Bioecological theory to practice for children with Down syndrome in New Zealand​

Emerging research into neurodivergence is helping us better understand how traits associated with autism, ADHD and communication differences may unfold during infancy and toddlerhood.

‍New UK research shows screen use among children under two offers negligible benefits and may be linked to a range of harms, yet almost two-thirds of babies and toddlers in Aotearoa New Zealand exceed recommended screen time.

Research consistently links time in nature with benefits for children's physical activity and wellbeing. But children experience the outdoors differently, so there isn't one “right” way to spend time outside. Here are a few simple ideas to try this summer.

A longitudinal study tracking more than 5,500 American adolescents reveals that higher daily step counts directly correlate with fewer mental health issues one year later.

At PerVigeō, we believe that small, everyday experiences can create meaningful opportunities for connection, development and belonging. So this October, why not plant a strawberry?

Find out what's on for children and families at The Arts Centre in Christchurch this school holidays

If mornings are leaving everyone frazzled before the day has even begun, PerVigeō can help. We can work alongside you to understand what might be making mornings difficult and find practical, strengths-based strategies that fit your child and your whānau.

“They’re fine at kindy. They seem to manage well at school. But as soon as we get home, everything falls apart.”If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!For many families, the contrast between how their tamariki manage in the outside world and how they behave at home can be confusing — and exhausting. You might find yourself wondering, “Why can they do it there but not here?” or even, “What am I doing wrong?” The answer may be more about capacity than behaviour.

An easy family recipe for cheese and corn muffins. Simple ingredients, children can help make them, they freeze well and are perfect for lunchboxes.

At PerVigeō, we know that development is not a straight line and that school readiness is not about a checklist of skills. Children don't need to become someone else in order to be ready to learn. Learning begins with belonging - and this is woven from relationships, culture, identity, communication, play, experiences, strengths and the environments in which children grow.

Fathers matter. They matter to their babies, to their partners, and to the wellbeing of the whole whānau. Being involved in family life can also help fathers develop confidence, connection and a stronger sense of belonging in their role as a parent.

Rainy days offer some of the richest opportunities for children's learning and development. With the right wet-weather gear, children can confidently explore, build resilience, strengthen their bodies, and spark their natural curiosity. Discover why, at PerVigeō, we embrace the idea that there's no such thing as bad weather—only the chance for a new adventure.

Every child needs to feel safe and supported. Those needs don't disappear because your child has significant disability, or complex medical needs, or because their way of communicating is different or hard to read.

New research led by the University of East London (UEL) has found that even brief moments of shared play can have an immediate and measurable impact on family connection, bringing parents and children physically and emotionally closer together within seconds.

Awe can support reducing overwhelm and stress by reducing mental ‘noise’ and anxiety, support shifting attention without force, offer gentle novelty without pressure, and increase our sense of connection without demand. Because of the perceptual sensitivity often present in neurodivergent systems, there is the chance that experiences of awe can be even more profound.

Separation anxiety is a natural and healthy response in young children. Children cope better with separation when they feel connected to trusted adults and have space to express their emotions

When a child climbs a tree, their body naturally begins to organise itself. They pull themselves up, press their feet into the bark, adjust their grip, and shift their weight. All of this provides rich proprioceptive input—the kind that helps children understand where their body is in space. For many tamariki, this input can feel deeply regulating. It can bring a sense of calm, help with focus, and support that feeling of being “in” their body rather than overwhelmed by it.

An easy Easter holiday activity for children using natural resources. An alternative to chocolate that is full of scientific and sensory wonder and enjoyment.

Recognising and understanding our own sensory differences and preferences supports us to regulate in a way that is authentic and sustainable, advocate for our or our children's needs

Time spent in nature can have a powerful effect on emotional regulation — the ability to notice, process, and respond to feelings in a balanced way. For young children (and their parents), nature can act like a gentle co-regulator.

Social stories are a short description of an event or situation that describes what will happen and why, in a literal way that can help understanding.They can help children cope with changes to routine and structure, unexpected events, unplanned changes due to weather and planned trips away from home.

A recipe for low sugar, high protein, Cottage Cheese Waffles - that kids love to eat

A few simple sensory-aware adjustments can make the holidays calmer, more enjoyable, and more inclusive—for everyone. We share some sensory suggestions for busy homes and real kiwi families.

