational therapists foster not only independence, but also wellbeing, resilience, and community connection.


This OT Week, let’s celebrate the ways OTs bring health to life, holistically, inclusively, and meaningfully.


Tran Vu, Occupational Therapist and Practice Lead

Why celebrate OT?


We see the impact of occupational therapy every day. OT empowers people to overcome challenges, build confidence, and lead fulfilling lives. Let’s take this opportunity during OT Week to celebrate the amazing work that OTs do and highlight their contributions to our communities.


How to get involved in OT Week 2025

You can celebrate OT Week 2024 with helpz in a number of ways:

  • Share your story: We encourage you to share your experiences with occupational therapy on social media using the hashtag #OTWeek2025. 
  • Connect with us: If you or someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy services, please contact helpz. 
  • Follow us for more: Follow us on social media to stay updated.


For more information on OT Week 2025 and how you can participate, visit the Occupational Therapy Australia event page.


News & Insights

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Navigating NDIS Plan Changes in 2026: What Participants and Families Need to Know

April 3, 2026
The NDIS continues to evolve. In 2026, many participants and families are feeling the impact of legislative updates, tighter plan reassessments, funding scrutiny and an increased emphasis on evidence and measurable outcomes. For some, this has meant shorter plans. For others, requests for additional documentation or functional evidence. For many, it has meant uncertainty. If you are feeling unsure about what these changes mean for you or your family member, you are not alone. Understanding what is shifting, and why, can help you prepare and advocate with confidence. The reform context The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Act 2024 introduced structural reforms designed to improve the long-term sustainability and consistency of the Scheme. Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2024A00055 Funding decisions continue to be guided by Section 34 of the NDIS Act . The broader reform direction was shaped by the Independent Review of the NDIS . What is actually changing for participants in 2026 Participants are experiencing: • Stronger application of “reasonable and necessary” criteria • Greater emphasis on functional evidence • Increased documentation requirements • More structured plan variations and reassessments • Closer alignment between goals and funded supports • Heightened compliance and cost scrutiny The NDIA Operational Guidelines clarify that supports must relate directly to functional impairment.able-and-necessary-supports The Disability Royal Commission Final Report . NDIS Quarterly Reports . The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare . Practical steps before your next plan review Request updated functional assessments early. Align goals clearly to daily functioning. Document changes, regression or increased needs. Outline risks if therapy reduces or ceases. Track measurable progress. Seek written clarification where needed. At helpz, we prioritise clear reporting, measurable outcomes and collaborative communication to support participants through change.

Disability Awareness Hub: Understanding PDA: A Neuroaffirming Look at the Demand Avoidant Profile

April 3, 2026
Pathological Demand Avoidance, sometimes reframed as Persistent Drive for Autonomy, is a profile that many people within the autism community recognise. Although PDA is not a formal diagnosis in current diagnostic manuals, many clinicians and autistic individuals describe it as a meaningful way of understanding patterns of demand avoidance that stem from anxiety, uncertainty, and a strong need for autonomy. PDA is often misunderstood, which can lead to unhelpful assumptions or the belief that individuals are being deliberately oppositional. A neuroaffirming perspective helps us understand PDA as a valid part of neurodiversity. It shifts the focus away from control and compliance and towards emotional safety, autonomy, and collaboration. What Is PDA PDA describes an anxiety driven need to avoid everyday demands, even when the person wants to participate. These demands may feel overwhelming or threatening because they involve expectation, uncertainty, or a loss of control. Common characteristics described in the PDA profile include: A strong need to avoid demands, sometimes using strategies like humour, negotiation, distraction, or retreat A style of communication that may appear socially confident at first but does not always match deeper social understanding Rapid changes in mood, often linked to pressure or anxiety A comfort with imaginative play or adopting roles, which can help manage stressful situations These behaviours are not acts of defiance. They are protective responses from a nervous system that experiences demands as a source of intense stress. Is PDA a Diagnosis PDA is not recognised as an independent diagnosis in the DSM or ICD. Many professionals view it as a profile within autism, while others see it as a pattern that can appear in a range of neurodivergent presentations. There is ongoing debate, and research is still developing. Despite this, PDA is increasingly recognised in multidisciplinary autism assessments, particularly in the United Kingdom. Families and practitioners often find the PDA framework useful because it offers a way to understand demand avoidance compassionately and practically. Why Understanding PDA Matters People with PDA are often described as oppositional or non compliant, when in reality their behaviour reflects: high anxiety sensitivity to expectations a need for predictability a strong drive for autonomy and control When misunderstood, young people and adults with PDA may experience unnecessary conflict, shame, or burnout. A more informed perspective encourages compassion and supportive strategies instead of pressure or discipline. Neuroaffirming Approaches to Supporting PDA Supporting individuals with PDA is most effective when the focus is on reducing pressure, building trust, and supporting autonomy. Reduce Demands Where Possible Small changes can make a big difference. Indirect language, gentle invitations, choices, humour, and collaborative problem solving reduce pressure and help the person stay regulated. Traditional reward systems or consequences often increase anxiety and are less effective. Increase Autonomy A sense of control helps reduce distress. Offering choices, negotiating tasks, and allowing flexibility helps build cooperation and reduces overwhelm. Support Emotional Safety PDA is closely linked to anxiety and uncertainty. Predictable routines, sensory supports, clear expectations, and a calm supportive presence can help reduce stress. Connection and co regulation often pave the way for engagement. Work With Strengths Creativity, quick thinking, focused interests, humour, and imaginative play are often strong tools for learning and communication. Using these strengths helps build confidence and makes participation feel safe. A Neurodiversity Affirming Perspective Some clinicians and advocates argue that the term PDA can be pathologising, because it suggests something is wrong with a person’s natural need for autonomy. Alternative terms like Persistent Drive for Autonomy reflect a more respectful understanding of how the individual experiences the world. This perspective views PDA as a difference rather than a problem and focuses on approaches that prioritise dignity, safety, and empowerment. Summary PDA is a meaningful way to understand how some autistic and neurodivergent individuals respond to demands. It is not about refusing for the sake of it. It is about managing anxiety, protecting autonomy, and navigating a world that often feels unpredictable or overwhelming. Awareness and compassionate understanding help families, educators, support workers, and clinicians create environments where individuals with PDA can feel heard, respected, and supported to thrive. References PDA Society. Identification and Assessment of a PDA Profile. Gerlach, J. (2024). Five Things to Know About Pathological Demand Avoidance. Psychology Today. Naseef, R., Shore, S. (2025). Reframing Pathological Demand Avoidance. Autism Spectrum News. Science Insights (2026). What Is a PDA Diagnosis. AuDHD Psychiatry UK (2026). What Is PDA Autism. PDA North America (2025). Understanding and Supporting PDA.

