For many parents, considering an autism assessment for their child brings a mix of emotions. Some families have wondered for years whether their child might be autistic, while others are responding to concerns raised by teachers, early childhood educators or health professionals. Feeling uncertain, worried or overwhelmed at this stage is entirely understandable. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects many Australian children, yet it remains widely misunderstood. This can make

ADHD often shows up in everyday life long before it is formally named. Parents may notice ongoing difficulties with attention, organisation, emotional regulation, or behaviour that affect school, friendships, and family routines. Over time, these challenges can begin to impact a child’s confidence and a parent’s sense of certainty about how best to help. For many Australian families, questions about ADHD therapy  arise not just after a diagnosis, but during periods of strain,

Reading difficulties often show up gradually. A child may work hard yet fall behind, take far longer than peers to complete homework, or become increasingly frustrated with school tasks that rely on reading and writing. For many families, concern builds over time rather than beginning with a single moment or diagnosis. Parents frequently ask whether their child is simply developing at their own pace, responding to gaps in instruction, or whether an underlying learning differe

Australia’s new under-16 social media restrictions have sparked widespread discussion and, for many Australian families, a fair amount of confusion. Parents are hearing strong and often conflicting opinions about whether social media is harmful or helpful for teenagers, while young people are responding to sudden changes in how they connect with friends and communities online. From the perspective of a child and adolescent psychologist , this confusion is understandable. When

How to support your teen while they navigate Australia's new social media age restrictions

What research in child psychology tells us can help Distressing or tragic events can reach children in many ways. Sometimes they are discussed openly within families. Other times, children overhear adult conversations, see headlines on a television left running, or encounter information online without context. Even when events happen far away, they can still feel close and unsettling for a child who is trying to make sense of the world. Many parents find themselves unsure abo

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As parents, we all strive to raise great kids who are emotionally intelligent, resilient, and capable of handling life’s challenges. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Emotion Coaching . This approach involves teaching children how to understand and regulate their emotions, fostering a strong parent-child bond and promoting healthy emotional development. What is Emotion Coaching? Emotion Coaching  is a parenting technique that involves recognising, unde

February 21, 2019 A good night’s sleep has many physical and psychological benefits. Sleep helps to maintain a healthy and balanced body and a strong immune system. It also regulates energy levels. Interestingly research suggests that sleep helps to solidify new memories and skills, so it is particularly important when considering performance at school. A lack of sleep can impact on behaviour, emotions and ability to focus in a negative way. Adolescents often struggle with ma

February 5, 2019 Many of us with young children have learned to dread bedtime. It can be a real struggle for lots of families. Managing our children’s behaviours, anxieties and sometimes flat out tantrums can really push our buttons. Bedtime can however provide an opportunity to spend some quality time with your child, where you can engage in nurturing behaviours like story-telling or hugging. If a solid and consistent bed-time routine is developed it can even be a time to te

As parents, one of our most important roles is to teach our children essential life skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Problem-solving skills are among the most critical abilities a child can develop. These skills enable us to handle everything from everyday challenges to more complex issues. By teaching your child how to solve problems effectively, you can help them become more confident, resilient, and capable in navigating life’s ups and downs. Why Are P

What are Cognitive Assessments for children? Does my child need one? Navigating the world of child psychology and education can be challenging for any parent. When someone suggests a cognitive assessment for your child, it can feel overwhelming to understand what that really means and why it might be beneficial. Cognitive assessments can provide valuable insights into your child’s unique learning profile, helping you make well-informed decisions about their education and dev

Anger outbursts in children can be challenging for both parents and caregivers. Understanding the underlying causes of these outbursts and finding effective strategies to manage them is crucial for fostering emotional well-being and maintaining a peaceful home environment. Here, we explore several evidence-based approaches to help reduce anger outbursts in children and promote emotional regulation. 1. Understanding Anger Outbursts in Children • Developmental and Cognitive Fa

May 24, 2020 With schools in NSW returning to full-time face-to-face learning this week, many children will no doubt be excited to see their friends and get out of the house. However, some kids may be feeling nervous about this transition. Children might be worried that this new ‘normal’ won’t be the same as before COVID-19, about how to safely interact with others, or about how friendship groups might have changed during lockdown. We have put together some tips to help paren

June 3, 2020 As we slowly return to our pre-pandemic routines, families are no doubt encountering some unexpected challenges with this transition. One such challenge may be children becoming more irritable, aggressive, or throwing tantrums at the prospect of reduced screen time. During the many weeks of lockdown, parents and children have relied heavily on devices and the internet for work, education, and entertainment. From zoom calls with grandparents, to online learning a

Starting therapy can feel like a big step for both parents and children. When you’re preparing for your child’s first visit to a psychologist , you might find yourself wondering about the best way to introduce this new experience. It’s common to worry about how your child will react—will they feel anxious, confused, or even resistant to the idea? These are natural concerns, and as a parent, you want to approach the topic in a way that feels reassuring and supportive. At Sydne

July 29, 2020 Mindfulness is a word which has gained a lot of attention over the past few years and is being taught to employees, athletes and increasingly to children in schools. But what exactly is mindfulness? Put simply, mindfulness is the practice of being fully engaged in whatever activity we are currently doing. It is about being aware of our thoughts and feelings at a given moment, without judging or getting caught up in them. Being mindful is not as easy as it seems

August 13, 2020 Anxiety is a normal and natural emotion that people of all ages experience. When you feel anxious, you are expecting something bad to happen. However while unpleasant, anxiety is not always an unhelpful emotion—it helps us stay out of danger and keeps us alert and motivated when we are in a stressful situation. While everyone experiences worries, some people find that they become anxious more easily, more often and more intensely. People of different age group

August 21, 2020 When faced with a challenge, children respond in different ways. While some children persist and try harder, others can falter at the slightest possibility of failure. We can motivate children to keep trying by encouraging them to have a growth mindset. A growth mindset is key in fostering resilience in children. What is a growth mindset? To understand what a growth mindset is, we can first look at what it means to have a fixed mindset . People with a fixed mi

September 1, 2020 Children are increasingly using electronic devices for study, to socialise with friends and for entertainment. But what effect might that last round of Fortnite or episode on Netflix be having on your child’s sleep? As the presence of electronic devices in our kids’ lives isn’t going away anytime soon, it is important to understand its potential consequences in order to navigate a healthy balance. Why is sleep so important? In between school, homework, spor