Episode Summary

In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, host Dr. Ashton Wilson sits down with Katie Cleary, pediatric physiotherapist and Director of Ocean Kids Health. Drawing from both her personal experience with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and over 15 years of clinical expertise, Katie shares key insights into recognizing, validating, and treating pediatric hypermobility.

Together, they explore the new 2023 international pediatric diagnostic criteria, the crucial link between hypermobility and neurodivergence, practical tips for busy families, and why movement should always be play-based, empowering, and fun.

Key Takeaways

Listen to and Validate Children Early: When a child reports pain, fatigue, or difficulty keeping up, take them seriously. Early intervention prevents acute issues from becoming chronic challenges.
The 2023 Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria: Designed specifically for ages 5–18, this framework replaces adult-centric tools to properly classify pediatric hypermobility subtypes (symptomatic and asymptomatic).
Hypermobility & Neurodivergence: Conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) frequently co-occur with hypermobility due to underlying sensory processing differences and joint proprioception needs.
Make Movement Fun: Effective pediatric therapy relies on residual heat, bodyweight play, pool work, and games—not rigid or boring home exercise routines.
Pacing over Consistency: Shift the mindset from rigid daily routines to "continuing" at a natural pace to avoid burnout for both kids and parents.

Timestamped Chapter Outline Timestamp Chapter Title 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 01:25 The Origins of Ocean Kids Health 02:50 Katie’s Personal Journey with Hypermobility 07:40 How Hypermobility Presents in Early Childhood 10:45 Understanding the 2023 Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria 12:00 Play-Based Treatment Strategies & Movement Therapy 16:38 Overcoming Challenges: System Barriers & Time Poverty 20:19 The Link Between Neurodivergence and Hypermobility 25:11 The Future of Therapeutic Guidelines 30:42 Audience Q&A: Early Signs, Intervention & Running 36:12 Hypotonia (Low Tone) vs. Hypermobility 41:36 Katie’s Top Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians 44:13 Rapid-Fire Questions & Final Thoughts Key Quotes

"I just love helping families get that diagnosis and recognition, because the sooner we know what's going on, the more support we can give kiddos to have a much better quality of life."

— Katie Cleary

"Movement is medicine for all of our little people. It doesn't matter how you move or what movement you do, but finding joy in it is what keeps kids going."

— Katie Cleary

Mentioned Resources & Links

Ocean Kids Health Website: oceankidshealth.com.au
Connect with Katie Cleary: LinkedIn
International Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria (2023): Developed via The Ehlers-Danlos Society Pediatric Working Group.