Carla van Zyl

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

I feel incredibly blessed to be living out two of my greatest passions: being a mother and an Occupational Therapist. Motherhood has deepened my understanding of the joys, challenges, and uncertainties that parents experience, allowing me to support families with both professional expertise and genuine empathy.

My experience working in schools for learners with special educational needs and neurodiversity has equipped me with a strong understanding of the school environment and the demands children face in their daily lives. I am passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to participate more independently and confidently at home, at school, and in their communities.

I enjoy working collaboratively with parents, empowering them with practical strategies to support their child’s development. My clinical approach is strongly influenced by Ayres Sensory Integration®, which I use to better understand each child’s unique sensory needs and to help families navigate everyday challenges with confidence and understanding.