Adaptive Kids - Play with Purpose™
Australian Paediatric Physiotherapist Programs for Your Child's Core Strength
150+ guided activities that take the guesswork out of supporting your child’s motor development — so you can confidently Play with Purpose, anytime and anywhere.
✅ Suitable for ages 3–12 — with progressions that grow with your child.
✅ Suitable for ages 3–12 — with progressions that grow with your child.
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⭐ All programs are created by leading Australian Paediatric Physiotherapist - James Dowton, with extensive clinical experience supporting children with developmental delays, coordination challenges, and sensory needs.
⭐ Unlimited access to 150+ expert-designed activities across three unique programs.
⭐ Step-by-step guidance for every activity, no guesswork with video demonstrations, explanations and activity modifications!
⭐ New content is added regularly.
⭐ Core, Balance, and Coordination Programs with 5 progressive levels — from Foundational to Mastery— so you can easily match activities to your child’s current skills and stage.
⭐ Suitable for children with or without developmental delays.
⭐ Flexible and accessible — use at home, in therapy, at school or on the go.
⭐ Cancel anytime.
⭐ Designed for parents, teachers, and therapists.
⭐ Available with NDIS funding — for the equivalent of just 1.5 hours of therapy, you’ll unlock a full year of structured, expert-guided support your child can access anytime.
Start by joining the Play with Purpose™ Membership to unlock full access.
With The Play with Purpose™ App you can:
✅ Get started with ready-to-use activities developed by Paediatric Physiotherapists — built on years of real world clinical experience and designed to fit easily into everyday life.
✅ Choose your focus area from Core Strength, Balance, or Coordination and follow a structured, step-by-step progression that adapts to your child’s development — with 5 progressive levels from foundational to mastery
✅ Press play and follow along— at home, outdoors, or on the go. Each activity includes clear, step-by-step instructions with video guidance, explanations and modifications.
✅ Track progress and build confidence: Repeat activities, mix and match levels, or follow one program at a time — you’re in control, and every play session moves your child forward.
✅ Built for families using the NDIS — supporting children with disability or developmental delay through purposeful, play-based activities grounded in developmental milestones, motor learning principles, and real-world principles.
✅ NDIS-claimable — suitable for funding under Low Cost Consumables with structured content that supports therapy goals and functional progress through everyday play
Click HERE for more information on how purchase with NDIS Funding.
The Importance of Core
Whether they’re sitting, running, or playing. Core strength provides your child the foundation for stability, endurance, and confident movement.
Builds Independence and Confidence
A strong core gives your child the stability and control to navigate daily tasks with ease — whether they’re running across the playground, in the classroom, or playing sports. By strengthening their core, they’ll move more efficiently, feel more capable, and gain the confidence to take on new challenges independently.
Enhances Motor Control and Coordination
The core is the center of all movement, providing the control needed for smooth, efficient movements. Whether your child is turning, twisting, or adjusting their body position, core strength helps them move with better coordination and less effort.
Reduces Fatigue and Boosts Stamina
When your child’s core is strong, their body doesn’t have to work as hard to stay upright and balanced. This means less fatigue, better endurance, and more energy for play, school, and sports. A weak core can lead to slouching, early fatigue, and difficulty keeping up with peers in physical activities.
How the Program Works
The Balance Program is thoughtfully designed to make balance-building simple, effective, and enjoyable for both you and your child. Here’s how it works:
James Dowton
- Paediatric Physiotherapist & Founder
🎓 Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) - University of Newcastle
📜 Masters of Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy - Monash University
✔️ Over 10,000 Hours Experience as a Paediatric Physiotherapist
💡 International Ehlers-Danlos (EDS) Echo Training
🧠 Member of the Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
🧩 NSW Paediatric Committee Member and Member of the Australian Paediatric Physiotherapy Group
🌟 Hesta Excellence Awards Finalist, Allied Health
🏆 NSW Physiotherapy Branch Award Winner for contributions to the Physiotherapy Profession
How to purchase with NDIS Funding ✅
If your child has an NDIS plan, you may be able to use funding to access the Play with Purpose program as part of their therapy and skill development. Here’s how:
Self-Managed Plans: You can purchase the program directly and claim reimbursement under the appropriate NDIS category (This will typically be Core - Consumables).
Plan-Managed Plans: Your Plan Manager can process the payment if the program aligns with your child’s NDIS goals.
When requesting NDIS funding for Play with Purpose, it helps to explain how it supports your child’s goals. Here are some key points to include:
✅ Supports motor skill development – Helps improve balance, strength, and coordination needed for everyday activities.
