Skillbuilders Therapy for Children

🌟 Happy Speech Therapy Week! 🌟

At Skillbuilders Therapy for Children, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and reflect on the incredible work our amazing speech therapists do every day. We are so fortunate to work with such dedicated professionals who bring joy and expertise to our team, helping to support the communication skills of so many little ones.

Everyone communicates differently—whether that's through speech, sign language, writing, the list goes on.

Communication bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and strengthens relationships. It’s all about making connections and expressing ourselves in our own unique ways.

Join us in celebrating our fantastic "speechies" and the vital role they play in helping children find their voices and connect with the world! 💬👶🎉

✨ Back in Stock! ✨ Our popular Stress Relief Breathing Necklaces and Sterling Silver Fidget Rings are available again at our Skillbuilders Products Shop!

Whether you’re looking to manage anxiety or just need a stylish and effective fidget tool, these items are perfect for teens and adults alike. 🌟

🛒 Shop now before they sell out again!

Website: skillbuilders.com.au/products

🎉🌟 Exciting News! 🌟🎉

We are thrilled to announce that ASD Assessment availability is now open with our incredible Senior Speech Therapist, Alexandra Enright! 🙌

Alex brings a wealth of expertise to our team, with specialised skills and knowledge in various areas, including assessment and treatment for children with ASD.

If you are requiring an assessment, contact us at [email protected] or give us a call at 9332 2223 to learn more.

We look forward to hearing from you! 🌈

Skillbuilders Therapy for Children Skillbuilders offers therapy services and an extensive and innovative range of educational toys and

In case any of our families are interested, this would be a very helpful programme.

CUES Study | CliniKids Learn more about the CUES Study at CliniKids

Thank you Perth Kids Hub for giving us the opportunity to be involved in this excellent event. There was indeed a really good vibe!

✏When Handwriting is Not a Functional Option✏

✍Handwriting is more than just holding a pencil—it's about coordination, motor skills, literacy, and executive functions. For some kids, despite therapy, handwriting remains challenging. Accommodations like speech-to-text or typing can help, especially for:

🌟 Poor handwriting speed
🌟 Legibility issues (diagnosed motor-based dysgraphia, past grade 3)
🌟 Physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy)
🌟 Visual impairments
🌟ADHD or Dyslexia

Helpful Apps:
🌟SnapType
🌟 Easi Spelling

For more insights and detailed discussion, check out our full blog post on LinkedIn!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/skillbuilders-therapy-services-and-products-for-children_when-handwriting-is-not-a-functional-option-activity-7219540566617833472-SgZI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Perth Kids Hub will be with us in Perth as well. They are set up to make it easier for families concerned about their children, quickly find support and services. Perth Kids Hub is a website that helps parents find *amazing* kids' therapists, specialists and schools. Come and visit them!

🌟 Discover the Magic of Yoga with Doda Yoga Products! 🌟

At Skillbuilders Therapy for Children, we're excited to showcase our Doda Yoga Products – the perfect way for kids and parents to learn, practice, and enjoy yoga together! 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️

✨ Yoga for Kids and Adults: Doda Yoga is an illustrated guide designed as a full yoga session, complete with activity cards to make learning fun and interactive for all ages.

😊 Relax and Have Fun: With professional yoga content presented through humor and simplicity, Doda Yoga creates a light, enjoyable environment for kids to explore their bodies and love movement.

🏃‍♀️ Amazing Benefits:

🤓Focus & Concentration: Enhance attention skills.
🧘🏽‍♀️Balance & Coordination: Develop physical stability and agility.
💪🏼Muscle Tone: Strengthen muscles effectively.
👜 Compact & Convenient: Each Doda Yoga set comes in a high-quality, compact tin box that fits perfectly into any travel bag or backpack, making it easy to take your yoga activities on the go!

📦 What's Inside:

Relaxation & Serenity box: Activity cards and detailed instructions for hours of fun!
In Nature box: Explore different yoga poses inspired by nature.

Focus & Concentration box: Poses designed to improve attention and focus.

👶 Recommended for Ages 6 and Up: Start your yoga journey today with your little ones!