Moving Beyond Awareness: What Meaningful Autism Acceptance Looks Like in Everyday Life

April 3, 2026
Each year on April 2, World Autism Day gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect, not just on what autism is , but on how we as a community can create spaces where autistic people feel genuinely understood and supported. The conversation is slowly shifting from “awareness” to “acceptance,” and that shift really matters. Awareness is knowing autism exists. Acceptance is changing how we respond, communicate, and include. So, what does meaningful acceptance actually look like in everyday life? Recognising Autism as a Different Way of Experiencing the World One of the most important steps is understanding that autism isn’t something to fix. It’s a neurotype, a different way of thinking, sensing, learning, and interacting. When we frame autism this way, we stop trying to make people “fit” and start looking at how environments, routines, and expectations can better support them. Often the challenge isn’t the person; it’s the noise, unpredictability, or pace of the world around them. Listening to Autistic Voices A lot of the most valuable insight comes from autistic adults and children who openly share their experiences. Many talk about the importance of autonomy, clear communication, and having their sensory and emotional needs respected. Acceptance means asking questions like: “What helps you feel comfortable?” “How would you prefer to communicate?” “Would you like choices or support with this task?” It’s simple, but it shows respect and it gives people control over their own lives. Making Environments More Supportive Small adjustments can make a huge difference: dimmer lighting or quieter spaces clear routines or visual guides time to process information predictable transitions reducing sensory overload where possible These aren’t dramatic changes, they’re thoughtful ones. And they help create a sense of safety and calm. Respecting Different Communication Styles Not everyone communicates in the same way. Some people use spoken language, some use AAC, some use gestures or writing, and some take a little extra time to respond. All of these are valid. Supporting communication might mean waiting a few extra seconds, offering visual choices, or checking in without pressure. It’s about meeting someone where they are, not rushing them to where we think they should be. Celebrating Strengths and Interests  Many autistic people have deep interests, incredible focus, creativity, strong memory skills, or a unique perspective that adds so much richness to their families, schools, and communities. Acceptance means valuing these strengths—not dismissing them as “fixations” or redirecting them unnecessarily. Passion is a powerful tool for learning, emotional regulation, and confidence. Prioritising Autonomy Ultimately, acceptance is about supporting people to make their own choices wherever possible - around routines, communication, sensory needs, and participation in community life. When we give autistic individuals the space to be themselves, we support genuine independence and wellbeing. A Day That Reminds Us of the Bigger Picture World Autism Day isn’t about wearing a colour or posting a hashtag. It’s a reminder that inclusion happens in the day‑to‑day decisions: the conversations we have, the flexibility we offer, the assumptions we let go of, and the voices we uplift. Acceptance is ongoing work, but it’s deeply worthwhile. When we create environments where autistic people feel understood, respected, and supported, everyone benefits. It’s how we build communities where all neurotypes can thrive.