Mel Higgins

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Mel, and I have two children, one of whom is autistic. They are my whole world, and every day, I focus on improving my skills to better support them. I dedicate much of my life to understanding autism and ADHD, constantly learning strategies and ideas to best support children and families. This is why I started this business—to help everyone involved. I have a partner as well, who plays a key role in supporting our family. Outside of my work, I enjoy going to the gym, watching movies like Finding Nemo (which brings me comfort), and indulging in delicious food (although, it’s always the same kinds of food to me!). The passion I have for what I do is real, and I support every family that comes to me.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in allied health, and why do you still love it today?
I was inspired to pursue a career in allied health because I saw a real need for support that focuses on the strengths of children, rather than constantly trying to change them. For example, people spend so much money supporting children to tie their shoes, but why do we have to do that when there are simple alternatives like velcro shoes? It's time to think completely outside the box and challenge the norms of modern therapy. I realised that by focusing on strengths, sensory needs and innovative solutions, we can support children in a way that’s more aligned with their unique needs and abilities.

 I truly believe that parental attachment and attachment style are paramount in a child's development. It’s crucial to support the parents' mental health so they can better understand how their child perceives the world, including communication, sensory processing, emotions, and more. What I love about this field is the constant learning. I get to explore so many different areas, looking at patterns, and problem-solving in unique ways. I’ve learned a lot about myself too, especially after being later diagnosed as autistic and having ADHD myself. This personal experience only deepens my understanding and makes me even more passionate about helping others. I’m also fascinated by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches and sensory integration, which are often overlooked but incredibly important in understanding how children process and respond to their environment.

If someone was just starting out in allied health, what’s the best advice you’d give them?
My advice would be to observe first and keep an open mind. Don’t judge, don’t invalidate, and don’t rely on your own upbringing or societal norms to influence your approach. Instead, look at every situation with fresh eyes—focus on the child’s mental health and what genuinely brings them joy. Be prepared for all different dynamics, and always remember to try and understand things from the other person’s perspective. This path will change the way you view the world.

If you could shadow another healthcare professional for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d love to shadow a pediatric dietitian to understand their diagnostic criteria and how they explore different domains of care. I’m especially interested in how they look at nutrition in the context of mental health and how it might impact a child’s well-being. Watching the huge positive impact that proper nutrition has had on my own son has made me even more passionate about understanding the link between diet and mental health. I’d love to learn from their expertise on how food and nutrition can support a child’s unique needs and overall development.

How do you stay balanced and regulate yourself?
I find balance through simple activities: hot showers, eating good food, talking on the phone, relaxing in bed, enjoying a sauna, wearing my Oodie, having hot coffee, and spending time at the beach. I also regulate myself by spending quality time with my kids, just relaxing and being present with them. These small rituals help me reset and recharge.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy watching my favorite movie, Finding Nemo, because it’s comforting and peaceful for me. I also find joy in spending time outdoors and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like food and nature.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to support families in the most effective ways possible—providing ample, strategic support that focuses on both mental health and care. I aim to continue finding new ways to promote joy, efficiency, and well-being in every family I work with.

What are you currently studying or planning to study?
I have a Bachelor in Psychology and a Diploma in Counseling, and I’m always learning and growing. While I’m not sure what’s next, I plan to continue my studies and explore new avenues in mental health care to better serve the families I work with.

What’s your favorite movie and why?
Finding Nemo is my favorite movie because I find comfort in the water and nature. The journey in the film resonates with me on a personal level, and it reflects the importance of perseverance and finding joy, even when the path is difficult.

How do you handle situations when a child is experiencing strong emotions and is in the red zone?
When a child is in the “red zone” or experiencing a meltdown, I stay calm and make sure they are safe. Their prefrontal cortex isn’t functioning properly in that moment, and they are in survival mode—this is the reptilian brain taking over. Talking to a child during this state can often make things worse because they aren’t able to process verbal communication. My philosophy is about preventing meltdowns, not necessarily stopping them, as they are inevitable. The focus should always be on understanding and finding ways to help the child feel safe, calm, and heard.

And just for fun – tell us a joke!
Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
Because they don’t have the guts!