Get your Doda Yoga set now from Skillbuilders Products Shop and bring the joy of yoga into your home! 🌈💪

🖥️Order online:
https://skillbuilders.com.au/products/doda-yoga.html

📱Or call us: Ph: 08 9332 2223

📍Skillbuilders Products Shop: Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia

✏️Developing Strong Palmar Arches For Improved Pencil Grasp ✏️

Parents often say, "but he knows how to hold the pencil!" While true, many kids struggle with the physical ability to hold it correctly due to:

* Poor hand strength
* Hyper-mobility
* Underdeveloped palmar arches

These factors make it hard to maintain a proper grasp, leading to fatigue or incorrect grip.

Activities to Help:
* Crawling, wheelbarrow walks
* Pinching and squeezing games
* Hiding coins in hand and manipulating them
* Cutting with scissors
* Twisting door k***s and nuts/bolts

These exercises can strengthen hand muscles and improve pencil grasp.

For more insights, check out our detailed post on LinkedIn!

🔗 Read more on LinkedIn

🗒 Debunking Myths About W Sitting: What the Latest Evidence Says

🤓At Skillbuilders, we prioritise providing accurate, up-to-date information for children's development. Concerns have emerged about outdated advice regarding W sitting. Here's what the latest evidence reveals.

🧠 Understanding W Sitting
W sitting is where a child sits with knees bent and feet outside their hips, forming a "W" shape. This position is common in young children and has sparked various myths.

✅ Myths vs. Facts
Myth: W sitting is harmful and causes hip dysplasia.
Fact: W sitting is a normal variation and does not harm developing hips or contribute to hip dysplasia (International Hip Dysplasia Institute).

🤔 When to Be Concerned
Difficulty Moving: Struggles to change positions.
Motor Skills: Lack of progress in motor skills.
Lack of Variety: Only sitting in the W position.

🔍For more details, read our full post on LinkedIn!

🔗 Read more on LinkedIn

🌟✨ Little Belle Night Lights!! 🐣🌈

Have you purchased one yet? If you're looking for the perfect gift for a little one look no further!

Transform bedtime into a magical adventure with our enchanting Little Belle Night Lights! 🌙✨ Switch on the night light and establish your child's bedtime routine with these delightful lantern lights! Let their reassuring glow comfort your little one to sleep and help with re-settling if they wake in the night.🌙✨


🎁 Order yours now via our products website (skillbuilders.com.au/products) or visit our Products Shop at Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia.

Contact us at Ph: 08 9332 2223.

🌟🐣

To all of our customers
Our shop will be closed for stocktake on Monday 1st July and will reopen Tuesday 2nd July. Orders can still be placed online. Thank you for your understanding

🎉 Product Order of the Week! 🎉

A huge thank you to our fantastic customers – we love packing orders and getting them ready to be shipped to your door. This week, we packed up this amazing order filled with some of our favourite items:

✅Whirly Squigz: Stick them to any smooth, flat, non-porous surface - like a bathtub wall, a tabletop, or a window - give them a spin, and... WHOOSH! - Around and around they go, faster than the eye can see! Children can hold them and also chew on them - they're made of quality 100% silicone that feels nice to touch and safe for teething.

✅Inny Bin: Develop fine motor skills, bilateral skills, object permanence, and problem-solving skills for little ones.

✅Rolio: A sensory toy with fascinating movement. Encourages sensory learning, fine motor skills, and cause-effect learning.

✅Tobble Tones: A wobble toy with a mallet inside that plays two bell tones. Encourages sensory learning, cause-and-effect learning, and fine motor skills.

✅Suction Kupz: Use them at bathtime for scooping, pouring, and floating. Stick them to windows, walls, tables, and floors for whatever creative ideas your child's imagination can conjure. Or - just use them to drink!

📍 For any questions or queries, contact our Products Shop:
Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia

📞 Ph: 08 9332 2223

Visit skillbuilders.com.au/products to place your order today!

🚨 EOFY SALE ALERT! 🚨

Take a look at one of our hot sale items, the fantastic "Sew Fast" kit, freshly packed up and ready for delivery! 🧵✨

Our EOFY sale is on NOW, and items are flying off the shelves. Get in quick before stock runs out!

🛒 Visit our website skillbuilders.com.au and head to the Products tab. Click the "On Special" section under Categories to view all sale items.

📍 For any questions or queries, contact our Products Shop:
Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia
📞 Ph: 08 9332 2223

Don't miss out on these incredible savings – shop today!

