NeuroSpicy Phoenix

09/02/2026

Together we can do anything 🤜🤛
Having access not only to the local community BUT also to the experiences away from your local environment are some of the biggest moments for those on the Spectrum.

New places and environments can be scary, however, with patience & the right people to help you can make what once seemed impossible possible.

Over 700km travelled, oceans, aquariums, marinas, resorts, busy shopping plazas, traffic and so many people & HUGE thumbs ups and SMILES 😃

Working one on one, finding just the right combinations of interests and sensory kits, we achieved BIG GOALS.

05/02/2026

Austin Appelbee is 13 years old.
He recently failed his swimming assessment because he couldn't swim 350 metres continuously.

Last week, he swam about 4 kilometres through choppy ocean waters - where sharks are known to frequent - to save his family's life.

When their inflatable paddleboards drifted out to sea off the WA coast, Austin's mum - with her heart in her mouth and as a last-hope desperate prayer - sent him back in a leaking kayak to get help. When that failed, he ditched the kayak and then the life jacket (it was slowing him down) and swam.

For four hours. Through waves and wind. Who knows what was in the water. In open ocean.

He told himself, "Not today. I have to keep going."
When his legs buckled on the sand, he ran another 2km to call emergency services. His family was rescued just as darkness fell.
Police called his efforts "superhuman." (His swimming instructor probably wishes they'd seen this side of him.)

This is a heroic story. I love it. But I'm sharing this because:

Austin didn't become a different kid in that moment. The same determination, grit, and love that got him through those waters was already there. The crisis just revealed it.

I'm constantly reminding parents - you don't know you're resilient until you have to be resilient. And being resilient doesn't usually feel resilient. It feels like "I can't" far more than it feels like "look at me being awesomely resilient".

We spend so much time worrying about whether our kids are ready for life's challenges. Whether they're tough enough. Capable enough. Whether we've done enough.

Austin's story reminds me that kids have reserves we can't always see in the everyday moments. And that's when it really matters, they'll find what they need.

What an incredible young man.

29/01/2026

Art wellness classes for children with special needs are starting soon.
We will be expanding into older age groups later in the year.
Stay tuned.

22/01/2026

21/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1363608778855478

18/01/2026

If you work with me, you will always hear me ask.
"What areas do you have trouble with, let me know & I'll break it down in another way to help you get reach the goal"

Then, WE, together figure out how best YOU absorb the information and we go from there.
If you need
✨️ Detailed step by step instructions - I'll help break them down into manageable steps
✨️ If you're a visual learner - I'll help you make your PECS for easy processing
✨️If you need someone to help walk you through as a "body double" to complete a task , I got you.

Never be afraid to ask a clarifying question, ask for help, ask for a breakdown of information.

Happy Monday 👑
Phoenix

15/01/2026

The Federal Court has made a landmark ruling clarifying that NDIS eligibility does not require people with disabilities to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs.

The Federal Court has made a landmark ruling clarifying that NDIS eligibility does not require people with disability to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs.

We were proud to represent Sherri Sutherland in the matter. Sherri said she was relieved by the court’s decision.

‘I first applied for the NDIS five years ago. This case has gone on for a long time, but I have continued to fight to have the disability supports I need because without them I cannot look after my health and hygiene or live a life of dignity,’ she said.

People with disability already experience a range of barriers to living with dignity in the community.

They shouldn’t be burdened with having to show that their support needs cannot be met by other services just to access the NDIS.

Read more about the ruling on our website https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/access-ndis-safeguarded-federal-court-win

12/01/2026

Rising stress during the holiday season?
Here are some steps to smooth the journey.

09/01/2026

Labels 🏷 are used to inform you of what something is for example 👉 this is a shoe 👞

It doesn't define what it is, shoes, come in many styles, shapes, sizes, colours, materials. Some are for running some have heals, some flip flop.

It doesn't define who you or your child are.
It is there as information to be learnt to help guide to the next steps.

Have a brilliant day
Korrie 🌻

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

✨️REMINDER✨️ YOU are not a label, YOU are a story worth telling.

Embrace all the things that make you unique, celebrate your differences and have a beautiful day.

At NeuroSpicy Phoenix we embrace all of your qualities and celebrate the smallest of wins.

Follow us for more inspiration, we look forward to supporting your journey ✨️ 😊