Meet Ambassador & Occupational Therapist – Lauren Dorney

Lauren Dorney

TAHH Ambassador & Occupational Therapist

Lauren is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with a strong clinical focus on early infant and toddler development. Since qualifying in 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa, Lauren has worked across diverse healthcare systems in South Africa, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Her global experience has equipped her with a broad and culturally responsive understanding of developmental needs in early childhood.

Her approach is grounded in sensory integration and neurodevelopmental principles, with a focus on uncovering the why behind behaviours. Lauren believes deeply in the power of early intervention and is committed to meeting each child—and their family—exactly where they are. Her practice is child-led, strengths-based, and built on mutual respect and curiosity.

Lauren places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and understands the impact of a cohesive therapeutic team. She values the therapeutic relationship as a cornerstone of effective intervention and actively encourages open communication with allied health and medical professionals to align goals and optimise outcomes.

  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – University of Cape Town, 2010
  • AHPRA Registered Occupational Therapist
  • Member – Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)

Advanced training in:

  • Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
  • Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI)
  • SOSI-M (Sensory Observation Scales for Infants)
  • Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development
  • Normal Movement Patterns
  • Sensory-Motor Feeding Interventions (Talk Tools)
  • Using Gravity to Facilitate Sensory Motor Development in Infants and Children
  • Early intervention for developmental delays
  • Supporting infant-caregiver attachment and relational development
  • Sensory processing and emotional regulation
  • Learning and attention challenges
  • Picky eating and problem feeding
  • Infant and toddler sleep challenges
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Rare genetic and complex medical conditions
  • Neurological disorders in early childhood