• Supporting Neurodivergent Children

    Gentle paediatric osteopathic care for children with ADHD, autism and neurodevelopmental differences in Castle Hill NSW 2154

  • Supporting Neurodivergent Children at Hills Osteopaths

    If your child is autistic, has ADHD, or is showing sensory, motor or developmental differences, you may be looking for care that feels calm, respectful and practical.

    At Hills Osteopaths in Castle Hill, Dr Julian Howard works with babies, toddlers, school-aged children and teens. His paediatric osteopathic care looks at how your child’s body moves, where tension may be building, and whether pain, stiffness, posture, sleep discomfort, headaches, digestive strain or movement problems are adding extra pressure to daily life.

    Osteopathy doesn’t aim to change who your child is. It doesn’t cure autism, ADHD or neurodevelopmental conditions. The aim is to assess and treat physical factors that may affect comfort and movement confidence, while working alongside your child’s broader healthcare team.

  • Why neurodivergent children may benefit from an osteopathic assessment

    Neurodivergent children can experience their body in ways that aren’t always easy to explain. Some children avoid touch. Some seek pressure. Some struggle with co-ordination, posture, balance, sitting tolerance or pain after sport and school. Others carry tension in the neck, jaw, rib cage, abdomen, back or pelvis.

    An osteopathic assessment at Hills Osteopaths may be useful when parents notice:

    • ongoing neck, back, hip, knee or foot discomfort
    • toe walking, altered gait, clumsiness or frequent trips and falls
    • headaches, jaw tension or screen-related posture strain
    • difficulty settling after activity because the body feels “wired” or uncomfortable
    • abdominal tightness, constipation patterns or discomfort linked with physical tension
    • poor sitting tolerance at school, during meals or while travelling
    • muscle tightness during growth spurts or after sport
    • movement patterns that seem one-sided, stiff or restricted

    The first goal is simple: understand what your child’s body is doing and decide whether osteopathic care is appropriate.

  • Julian’s paediatric background and neurodevelopmental training

    Dr Julian Howard’s interest in children’s osteopathy began long before Hills Osteopaths opened in Castle Hill. After his son had a difficult birth, Julian saw him receive care at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London. That experience shaped his career change into osteopathy. Julian later completed a two-year Master’s in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children, now known as the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy. He has worked with babies, children, pregnant mums and postnatal mums since 2005, and set up Hills Osteopaths in Castle Hill after moving to Sydney in 2007.

    Click here to more about Dr Julian Howard

    To keep his paediatric practice current, in 2026 Julian attended an advanced practical masterclass on paediatric neurodevelopmental conditions led by world -reknowned Italian paediatric osteopath, Luisa Miraglia.

    The seminar covered:

    • neurodevelopmental pathophysiology and how it may present across childhood
    • early signs and red flags in babies, toddlers, school-aged children and adolescents
    • clinical history-taking that gives parents time to explain what they’re seeing at home
    • assessment methods for posture, motor control, movement quality and physical strain
    • manual therapy techniques aimed at structural alignment, nervous system settling, visceral health and cranial care
    • real case examples involving children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and related developmental concerns

    Julian has added that training to his his existing skillset and experience to his Hills Osteopaths practice for families in Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Norwest, Cherrybrook, Glenhaven, Dural, West Pennant Hills and the wider Hills District.

  • Contact Hills Osteopaths for a consultation today

    Dr Julian Howard is an Alumni of the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy
    Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy

  • Neurodivergence and what osteopathy may help with

    What osteopathy may help with

    Paediatric osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal system and how it interacts with everyday function. For a neurodivergent child, the appointment may focus on one or more physical concerns.

    Possible areas of care include:

    • easing muscle tension that may contribute to pain, irritability or poor rest
    • improving joint mobility where stiffness is affecting movement
    • assessing cranial, neck and jaw tension that may relate to headaches or posture strain
    • checking rib cage, diaphragm and breathing mechanics that may affect comfort
    • assessing abdominal and pelvic tension where digestive discomfort is part of the picture
    • helping with balance, coordination and movement confidence through hands-on treatment and simple home advice
    • supporting recovery from sports injuries, growth-related discomfort or school posture strain

    Care is adapted to your child’s age, sensory preferences and communication style.

  • A child-led appointment style

    Many parents worry that their child won’t sit still, won’t tolerate touch or won’t answer questions. That’s expected in paediatric care.

    At Hills Osteopaths, the appointment can be adapted so your child feels safer and less rushed. Treatment may happen seated, standing, lying down, on a parent’s lap, or in short blocks with breaks. Julian explains what he’s doing in plain language and checks consent as he goes.

    Parents are encouraged to bring anything that helps their child settle, such as a comfort item, ear defenders, a snack, a favourite toy, or notes from school, OT, speech pathology, psychology, GP or paediatric appointments.

