Erika O'Brien reflects on the importance of 'happiness' as discussed by Dr Peter Vermeulen from Autisme Centraal in Belgium at the recent Asia Pacific Autism Conference in Sydney (APAC 17).

Jun 28, 2017

Classroom Diversity, Empowering Teachers and Parents: the Keys to Australia's Future

Gary Spencer's response to Senator Pauline Hanson's comments in the Australian Parliament last week about the need for children with disabilities (including Autism) to be educated in separate classrooms

Nov 17, 2016

How to Get the Most Out of the Summer Holidays With a Special Needs Child

It is time to start thinking about the upcoming summer holidays! Here, Erika O'Brien provides some tips to keep things as smooth as possible when you have a child with special needs.

Jul 22, 2016

"My Autistic Awakening - Unlocking the Potential for a Life Well Lived" by Rachael Lee Harris

Erika O'Brien delves into Rachael Lee Harris's new autobiography, an eloquently written book which has the capacity to take us all to a much better place in terms of really understanding the inner worlds of those with Autism. This is essential reading for girls and women on the Spectrum, and their families, friends, and co-workers.

Oct 15, 2015

"X + Y" - A film promoting understanding in a "neuro-diverse" world

Erika O'Brien reviews a recent film which does a remarkable job of helping us step into the mind of a boy with Aspergers, as he grows into a young adult

Aug 31, 2015

COMPLIANCE & SPECIAL NEEDS - IS NAGGING THE ONLY WAY?

In this post, Erika O'Brien gives some thought-provoking alternatives to nagging in our households, and some tips which can be applied in all families, not just those with special needs children

May 29, 2015

CARERS & WORK: GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT

Here, Special Needs Financial Planner, Gary Spencer, looks at the getting the life balance right for carers, and where outside work fits in, if at all

Apr 1, 2015

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO RECLAIM FAMILY MEALTIMES & IMPROVE "EMOTIONAL LITERACY" IN YOUR HOME

Erika O'Brien shares about the importance of improving "emotional literacy " in your family, and gives some practical ideas for reclaiming the family mealtime in order to begin this vital process .

Nov 30, 2014

SEVEN TIPS TO PLAN & SUPPORT THE SOCIAL SIDE OF YOUR ASD CHILD

Here, Gary Spencer shares his experience and insights as father supporting an ASD child navigate a world of neurotypicals where many are obsessed with socialising and relating to each other.

Oct 31, 2014

‘Be YOUnique!’ 7 Tips for Supporting the Mental Health of those with ASD

Gary Spencer explores how we can actively help those with ASD towards good mental health throughout their lives.

Sep 8, 2014

SHARING A DIAGNOSIS

Revealing a diagnosis to your child is a sensitive issue that many parents with children on the Spectrum battle with. Here, Erika O'Brien shares her personal experience of sharing her son's diagnosis with him.

Sep 7, 2014

“KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE”

To tell or not to tell. Parents with children on the Autistic Spectrum often agonize over when and how to tell their child about their diagnosis. Here we hear another side of the story, from the perspective of the one who has the diagnosis. Thomas Kuzma shares how he felt when he found out about his condition.

Jul 26, 2014

ESTATE PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS - 5 TIPS FOR FAMILIES

As most parents of children with a disability are painfully aware, we are not dealing with normal circumstances when we plan for the future care of a more vulnerable family member. Here, Financial Planner, Gary Spencer, shares some personal insights about Estate Planning for Special Needs.

Jun 23, 2014

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES AND STRESS PART ONE: ACCEPTING IT, MANAGING IT

There are many things out of our control, but as parents of kids with Special Needs, managing our stress is particularly important. Sometimes we need to be reminded why this is so vital.

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES AND STRESS PART TWO: STEPS TO EASE THE IMPACT

We know that we must manage our stress, but how can we achieve that as parents of kids who have Special Needs?

Mar 23, 2014

EARLY INTERVENTION FOR AUTISM - 7 THINGS I WISH I HAD HAVE KNOWN

The mother of a child with autism shares the beginning of her journey with early interventions, and she offers helpful insights for those new to the process.

Recommended Websites

Learn more about Autism and Treatment

Overseas Websites

Funding Options if you are living within Australia

General Special Needs Services and Information

Spectrum Planning

Strength to take the next steps