News & insights

As the new school year approached, Jade felt a familiar mix of excitement and anxiety. Her son, Liam, who is neurodivergent, had always found transitions challenging. Determined to make this year different, Jade decided to take proactive steps to ensure Liam’s success. Jade began by reaching out to Liam’s school to discuss their approach to inclusion. She learned about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which uses flexible teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. This reassured her that Liam’s unique needs would be considered. She also arranged a meeting with the classroom teacher to review Liam’s Individualised Education Plan (IEP). To ensure the IEP was up-to-date and reflective of Liam’s strengths, challenges, and progress, Jade invited Liam’s therapist to attend the meeting. This was an opportunity to ensure the UDL principles were being applied effectively. Next, Jade spoke to Liam’s Occupational Therapist (OT), and together they decided that Liam would benefit from some environmental changes in the classroom. The OT and Jade developed a list of resources Liam would need during moments of dysregulation. Jade inquired about sensory-friendly spaces and brain breaks, and was pleased to find out that the school had quiet areas where Liam could take breaks, including during playtime when the playgrounds were noisy and crowded. Concerned about Liam’s social skills and his challenges around making and keeping friends, Jade prepared some ideas and strategies with Liam’s therapy team to support him in developing connections this year. These included a buddy program, lunch clubs around specific interests, social skills programs both in and outside of school, and flexible seating in the classroom so Liam could sit with peers he felt comfortable with. Jade also established regular check-ins with Liam’s teachers to stay updated on his progress. She made sure to be actively involved in planning and decision-making processes, ensuring that Liam’s needs were always at the forefront. By taking these proactive steps and involving a therapist in the IEP meeting, Jade felt more confident that Liam would have a successful and supportive school year. Ready to Take the Next Step? Every child deserves an education tailored to their unique needs. Just like Jade, you can advocate for your child’s success by being well-prepared for their IEP meeting . Download our free Parent’s Guide to IEP Meetings – a step-by-step resource to help you navigate the process with confidence. Looking for more strategies? Stay connected by connecting with us on Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn for expert tips and real-life success stories.

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We’re proud to continue our support for the Ryde Eastwood Division 1 touch football team , the h elpz Taipans , for the 2024/25 season! This is our fourth consecutive year of proudly backing this incredible team, whose tradition of changing its snake mascot each season adds a fun and fresh twist. The Ryde Eastwood Division 1 touch football competition is already in full swing, and the helpz Taipans are off to an exciting start! After securing the minor premiership last season and narrowly missing out on the grand final, the team is more determined than ever to make their mark this year. With three state league touch football players and the addition of former West Tigers rugby league star Zane Camroux, the Taipans are bringing speed, skill, and determination to every match. Every Monday evening, Morrison Oval in Putney comes alive with the energy and excitement of Division 1 touch football , as teams showcase elite talent and community spirit. The Taipans are putting on a show, and we can’t wait to see where the season takes them. Join us on the sidelines and cheer on the team as they push for another memorable season. Go Taipans!

The power of visual routines and timers for neurodiverse kids Mornings can be hectic for families, especially when children with neurodiverse needs are involved. For kids who may face challenges in understanding instructions or transitioning between activities, visual routines and timers can be game-changing tools to simplify mornings and build confidence. What are visual routines? Visual routines use pictures, symbols, or charts to represent the steps of a daily activity, like a morning routine. Steps might include brushing teeth, getting dressed, and packing a school bag. These visual cues break tasks into manageable pieces, offering clarity and predictability. For neurodiverse kids, visual routines reduce reliance on verbal instructions, which can sometimes be overwhelming. They provide a consistent reference point, making transitions between activities smoother and less stressful. How timers make a difference Adding timers to the mix can further enhance this system. Visual timers—such as those that use a shrinking red disk or color bar—help kids grasp the concept of time passing. These timers show how much time is left for each task, creating a clear and gentle prompt to stay focused. Timers not only help children understand the pacing of their morning but also reduce the pressure of constant reminders from parents, fostering independence over time. Why it works By combining visual routines and timers, families can create a structured, supportive environment tailored to their child’s needs. This approach empowers neurodiverse children to tackle their morning routines with more independence, confidence, and success. A smoother start to the day often sets a positive tone for everything that follows, reducing stress for both children and parents. Resources to help you get started Here are some tools and resources to support visual routines and timers for neurodiverse children: Visual schedule resources: A practical guide to creating visual schedules This guide from Autism Parenting magazine, offers insights into optimising visual schedules for enhanced effectiveness. Visual supports for routines, schedules, and transitions Provides visual cards to help children understand daily routines and transitions. Visual timers: Time timer A visual timer that helps individuals "see" time pass, easing stressful transitions by showing "how much longer." Sensory timers Offers a range of sensory timers designed to enhance focus with visual and auditory cues. Online resources Autism Awareness Australia Resources