    Parents may book if they notice feeding side preference, head-turning preference, unsettled tummy time, delayed gross motor milestones, poor sleep linked with discomfort, constipation patterns, or general body tension after birth.

    Care may focus on posture, toe walking, clumsiness, frequent falls, growing pains, headaches, tummy discomfort, difficulty sitting, or pain after playground and sport activity.

    Teenagers may need support with neck pain, back pain, headaches, jaw tension, sports injuries, rapid growth changes, desk posture, screen load, backpack strain, menstrual discomfort or stress-related muscle tension.

    What to Expect at the first visit

    The first appointment usually includes:

    • a detailed parent history, including pregnancy, birth, early milestones, sleep, feeding, digestion, injury history, school demands and current concerns
    • a discussion of your child’s sensory needs, triggers, communication preferences and best time-of-day for care
    • observation of posture, balance, gait, coordination and age-appropriate movement
    • gentle hands-on assessment of the spine, pelvis, rib cage, neck, head, limbs and abdomen where appropriate
    • screening for signs that may need GP, paediatric, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, podiatry or physiotherapy input
    • a treatment plan with realistic goals, home advice and referral guidance if required

    If treatment isn’t suitable on the day, Julian will explain why and suggest the next best step.

    Book an appointment or ask a question

    Why families choose Hills Osteopaths in Castle Hill

    Hills Osteopaths is a family-focused clinic with care for newborns, children, adults and older people.

    The clinic is located at 1A/10-12 Old Castle Hill Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154, close to Castle Towers, Castle Hill Metro Station and the Old Northern Road bus interchange. Click here for directions

    Parents choose Hills Osteopaths for:

    • paediatric osteopathic care led by Dr Julian Howard, Principal Osteopath
    • experience with babies, children, teens, pregnant mums and postnatal mums
    • structural and cranial osteopathy in one local Castle Hill clinic
    • clear explanations without pressure for long treatment plans
    • hands-on care paired with practical home advice
    • pram and wheelchair access with nearby parking
    • call, WhatsApp and online enquiry options
    • HICAPS private health claiming and Medicare EPC/CDM support where eligible

    Contact Hills Osteopaths

  • Frequently Asked Questions Neurodivergence in children and osteopathy

    Understanding how we support neurodivergent children at Hills Osteopaths

    Can osteopathy help a neurodivergent child with ADHD or autism?

    Osteopathy doesn’t treat ADHD or autism as diagnoses. At Hills Osteopaths, Julian assesses physical issues that may sit alongside neurodivergence, such as muscle tension, posture strain, headaches, joint stiffness, altered gait, sports pain, abdominal tension and movement difficulties. The aim is to improve comfort and movement where osteopathic care is appropriate

    Does Hills Osteopaths diagnose autism, ADHD or developmental delay?

    No. Formal diagnosis of autism, ADHD or developmental delay is handled by medical and allied health professionals such as paediatricians, developmental paediatricians, psychologists and related specialists. Julian can assess musculoskeletal and movement findings, discuss red flags, and suggest referral to your GP or paediatric team when further assessment is needed.

    What happens if my child can’t lie still or doesn’t like being touched?

    The appointment can be changed to suit your child. Julian may assess movement while your child stands, sits, walks, plays or stays close to a parent. Touch is gentle, explained first and only used where tolerated. Breaks are welcome. Parents can bring ear defenders, comfort items, snacks or written notes to reduce pressure during the session.

    What signs might prompt parents to book a paediatric osteopathy appointment?

    Parents commonly book when a child has ongoing pain, stiffness, headaches, poor posture, toe walking, frequent falls, clumsiness, one-sided movement patterns, difficulty sitting, sports injuries, growth-related aches, jaw tension, abdominal discomfort or sleep disruption linked with physical discomfort. If symptoms are severe, sudden or changing quickly, contact your GP first.

    Can osteopathy work alongside OT, speech therapy, psychology or paediatric care?

    Yes. Osteopathic care can sit alongside occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, physiotherapy, podiatry, GP and paediatric care. Parents are welcome to bring reports or goals from other practitioners so the appointment can focus on the physical concerns most relevant to your child’s day-to-day life.

    Is paediatric osteopathy suitable for babies, toddlers and teenagers?

    Yes, Hills Osteopaths sees children from newborns through to teens. The assessment and treatment style changes with age. A baby may need very light cranial and bodywork. A school-aged child may need movement and posture assessment. A teenager may need care for sport, screen posture, headaches, back pain or growth-related muscle tension.

  • Book paediatric osteopathic care in Castle Hill

    If your child has neurodevelopmental differences and you’re concerned, Hills Osteopaths in Castle Hill can help support your child. Contact us today an experienced and qualified consultation.

    Call 02 9659 0515 or use the secure contact form to ask whether paediatric osteopathy is suitable for your child. Book an appointment for your child today.

Cookie Use
We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
Learn More