Exploring the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in Sydney: Uncommon Insights for Parents and Professionals The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has gained recognition worldwide as a leading intervention for young children with autism. In Sydney, parents and professionals are increasingly turning to ESDM to support children under the age of five, particularly in areas like Bondi Junction and Mascot, where specialised therapy centres like OneOnOne Children’s Therapy are located. OneOnOne Children’s Therapy proudly employs the highest number of Certified ESDM Therapists of any clinic in New South Wales (NSW), ensuring that families receive expert care. Beyond the basics of…
The Hidden Role of Sleep in Therapy Outcomes for Children with Autism Sleep plays a vital role in every aspect of a child’s development, from emotional regulation to learning new skills. For children with autism, good sleep is even more critical, as it directly impacts their ability to engage in therapy sessions and benefit from early intervention. If your child is participating in an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) program, understanding the connection between sleep and therapy outcomes can make a big difference. At our clinics in Sydney, Bondi Junction, and Mascot, certified ESDM therapists often adapt sessions to suit…
Visual supports, like picture schedules and social stories, are incredible tools for helping children develop their communication skills. These tools are widely used by Speech Pathologists in Bondi Junction and Mascot to support speech and language in children of all abilities. Visuals offer a way to bridge the gap between spoken words and understanding, making communication easier and more meaningful. In this blog, we’ll explore why visual supports are so effective, how they benefit speech and language development, and ways you can use them at home with your child. What Are Visual Supports for Communication Development? Visual supports are tools…
Storytelling and Narration: Why It’s Essential for Your Child’s Development Every child loves a good story—whether they’re listening to one or making up their own. But did you know that storytelling and narration are more than just fun? They’re powerful tools for your child’s language development, memory, and social skills. At our Speech Pathology clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we work with children to build storytelling and narration skills, helping them communicate more effectively and confidently. Let’s explore what storytelling is, why it’s so important, and how you can support your child’s growth in this area. What Is Storytelling…
Visual-Motor Integration and Why It’s Important Have you ever watched your child struggle to catch a ball, colour inside the lines, or write their name? These skills may seem simple, but they rely on something called visual-motor integration. It’s a vital part of child development that helps connect what the eyes see with how the hands move. At our Occupational Therapy clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we work with many children who need help with visual-motor integration. This blog will explain what it is, why it matters, and how you can support your child. What Is Visual-Motor Integration? Visual-motor…
Parent Tips for Starting ESDM for the First Time Starting a new therapy for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating something as detailed as the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). This evidence-based intervention focuses on helping young children with autism develop essential social, communication, and cognitive skills. If you’re starting ESDM for the first time in Bondi Junction or Mascot, this guide will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to support your child’s journey. Let’s learn what our top parent tips for starting the ESDM are! What Is the Early Start Denver Model? The Early Start…
Literacy Challenges in Kindergarten: The Key to Early Success Kindergarten is an exciting and pivotal time for young learners. It’s when foundational skills in reading and writing begin to develop, setting the stage for future academic success. However, it’s also a critical period to identify challenges that may hinder a child’s progress. We want to identify literacy challenges in kindergarten as soon as possible. If your child is struggling with recognising letters, understanding sounds, or rhyming words, these could be early indicators of literacy difficulties. The good news? Early intervention—especially with the support of a qualified Speech Pathologist in Bondi…
Visual Perception in Learning: The Role of Occupational Therapy Did you know that visual perception plays a vital role in your child’s learning and development? It’s more than just seeing clearly. Visual perception is about how the brain processes what the eyes see. It helps children make sense of the world around them, from recognising shapes to reading words on a page. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot work with children to develop strong visual perception skills. Let’s explore what visual perception is, why it matters, and how occupational therapy can help your child…
Common Speech Issues in 5-Year-Olds By the age of five, most children should be able to speak clearly enough for strangers to understand them. They should also be able to form simple sentences and use a wide range of words. However, some children may face challenges with their speech and language development. Here are some common speech issues in 5-year-olds: 1. Articulation Difficulties Articulation refers to how children produce sounds. A 5-year-old might struggle with certain sounds, like “r,” “s,” or “th.” For example, they might say “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.” While some mispronunciations are age-appropriate, persistent errors could indicate…
Social Stories for Autism: A Powerful Tool for Teaching Social Skills Children with autism often face challenges in understanding social norms and expectations. These challenges can make everyday situations, like joining a group activity or taking turns, overwhelming. Social Stories provide a simple yet effective way to help children navigate these scenarios. They break down complex social situations into manageable steps, helping children learn and practise essential social skills. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our experienced team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Certified ESDM Therapists work together to support children with autism. Social Stories are one of the many tools…
The Role of Speech Pathology and Social Skill Development Speech therapy often focuses on helping children speak clearly. But it’s much more than that. Speech Pathology also play a vital role in social skills development. These skills help children understand social cues, take turns, and interact positively with others. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we understand the importance of a team approach. Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot include experienced Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Certified ESDM Therapists. Together, we support children in reaching their full potential. Why Are Social Skills Important? Social skills are crucial for building relationships. They…
Teach Your Child to Drink from a Cup: An Occupational Therapy Perspective Learning to drink from a cup is a significant developmental milestone that promotes independence and strengthens fine motor and coordination skills. From an Occupational Therapy (OT) perspective, this process involves breaking down tasks, using appropriate tools, and providing consistent support and encouragement. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help your child transition to drinking from a cup. Why Is Drinking from a Cup Important? Developmental Benefits Independence: Mastering this skill boosts a child’s confidence and autonomy during mealtimes. Motor Skills Development: It refines fine motor skills (grasping the cup),…