Dr Michelle Newby, PhD is an experienced paediatric occupational therapist who supports children and families with complex developmental, sensory, and emotional needs. She brings together more than 25 years of clinical experience, research expertise, and a deep understanding of how developmental differences affect everyday life at home, school, and in the community.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy), a Master of Science with Distinction in Health and Social Research, and a PhD in Occupational Therapy. Her doctoral research focused on sensory processing and developmental challenges in children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), an area in which she is recognised internationally for her clinical and research contributions.
Michelle has worked with children and families across Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Azerbaijan, and China, and has extensive experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS, Tourette syndrome, developmental coordination disorder, and developmental trauma. She has a particular interest in complex and overlapping presentations, where sensory processing differences, emotional regulation, anxiety, and participation challenges intersect.
Alongside her clinical practice, Michelle serves as a member of the Scientific Committee for the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Brain Health Research Program and as a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Michelle remains actively involved in teaching, research, and the supervision of occupational therapists. Michelle is known for her thoughtful, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approach, with a strong emphasis on practical strategies that support children’s participation in everyday routines, learning, and relationships.
Michelle is an international speaker and educator and is highly regarded for her ability to translate complex research into meaningful, family-centred support. Families and referrers value her calm, compassionate style, her depth of clinical reasoning, and her commitment to helping children feel understood, supported, and capable in their everyday lives. If you are an occupational therapist, you can find out more about Michelle’s training and mentoring services at www.michellenewby.com.
Michelle is currently accepting new referrals for children aged from birth to 18 years and referrals and bookings can be made here.
