Belong OT project
Join In Your Way
Body clues, everyday activities and ways to take part.
Animated stories and shared language for children and the adults who support them. The focus is participation in real activities, not looking calm or managing alone.
A shared way to explore
What is Join In Your Way?
Join In Your Way is an occupational therapy resource in development for children and the adults who support them. It uses animated stories to explore body clues, what they might mean in different situations, and what helps children take part in everyday activities in ways that work for them.
The stories focus on familiar experiences such as learning, playing with friends, moving between activities and joining a group.
The videos and supporting resources are in development. They will be added here as they become available.
For
Children around 5 to 8 and the adults who support them.
Format
One introductory story, three Body Clues Adventures and supporting resources.
Focus
Body clues, supported choices and meaningful participation in everyday activities.
Five stages to explore together
Feel it → Know it → Choose it → Do it → Join in
The stages offer shared language, not a test or a rigid sequence. Children do not need to explain every body clue or complete every stage before receiving help.
Feel it
Notice body clues, such as a thumping heart, tight shoulders, thirst or an urge to move.
Know it
Think about what is happening and what those clues might mean. The same clue might mean something different in another situation. “I’m not sure” is a valid answer.
Choose it
Explore what would help with the activity. This might involve movement, a different space, a smaller first step or support from another person. Sometimes nothing needs changing.
Do it
Try the chosen support and check whether it helps. Adjust it or try something else together if needed.
Join in
Begin, continue or return to an activity in a way which works for the child. Support and movement are welcome parts of participation.
Taking part might mean solving a problem with a friend, starting one part of a task, asking for help or joining an activity after a break.
A child does not have to look calm, sit still or manage alone to participate. The activity, surroundings and support from other people all matter.
Animated stories
Explore the stories
Start with the introductory video to meet the five stages. Then explore the Body Clues Adventures, which show different ways to use them in everyday situations.
Join In Your Way: introductory story
Meet the five stages through Finn’s maths example. Finn explores body clues and tries support for both his body and the task. Movement and a number line help him take part in the learning.
Video coming soon.
The Missing Piece
Emma and Susan work on a jigsaw in a busy classroom. Emma notices several body clues together. A stretch helps one part of the experience. A less busy place, support from her friend and a change to the room help her continue. Later, a fast heartbeat means excitement, and nothing needs changing.
One More Go
The whistle signals the end of yard time, but Barry’s body still feels ready to run. The story explores how movement and adult support help him move into the next activity.
Ready to Sing
A music lesson explores different body clues and energy levels. An adult models noticing and responding to her own needs, while movement helps children become ready to take part in singing.
Use the stories together
How to use the stories
Watch together at a time which suits the child. Pause or revisit a short section if useful. Keep the conversation curious and connect it to an activity which matters to them.
Ask what the character noticed and what was happening around them.
Explore what helped the character take part. Consider the activity, surroundings and other people as well as body-focused support.
Offer a small choice or try something together. There is no single correct strategy.
Check whether the support made the activity easier to access, enjoy or continue.
Support does not have to wait for words
Children do not need to describe their own body sensations on request. Adults should offer support without waiting for the child to find the words. Watching, pointing, moving, taking a break and saying “not yet” are all valid responses.
Supporting materials
Supporting resources
Supporting resources are being developed alongside the videos. This section will be updated as materials become available.
Five-stage visual
A clear visual showing Feel it, Know it, Choose it, Do it and Join in.
Accessible transcripts
Readable transcripts to sit alongside each finished video.
Adult introduction
A short presentation to help adults introduce the stories and shared language.
Project background
About the project
Join In Your Way is being developed by Déarbhla O’Reilly Malone, Senior Occupational Therapist and founder of Belong OT, with support from the AOTI Eva Duggan Award 2025.
The project draws on an evidence review and the Participation-Focused Interoception Framework. Interoception refers to noticing signals from inside the body. The framework connects noticing and understanding these signals with supported choices and participation in everyday activities.
The resource remains in development, with co-production and piloting planned. Its impact on children’s participation has not yet been established.
Questions about Join In Your Way?
The project is still in development. If you have a practical question about the resource or Belong OT, you are welcome to get in touch.