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Red Light Therapy for children & Brain Photobiomodulation

A non-invasive, research-informed option for children with autism, developmental delay, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental needs - with optional QEEG brain mapping and individualised treatment planning.

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Red Light Therapy for Children with Autism & Neurodevelopmental Needs

At Kids Therapy Clinics Australia, we support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Global Developmental Delay (GDD), ADHD, learning difficulties, sensory processing challenges, emotional regulation difficulties and other developmental needs. Our focus is always the child - their strengths, their challenges and the functional goals that matter to their family.

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Brain Photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly described by parents as Red Light Therapy, is a non-invasive light-based approach now being studied internationally in neuroscience and neurodevelopment. We offer PBM as an additional option that can sit alongside a child’s existing therapy program rather than replacing established supports.

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The strongest paediatric research to date is in autism. Several studies have reported positive changes in standardised autism measures, irritability, rigidity, attention, sleep, social engagement and patterns of brain electrical activity. Research in ADHD, developmental delay and other neurodevelopmental conditions is still earlier in its development, so every child is considered individually.

What Is Red Light Therapy / Brain Photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for the controlled application of red and near-infrared light to biological tissue. When the light is applied over the head, researchers commonly use the term transcranial photobiomodulation, or tPBM.

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For parents, the simplest way to think about it is as a non-invasive technology being studied for its potential to support brain and neurological functioning.

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Programs are individualised to the child’s age, tolerance, developmental profile and goals.​

NON-INVASIVE | NO MEDICATION |  CHILD-FOCUSED | CLINIC-BASED | NDIS

Who May Benefit from a Brain PBM Consultation?

 

A consultation may be appropriate for families seeking an additional, non-invasive option for a child with:

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  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Global Developmental Delay (GDD) or developmental delay

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or significant attention/focus difficulties

  • Learning, memory or cognitive processing challenges

  • Emotional and behavioural regulation difficulties

  • Rigidity, irritability or difficulty adapting to change

  • Sensory processing or visual processing challenges

  • Sleep or arousal regulation concerns

  • Communication, social participation or learning-readiness goals

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PBM is not suitable for every child. An initial consultation allows us to review relevant history, goals and suitability before a program is recommended.

What Happens in a Typical  Session?

Play Therapy sessions generally last between 45 to 60 minutes. During the session, the child may:

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  • Engage in symbolic or imaginative play to work through emotional experiences

  • Explore social roles, fears, and aspirations through role-play or puppetry

  • Use drawing, painting, or sandplay to externalise internal struggles

  • Learn self-soothing strategies, turn-taking, problem-solving, and communication

 

The therapist observes the child’s play themes and gently supports emotional expression, regulation, and growth in a developmentally appropriate manner.

What are the benefits of Play Therapy ?

Play Therapy promotes growth across emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and social domains. The benefits extend beyond the therapy room and can be seen in home life, school performance, and peer interactions.

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Emotional Development

  • Helps children identify and express feelings

  • Reduces emotional outbursts and internal distress

  • Builds resilience, confidence, and a positive sense of self

 

Communication & Language

  • Supports expressive language and emotional vocabulary

  • Encourages non-verbal children to communicate through alternative mediums

  • Reduces echolalia and improves reciprocal conversation

 

Social and Relational Growth

  • Builds empathy, cooperation, and emotional understanding

  • Supports friendships, conflict resolution, and social inclusion

  • Enhances interpersonal trust and connection

 

Behavioural and Cognitive Improvements

  • Decreases aggressive, avoidant, or self-defeating behaviours

  • Strengthens attention, memory, and self-control

  • Encourages adaptive problem-solving and decision-making

 

Family Support and Integration

  • Improves the parent-child relationship

  • Offers families insight into their child's emotional world

  • Empowers parents with strategies to support their child at home

Is Play Therapy Evidence Based ?

Yes, Play Therapy is grounded in well-established psychological theory and supported by decades of clinical research. Its theoretical roots can be traced to:

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  • Carl Jung, who used symbolic play to explore the unconscious mind (Jung, 1963)

  • Anna Freud and Sigmund Freud, who recognised the diagnostic and therapeutic value of children’s play

  • Margaret Lowenfeld, who pioneered non-verbal techniques such as sandplay for emotional exploration

  • Virginia Axline, who developed the principles of Child-Centred Play Therapy, inspired by Carl Rogers' person-centred approach (Axline, 1947)

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Contemporary research continues to affirm its efficacy:

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“Meta-analytic findings support the use of play therapy in reducing behavioural and emotional difficulties among children, particularly when parents are involved in the process.”
(Bratton et al., 2005; Ray et al., 2015)

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Outcomes include improvements in:

  • Emotional self-regulation and distress tolerance

  • Social competence and empathy

  • Internalising symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression)

  • Externalising behaviours (e.g., aggression, defiance)

  • Engagement and success in academic settings

Why Choose Kids Therapy Clinics for ?

  • Highly qualified play therapists with specialised child development training

  • Integrated therapy services—collaborating across Speech, OT, and Behavioural Therapy

  • Family-centred approach, including parent coaching and involvement

  • Safe, inclusive, sensory-friendly environments where every child feels welcome

Happy Little Girl

Book your spot now!

We warmly invite you to secure your spot at Kids Therapy Clinics, where we proudly offer a comprehensive suite of therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. With a broad selection of services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Digital Therapy and Neurofeedback Training, we are committed to providing holistic support. Whether you're interested in a single therapy approach or a combination of therapies to maximize benefits, our team is ready to design a personalized plan that promotes your child's development, well-being, and success. Don't miss out on the opportunity to access our expert care. Book your spot now and take the first step towards empowering your child on their journey to growth and achievement.

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