✅ Promotes participation – Builds confidence for playground activities, school sports, and community play.
✅ Enhances therapy outcomes – Complements therapy by reinforcing movement skills in a fun, engaging way.
✅ Encourages independence – Supports skill-building for everyday movement, making tasks like dressing, climbing, and catching easier.
Here is the link to our PDF, which you can submit to your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or plan manager to support funding for the Play with Purpose program.
Plan-Managed Plans: Your Plan Manager can process the payment if the program aligns with your child’s NDIS goals.
When requesting NDIS funding for Play with Purpose, it helps to explain how it supports your child’s goals. Here are some key points to include:
✅ Supports motor skill development – Helps improve balance, strength, and coordination needed for everyday activities.
✅ Promotes participation – Builds confidence for playground activities, school sports, and community play.
✅ Enhances therapy outcomes – Complements therapy by reinforcing movement skills in a fun, engaging way.
✅ Encourages independence – Supports skill-building for everyday movement, making tasks like dressing, climbing, and catching easier.
Here is the link to our PDF, which you can submit to your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or plan manager to support funding for the Play with Purpose program.
Frequently asked questions
My child has developmental delays — will this program work for them?
Absolutely. The Play with Purpose Balance Program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it suitable for children with developmental delays or motor skill challenges. Each activity includes modifications and variations to ensure it’s achievable and engaging for your child, helping them build confidence and progress at their own pace.
How much time does the program take?
The program is designed to fit into your routine. Each activity takes just a few minutes, and you can choose how many activities to complete in a session. Whether you have 10 minutes or want to spend longer, the program is flexible enough to work for your schedule.
What makes this program different from others?
Unlike traditional programs that focus on rigid exercises, this program is rooted in play. It’s designed to feel fun and engaging for kids while delivering real results. Plus, it’s backed by expert knowledge and offers clear, progressive steps that make it easy for parents to support their child’s development.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for children of all abilities aged 3 and over Whether your child is just starting to develop their balance skills or working on more advanced movements, the program adapts to meet their unique needs and abilities.
What equipment do I need?
Minimal equipment is required. Most activities use items you likely already have at home, such as beanbags, balls, household objects for markers. Specifically for this balance program progressive activities include a balance beam.
How do I know what level my child should start at?
You’ll start at the level of activity that matches their abilities and progress as they build confidence and strength. If an activity feels too easy or too challenging, there are variations to adjust the difficulty.
Can I use this program for more than one child?
Yes! The program is adaptable for children at different levels, so siblings or multiple children can participate together. Each child can work on activities suited to their individual needs, making it a great program for families.
What age range is this program best for?
The programs are designed for kids aged 2+. Whether your child is just starting to develop their balance skills or working on more advanced movements, the program adapts to meet their unique needs and abilities.
Can I use this app if my child is already in therapy?
Absolutely! These activities complement therapy by reinforcing movement skills, if your child’s therapist has specific goals, you can tailor the activities to support their progress.
How do the programs progress as my child improves?
Each program follows a step-by-step structure, starting with foundational movements before layering in more dynamic, real-world challenges. Your child can move up levels at their own pace, ensuring they always feel successful and motivated.
Why Play with Purpose
Play creates a foundation for nearly every movement your child makes — from their first steps to confidently climbing playground equipment or joining in sports.
Core
A strong core helps your child sit tall, stay steady, and move with control, making everything from sports to everyday play feel easier.
With better stability, they’ll have the confidence to climb, run, and explore without tiring as quickly.
With better stability, they’ll have the confidence to climb, run, and explore without tiring as quickly.
Balance
Balance is key to helping your child feel secure in movement — whether they’re navigating playground equipment, riding a bike, or keeping up in sports.
When balance improves, so does their confidence to take on new challenges.
When balance improves, so does their confidence to take on new challenges.
Coordination
Good coordination helps your child react quickly, move smoothly, and feel in control of their body—whether they’re catching a ball, skipping, or learning new skills in play and sport.
When movement feels natural, participation becomes fun and effortless.
When movement feels natural, participation becomes fun and effortless.
Play with Purpose Programs
Our mission is to empower children to move with confidence through fun, engaging, and expertly designed activities.
Every child deserves the opportunity to play in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and meaningful. By blending play with purposeful movement, we help kids develop the skills they need to thrive — on the playground, in sports, and in everyday life.
Every child deserves the opportunity to play in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and meaningful. By blending play with purposeful movement, we help kids develop the skills they need to thrive — on the playground, in sports, and in everyday life.
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