Don't miss out on the 3rd WA ADHD Conference by My Spirited Child!! Featuring amazing presenters:
✅ Dr Theresa Kidd from The Kidd Clinic: "ADHD and Autism: The Overlap"

✅ Rebecca Challoner, Founder of My Spirited Child: "Anxiety and ADHD"

✅ Christina Keeble: Co-owner of the National PEKE Centres and Neurodivergent Consultant: "Neuro-affirming Practices in School"

During the break times, as well as between 8:30am and 10am before speakers commence, you are invited to look around at the amazing exhibitors:

Exhibitors include:
My Spirited Child Events
Carers WA

Wise Owl Tuition
Skillbuilders Therapy for Children
Susan Hughes ADHD Parent Coach


Sensory Connect
Little Treasures Therapy
Perth Kids Hub - come say hi!

Tickets are selling fast so don't miss out on this massive day! Standard tickets are $105 and include a certificate of attendance or $125 if you would like the workbook too.

Get your tickets online from My Spirited Child: https://www.myspiritedchild.com/waac24-tickets/

🌟 UPDATE! Our July School Holiday Groups are almost full!!!🌟

We just have a couple of spots available in two of the holiday groups. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your child to join in the fun and learning. We have places available in the following groups:

🪲 Titan Beetles (For Ages 8-11)

Through various activities, the boys will develop friendship skills, self-confidence, and a positive view of themselves. They will:

🪲Practice conversation skills
🪲Learn about non-verbal communication
🪲Play games to develop social and self-awareness We support the boys and encourage them to support each other, enjoying being their own unique selves!

🧘 Mindful Movement (For Ages 8+)

Designed and facilitated by our Occupational Therapists, this group will teach children to use movement, breathing, mindfulness, and positive thinking to aid in calming/regulating their body and brain. Children will also focus on interoception (awareness of how their body feels inside) to become more aware of their emotions, release muscle tension and stress, and achieve a sense of calm within their bodies. The group promotes physical strength, relaxation, emotional regulation, and mental wellbeing.

Contact us for more information on how to book your spot!

📧 [email protected] 📞 9332 2223

Don't wait – secure your child's place today before the groups are officially filled!

🎉 Skillbuilders EOFY PRODUCTS SALE 2024! 🎉

Get ready for our amazing End of Financial Year Sale at Skillbuilders! For a limited time only, enjoy fantastic discounts on selected items. Hurry, these deals won't last long!

🛒 Head over to our website skillbuilders.com.au, select the "Products" tab, and check out the "On Special" section under Categories to view all product sale items.

📍 For any questions or queries, contact our Products Shop: Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia
📞 Ph: 08 9332 2223

Don't miss out – get in quick and grab these great deals today while the sale lasts!

Sharing this programme with our families living in south metro area

🌟 TOOLS FOR SCHOOL! 🌟

We have a fantastic range of items to help children do their best at school! One product in particular which we love is the 🌻Sunflower Stool!🌻

The Sunflower Stool is a sturdy and versatile seating option, perfect for children and teenagers who need a bit of movement while seated. This innovative stool promotes core stability and is ideal for use in schools, libraries, and breakout areas.

✨ Key Features:

Ideal for various settings: Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and breakout areas.
Easy to move: Lightweight design makes it simple to reposition.
Robust: Built to withstand daily use.
Rubber seat surface: Provides comfort and durability.
Easy to clean: Hassle-free maintenance.
Available in a range of sizes:

310mm: Kindy and Preprimary
370mm: Lower Primary
450mm: Upper Primary
520mm: High School/Adult
Choose from our vibrant color options: Dark Red, Orange, Lake Green, and Ocean Blue.

These stools are quick and easy to assemble, making setup a breeze. You may have seen us use these in your child's group or therapy sessions, and now you can bring the same benefits home!

If you would like any information on the other products in this post, please email us at [email protected], DM us, or call us at 1300 132 785.

Visit our products website to explore more school tools: skillbuilders.com.au/school-tools

Order your Sunflower Stool today and provide a fun, stable, quick and easy to set up seating solution for your child! 🌻

🐞🌟 The latest at Skillbuilders🌟🐞

Our amazing Ladybugs Group had an absolute blast with a creative and messy paper mache activity! 🎨🐞

Using a neuro-affirming approach, we support the group to develop friendships and friendship skills through these engaging group sessions. 🧠

For this particular session - the girls dove into the world of arts and crafts, creating amazing paper mache projects that not only boosted their fine motor skills and creativity but also enhanced teamwork and social interactions. The smiles and laughter were priceless as they transformed simple materials into wonderful works of art.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! We will be painting these fantastic creations in the weeks to come, so stay tuned for more creative updates and to see what other activities our fabulous groups get up to! 🎨✨

A big shoutout to our fabulous OT, Glenda, who runs the Ladybugs Group and brings so much joy, creativity, and expertise to our sessions. 🐞

🎉✨ Exciting Therapy News! ✨🎉

We're thrilled to announce the re-opening of our Sensory Processing Clinic at Skillbuilders Therapy for Children! 🌟 Led by our experienced Senior Occupational Therapist, Michelle Groenewald, this clinic is dedicated to helping children thrive.

