Occupational Therapist Ryan Hopkinson working with children and kids with disabilities at Lifespan Therapies in Strathpine, North Brisbane. Pictured smiling in a headshot against a green background.

MEET THE TEAM

Ryan Hopkinson

I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and have been passionate about working in paediatrics ever since, supporting children and their families to achieve meaningful, individual goals. My journey with Lifespan Therapies began in 2020 as an Allied Health Assistant, and I continued with the team as an Occupational Therapist after graduating. In 2023, I took a small break to explore generalist roles in rural Queensland, broadening my experience, before returning in 2024 to focus on my passion for paediatrics.

I enjoy supporting children with diverse and complex needs, including those requiring toileting support, physical development guidance, and management of complex physical diagnoses. My practice is informed by a deep understanding of regulation supports, nervous system function, and interoception. I love integrating play and children’s own interests into therapy to make sessions engaging and meaningful while helping them feel safe in their bodies, build foundational skills, and develop independence in daily life.

I love making therapy sessions fun, meaningful, and child-led, often incorporating special interests such as LEGO or Minecraft to build connection, motivation, and engagement. I believe that when children feel understood and excited to participate, real progress happens.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, spending time at the beach, discovering trendy breakfast spots for the best iced latte, and nurturing my lifelong interest in aviation.

Occupational Therapist

Additional Training & Expertise Skills

Extra training & skills

  • Supporting Regulation & Polyvagal Theory

  • DIR Floortime 101

  • DMI Training Level A & B

  • 3 Steps to Nurturing Interoception Course

  • NISE-Stim Level 1

  • Additional toileting/continence training

  • Zones of Regulation Curriculum

Expertise & experience areas

  • Autism and neurodivergence

  • Regulation and sensory processing

  • Toileting and continence

  • Complex physical and developmental presentations

  • Developmental skills and school readiness

  • Fine motor and visual perceptual skills

  • Activities of daily living and independence

Favourite Areas to Treat

  • Toileting and continence

  • Physical development

  • Meal preparation/life skills

  • Supporting independence in self-cares

  • Child-led, play-based therapy

  • Building strong rapport and connection with children and families

  • Making therapy fun, engaging and meaningful to the child.

  • Supporting regulation and understanding nervous system needs for the child and family

  • Thinking creatively

  • Supporting families with practical strategies they can use outside of therapy

Strength areas

Occupational Therapist Ryan Hopkinson pictured with his partner standing in a sunflower field smiling and wearing hats.
Group staff photo of Lifespan Therapies participating in a pajama dress up day. Pictured in the Lifespan Therapies clinic in North Brisbane, offering children's physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology for kids, babies, and children.
Occupational Therapist Ryan Hopkinson working with children and kids with disabilities at Lifespan Therapies in Strathpine, North Brisbane. Pictured in graduation gown and cap standing and smiling.