Meet Amy
Hi, I'm Amy Nicholls — a paediatric occupational therapist based in Adelaide. I work with children, families, and teachers in a school setting to help kids build the everyday skills that support learning, play, friendships, and confidence. My goal is for every child I work with to feel more capable, more settled, and more like themselves.
My Approach:
I use a play-based, evidence-based approach, because children learn best when therapy feels like play rather than work. I take the time to genuinely understand each child, then build an individual, fun, and practical program around what they need. Because I work within schools, I'm able to collaborate closely with teachers and parents — so the strategies that help your child don't stay in a therapy room, they carry into the classroom and the home.
Background & Qualifications:
I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy (BAppSc) and am a registered occupational therapist with over 13 years' experience working with children across Adelaide schools. I'm registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA), an approved Medicare healthcare provider, and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia.
Why I Do This Work:
My path into paediatric OT is a personal one. When my own son was diagnosed and began working with occupational therapists, I saw first-hand the difference the right support can make — not only for a child, but for the whole family around them. That experience shapes everything about how I practise today: with patience, empathy, and real respect for what parents are navigating.
Beyond the Therapy Room:
Occupational therapy doesn't stop when a session ends. That's why, alongside my clinical work, I write evidence-based workbooks and guides for parents, children, and teenagers under the name A. E. Nicholls. They grew directly out of the strategies I use every day in practice — practical, easy-to-use tools families can reach for at home, whether or not we ever work together. You can explore them on my Books & Resources page or browse the full collection at Akeso Publishing.