We understand how sensory processing difficulties can impact emotional regulation and behaviour, which is why we're committed to providing timely support and strategies. Our goal is to see children sooner and offer immediate solutions to assist both children and parents.

Schedule an appointment with Michelle Groenewald today! 🌈✨

Contact us at [email protected] for more details about booking or for more information about the sensory processing clinic in general. We'll always be available to answer any questions you may have.

🎉🌟 Exciting News! The wait is over! 🌟🎉

We are thrilled to announce that ASD Assessment availability is now open with our incredible Senior Speech Therapist, Alex Enright! 🙌

Alex brings a wealth of expertise to our team, with specialised skills and knowledge in various areas, including assessment and treatment for children with ASD.

If you are requiring an assessment, contact us at [email protected] or give us a call at 1300 132 785 to learn more.

We look forward to hearing from you! 🌈

🌟 Discover Skillbuilders' Chew Products Featuring Ark Range! 🦷✨

At Skillbuilders, we know that children with sensory needs often benefit from appropriate chew products to stay focused and comfortable throughout the day. That's why we're excited to introduce our range, including the trusted Ark products!

The Ark range, in particular, is crafted with high-quality materials and innovative designs to ensure durability, safety, and appeal to children and teens. The ark range is colour graded for mild, moderate and avid chewers.

🔍 Why choose our chew products? What are the benefits?

✅ Promotes Self-Regulation
✅ Enhances Comfort
✅ Supports Oral Motor Development
✅ Reduces Destructive Chewing

🛍️ Explore our full range of chew products online at skillbuilders.com.au/products or visit our shop at Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia. Let's empower every child to thrive! 🌈 🦷🌟

🌟✨ Supporting Your Children's Emotional Development and Wellbeing 🌈🧠

At Skillbuilders, we're dedicated to nurturing the whole child – including their emotional growth! 🌱 Understanding and expressing feelings is key to building strong social skills and self-awareness.

🚀 Dive into our exciting range of products designed to support children on their emotional journey! From interactive games to insightful books, we offer engaging tools that make exploring feelings fun and constructive. 📚🎲

🌈 Discover our NEW fun products focused on emotional regulation and feelings! Visit our product store at skillbuilders.com.au/products or drop by our shop at Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia. 🛍️✨

Ready to empower your child's emotional intelligence? Explore Skillbuilders today! 🧠🌈🌟

👃👂✋Sensory play isn't just fun—it's fundamental for child development! 👃👂✋

✋Sensory play engages children in activities that stimulate their senses—touch, sight, smell, taste, hearing, balance, movement, and internal body awareness (or interoception) —helping them build crucial skills while having a blast.

🧠Sensory play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and sensory integration.

🧠Need some ideas for Sensory Play? 🧠

💧 Engage your little ones with sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or water beads for tactile exploration.

🎨 Get messy with finger painting or play dough sculpting to ignite creativity and fine motor skills.

🏖️ Dive into sensory play with textured materials like sand or shaving cream for a multi-sensory experience.

🧠 At Skillbuilders, we know the importance of sensory experiences in laying the foundation for learning and development. Dive into sensory play with us and watch your child thrive!

📚 Unlock Potential: Dive into our collection of books covering Sensory Processing, Resilience, and more! 🌟 Our carefully curated selection isn't just informative – they're packed with engaging activities and materials tailored for children. Perfect for parents, therapists, or teachers seeking practical, hands-on resources to help kids develop essential skills.

🔍 Discover a diverse range of books designed to meet your needs! From insightful reads for parents and teachers on sensory processing to empowering stories for kids about resilience, we've got you covered!

📢 Check out some of our NEW arrivals below! 🎉

📍 Visit us at Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia, or give us a call at Ph: 08 9332 2223 for more information on our latest products.

