The Happy Giraffe

12/11/2025

Our Conference was incredible! And we’re in the West Australian Newspaper today!!

10/11/2025

As a PDA Family, we are soooo excited to be a part of the Inaugural PDA Australia conference on Tuesday in Perth.

Looking forward to meeting many of you from the PDA Support Pages!

One of my huge passions is getting books out into our community and supporting ND Authors. What a great opportunity to do this!

We will be bringing a great range of books on PDA (Autism and ADHD also) for kids, teens, families, schools and therapists.

Of course, what is a conference without a stash of fidgets to keep your mind focused and hands busy whilst listening to an amazing line up of speakers!!!

We will also have with us a great range of Kaiko fidgets, NeeDoh Squishies and a few other goodies.

If you want a sneak peek before the day, please check out our small business at www.thehappygiraffe.com.au

See you soon,
:) Claire

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

We're here!! So excited to be almost all set up for the Inaugural PDA Australia Conference Tomorrow!!

See you all tomorrow!!

Optus Stadium

08/11/2025

See you at the Albany Agriculture Show Today-

Come Say Hi- Were at Stall 27!!!!

:) Claire

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

Just a reminder- The shop will be closed this weekend and next weekend due to the Albany Show and some great Conferences we are attending in Perth next week.

We will have extended opening hours when we return for the rest of the year and really appreciate your patience.

Remember you can still order online, click free local pick up and we can arrange for you to pick your order up from the Business Centre Monday- Friday 9-4.30pm.

:) Claire

06/11/2025

Love this!! Thanks Sandhya Onwards and Upwards Psychology

Why do we tell children about their diagnosis?

Because it’s not just a diagnosis ;it’s their neurotype.

It’s language for how they move, feel, and process the world around them. It helps them understand…

• why the noise feels too loud,
• why their thoughts run fast,
• why something feels so big for them when no one else seems to feel it.

Back in the 90s, when I was working it out, I thought I was an alien; an observer trying to understand these Earthlings and their strange social rituals. I resonated so deeply with Mr Bean being dropped to Earth and working his way round.

That was the only language I had.

Now I know: it wasn’t alien. It was autism. It was ADHD.

So many adults say, “I wish someone had told me sooner.”

Because when you don’t have that language, you grow up believing you’re bad at being human (or like me, a really good secret spy alien) when really, you were just neurodivergent in a world that didn’t explain or meet your difference kindly and easily.

When we tell children about their brains early, we give them something therapy can’t: self-trust.

It's a map to understand themselves that puts them in the driver's seat and gives them choices that fit their nervous system. It does wonders somatically for the nervous system when individuals are in charge.

That’s why I write books that help adults have these conversations with care and compassion.... so kids don’t have to wonder if they’re alien too.

Welcome to the Not-Alien, Autistic/ADHDer club. 🧠💫

03/11/2025

The Albany Agricultural Show is on this weekend!
Look forward to seeing you there!

To help reduce the Auditory stress of large crowds and noisy fireworks, we have a great range of Ear protection for babies right through to adults.

For a calmer, more enjoyable experience, simply pop an order in online- click 'Free local pick up' and we will leave your order ready for pick up at the Albany Business Centre 9-4pm weekdays!

NOTE: We will make sure to have stock with us at the Show too, in case you get caught out! :)

https://www.thehappygiraffe.com.au/collections/audio-earmuffs-headphones

31/10/2025

Crazy long day... tired but happy... come so far with organising for expos in the last few years... working out strategies and systems to make things easier... not a meltdown in sight!!! Havnt even lost my keys!! ;)

Everything ready to go for tomorrow!!

31/10/2025

Hi Albany,

Just a quick update as we have so many events on in the next couple of weeks.

These events are really important for the growth of our small business and being able to expand our product range and supports for our local community.

It is a great way for us to network and connect with other businesses and services from all around Australia and to promote The Happy Giraffe also.

I appreciate that is it not the best time of the year to have the shop closed but will have extended opening hours when we return for the remainder of the year with lot of new products in stock ready for Christmas.

You can still order online, click free local pick up and pick up at the business center 9-4.30pm Monday to Friday. (NOTE: Just need a days' notice)

We have grown so much in the last 3 1/2 years, and I really value the support we have had both from our local and online communities. We couldn't do it without you!

So, Thanks to all of you!!!

Take care of yourselves and give yourself the time, space and grace you need to get through this crazy part of the year.

xx Claire