Schemas are meaningful learning patterns that support children’s cognitive development, emotional regulation, and sense of safety in the world. Understanding schemas can help whānau and kaiako work together in ways that are grounding and informed by what we now know about the developing nervous system.

We all have key senses that we use to understand and navigate the world around us. They play a vital role in the way we experience our environment and the way we respond to it. You’re probably familiar with the five senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell, but there are three other significant ones to be aware of too: Proprioception, interoception and the vestibular system

This little tool—Behaviour → Need → Strategy—gives families a quick way to understand what’s beneath a child’s actions and offers ways to respond

Let’s unpack the idea of milestones in child developmnent, where the concept comes from, and whether it supports children—and their caregivers.

Events for children and families in Ōtautahi / Christchurch for Christmas 2025

Here are four ridiculously easy ways to decorate bought biscuits for Christmas — zero baking skills required

Recipe for salt dough - a very easy, inexpensive and non-toxic way to create your own long-lasting Christmas decorations.

Play is how children learn, grow, and make sense of their world. When we prioritise free play over constant structure, we’re nurturing creativity, confidence, and hauora — holistic wellbeing.

Though particularly powerful for neurodiverse children, sand timers can support all tamariki in understanding time, managing emotions, and building self-regulation — skills that benefit them far beyond childho

When children play with playdough there are so many opportunities for growth and development. Playdough supports fine motor skills, social and emotional development, language development, creativity and imagination and sensory input.

Recipe for kid-friendly mild chicken curry with a sneaky cauliflower sauce

True growth happens when we support the whole child—te tamaiti katoa—nurturing not just their minds, but their hearts, wairua (spirit), bodies, and relationships. This is called whole-child support, and it’s especially powerful for neurodivergent tamariki

As parents, caregivers, or educators, we all want our children to be safe. But there’s a deeper layer to safety that often goes unnoticed—felt-safety. It's more than just physical protection or setting boundaries. It's about how safe a child feels—emotionally, physically, and socially.Understanding and nurturing this internal sense of safety is key to helping children thrive. Let’s explore what felt-safety really means, why it matters, and how you can support it in your child's daily life.

When we think of school readiness, it’s important to think about sensory needs, physical needs, and social-emotional needs which all create foundations for participating in the classroom and the playground.

Parenting is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. It's filled with joy, exhaustion, uncertainty, and deep love—all at once. For parents of children with neurodivergence or unique developmental needs, the demands can be even more intense

A recipe for high protein, gluten, dairy and nut free kidney bean muffins - that kids love to help with and love to eat!

Explore how movement supports children's development, self-regulation, and learning. A neuro-affirming, holistic approach by the team at PerVigeō.

Sensory play is more than just messy fun—it’s a powerful way for children to learn, connect, and grow. In this post, we explore how sensory experiences support brain development, motor skills, communication, and emotional regulation. With practical, low-cost activity ideas and a neuroaffirming lens, discover how to make everyday play meaningful for children of all abilities.

In the earliest years of life, children can’t regulate their emotions on their own—they rely on the calm presence of a caregiver to help them feel safe and secure. This process is known as co-regulation: the supportive, responsive way adults help infants and toddlers manage big feelings before they can do it alone.This article from Zero to Three explores how co-regulation begins at birth, offering practical strategies for everyday moments. From holding a crying baby to using a calm tone during a toddler’s meltdown, caregivers can be a child’s emotional anchor. Simple techniques—like sitting close, breathing together, and labeling emotions—help lay the foundation for lifelong emotional resilience.

A compassionate look at how medical labels affect children and families, and why early intervention must focus on strengths, not just deficits.

Discover the story behind PerVigeō, a family-founded service supporting neurodiverse children through early, integrated assessments. Every child deserves to thrive.

What is neurodivergence, and what do parents of neurodivergent children need to know? This article explores what it means to be neurodivergent and describes how parents can support their children and help them thrive.

When a child develops differently to their peers, it can bring uncertainty, grief, and strength. This powerful keynote from Dr Patricia Champion explores how to truly support families through connection, respect, and clinical partnership.

Is your child struggling with big emotions, tantrums, or mood swings? Learn the signs of emotional dysregulation and how early support can make a difference.

Wondering if your child’s development is on track? Learn the key signs to look for across speech, motor skills, social interaction, and more—and how to seek support if needed.