💻 Ready to explore? You can view all of our books online now at skillbuilders.com.au/books/ and embark on a journey of growth and discovery with Skillbuilders! 🌈🌟

Really helpful information from Pippa at Perth Kids Hub. Such a fantastic job you do Pippa!!

Hey beautiful families, I have had a load of emails this week asking me if I know of paediatricians or psychiatrists with their books open.

I do. I share this with everyone as things change via the website at Perth Kids Hub. Because waitlists can change on a dime. They can open one day and be full the next. It's frustrating, I know and I'm hoping things are starting to change.

I would love to be able to reply to everyone's emails individually and I really try, but there are more than I can get to. Please know there is just one Mum who is getting these emails and trying to fit in responses to everyone amongst all the other things going on for our fam.

Please, please check the website and links below before emailing me as you should be able to find the info you need.

And if you can't, well then please do get in touch as I'd love to fill any gaps in information provided.

Hopefully this will clear up a few FAQs:

1. Parents with children under 6 years with developmental concerns in two or more areas e.g. speech and self care, should contact their Child Health Nurse, GP and Wanslea for advice on accessing the NDIS early childhood approach.

2. Note that not all diagnoses require review by paediatrician e.g. Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia. There are more FAQs here: https://perthkidshub.com.au/explore-specialists/

3. Please, please make sure your GP does an initial work up to rule out low iron, thyroid issues, vision and hearing. You would be surprised by how often one of these is creating issues that can either mimic neurodevelopmental conditions or make symptoms worse.

4. Paediatrician and psychiatrist availability: updates are shared on the website. Go to the home page and under Popular Searches click on Paediatricians.

5. Yes, you can now use interstate psychiatrists, paediatricians and neurologists to diagnose and prescribe commonly used stimulant medications for ADHD. This changed on 13 December 2023. The Department of Health has assured me that they will take care of the authorisation of doctors from their end, which is a wonderful change to help simplify things. You can check updates yourself or contact the Department for clarification here: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Interstate-prescriptions

6. Moved interstate or from overseas: check this website and seek clarification from Department of Health on your situation https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Interstate-prescriptions

Thank you so much for all of your support and patience and much love to all the Mums and Dads who are doing their most awesome-work navigating really complex and opaque systems to get the support needed for their kids. You are all so inspiring and I hope things become easier for us all.

Pia # #

🌟✨ Look no further for the perfect Easter gift! - Little Belle Night Lights!! 🐣🌈�

Transform bedtime into a magical adventure with our enchanting Little Belle Night Lights! 🌙✨ Switch on the night light and establish your child's bedtime routine with these delightful lantern lights! Let their reassuring glow comfort your little one to sleep and help with re-settling if they wake in the night.🌙✨

We currently have the Fairy carry lantern or the Dragon Egg carry lantern’s available.

🎁 Don't miss out on the perfect Easter gift! 🐰 Order yours now via our products website (skillbuilders.com.au/products) or visit our Products Shop at Unit 19/41 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale 6155, Western Australia.

Contact us at Ph: 08 9332 2223.
�
🌟🐣

🌟 Meet Amy - Our newest team member!

We're thrilled to introduce you to Amy, our fantastic Physiotherapist 🏋️‍♀️� at Skillbuilders who works wonders with our kiddos! 🌟 Let's get to know her a little better:�

Q: How would you explain your job to a child?�
👧👦 A: "I help you feel confident moving your body so you can learn new skills! During physio, we exercise your muscles to make you strong and fast, so you can have fun playing with your friends."�

Q: What's the best part about your job?
😊 A: "I absolutely love helping children reach their full potential and seeing their smiles when they become more confident in moving their bodies."�

Q: What's a valuable lesson you've carried with you throughout your career?
🚀 A: "There's always room for growth and improvement, and learning never stops in this profession."�

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time to unwind after work?
🎪 A: "I find relaxation in doing Lyra (aerial hoop). It's my enjoyable way to stay fit."
�
Q: If you had a physio-related superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it in your therapy sessions?
💬 A: "The ability to read minds so I can pick out the kids' favourite games right from the start."�

Q: What's a hidden talent your therapy kiddos might not know about?
🤹‍♀️ A: "I can juggle! I learned this skill back in school in Drama class."�

Q: What’s your ultimate comfort food that never fails to brighten your day?
🍫 A: "Chocolate! It's my go-to for a mood boost."�

Drop a comment below to show Amy some love and let us know if you have any questions for her! 💬💖

✨🏋️‍♀️🌟