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As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves in the whirlwind of the holiday season. It’s a time filled with gatherings, celebrations, and a sense of togetherness, but it can also bring its own unique challenges. At helpz, we believe this season is not just about wrapping up the year but also about taking a step back to reflect, reset, and prioritise what truly matters: quality time with loved ones and your own well-being. Spending time that matters The holiday season is an opportunity to create meaningful moments with family and friends. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing games, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these small acts of connection have a profound impact. This year, we encourage everyone to pause, take stock of their achievements, and celebrate the progress made—no matter how big or small. It’s in these quiet moments of gratitude and reflection that we find the motivation to step into the new year with clarity and purpose. Resetting for the year ahead A fresh year is the perfect time to realign with your goals, prioritise self-care, and focus on what brings you joy. Taking time to reset doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul—it’s about finding balance and setting intentions that feel right for you. At helpz, we know that for many of the individuals and families we support, the holiday season can also be a time of increased stress or uncertainty. That’s why we remain committed to ensuring continuity of care and personalised support throughout this period. Supporting you, every step of the way Our commitment to our clients doesn’t take a holiday. During this time, helpz offers a variety of direct and indirect support options to ensure your needs are met. Continuity of care: If your usual practitioner is on leave, an alternate practitioner will always be available for questions, guidance, or consultations. Implementation plans: We provide training and guidance to ensure the recommendations in your behaviour support plans are seamlessly implemented. Online training webinars: Staff can access specialised training aligned with behaviour support plans and therapy goals, enhancing care quality even during practitioner absences. This ensures that every client continues to receive the same level of care and support they rely on, even during the festive season. Looking ahead to 2025 As we prepare to welcome a new year, we’re reminded of the power of the connections we’ve built and the progress we’ve made together. At helpz, our focus remains on empowering every individual to achieve their goals and embrace their potential, every day. Let’s enter the new year with renewed energy, fresh intentions, and a commitment to supporting each other. Whether you’re spending time with family, reflecting on personal growth, or simply enjoying the moments that matter most, we wish you a season filled with joy, rest, and purpose. From all of us at helpz, thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. If you have questions or need support during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out to your helpz practitioner or therapist.  Here’s to a season of quality time, reflection, and a fresh start.

As the year draws to a close and the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to all our clients, their carers and families, and our partner organisations. This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the past months, celebrating our achievements, and looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. This year has been remarkable in many ways. We’ve reached significant milestones, and launched exciting projects. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team. To our clients, your strength and determination inspire us every day. To your carers and families, your unwavering support is invaluable. To our partner organisations, your collaboration and commitment have been essential. As we embrace the holiday season, we hope you find joy and relaxation in the company of loved ones. We wish you a time filled with happiness and peace. May your holidays be bright and your new year be prosperous. Thank you for being a part of our community. We’re eager to continue our journey together, striving for excellence and making a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities. We appreciate your support and look forward to achieving even greater outcomes in the coming year. From all of us, have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

At helpz, we believe that everyone deserves support tailored to their unique needs. Our Behaviour Support Plans are designed with a strengths-based approach, leveraging your interests and skills to foster motivation and engagement in achieving your goals. Our dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioners are here to guide you every step of the way. They use methods that resonate with you, making it easier to enhance regulation skills, practice mindfulness, build self-esteem and confidence, and improve social skills. We offer a variety of innovative approaches to behaviour support , including Lego-based therapy, yoga, singing (Garioke), and nature-based activities. These methods are not only enjoyable but also effective in helping you learn and implement the skills recommended in your Behaviour Support Plan . If traditional talk therapy isn’t your style, these alternative modalities provide a new way to express yourself and achieve your goals. Learning through activities you love makes the process engaging and enjoyable. You will gain practical skills that you can use long after your behaviour support service has finished. This holistic approach addresses multiple areas of development simultaneously, promoting overall wellbeing and quality of life. Our services can be claimed under existing NDIS therapy and behaviour support funding, making them accessible and affordable. Discover the difference personalised support can make in your life with helpz. Let us help you achieve your goals in a way that feels right for you, contact us today.