GECKO SA

17/11/2025

The notion that autistic people lack empathy is a myth; however, we do show differences in some types of empathy, some of which you might not have heard of!

17/11/2025

17/11/2025

We are thrilled to announce the opening of registrations for our new day option program in 2026, which will feature wildlife animal interactions (kangaroos), gardening, cooking, and life skills. Bookings are also being accepted for our upcoming new Short Term Respite Property in Port Pirie. A skilled team is in place, ready to begin the new year. Please forward expressions of interest to admin@geckosa.com
We are a registered provider for behaviour support so reach out if we can help with support workers 😊
If interest is sufficient, school holiday sessions may be considered, so please contact us. 💕🦘🦘🦘🦘

07/11/2025

Autism Connect is a free national helpline that can provide information and guidance over phone, email and webchat.

It supports Autistic people, their families and carers, health professionals, employers and the broader community.

Whether you’re looking for support services, diagnosis pathways, education tips, or just someone to talk to, Autism Connect can be your go-to resource.

To find out more call 1300 308 699 or visit amaze.org.au/autismconnect.

Image description:
The text reads ‘National Autism Helpline’. Below the text is an icon of a phone.
At the bottom is a blue banner.

05/11/2025

🌟 Parenting in the Fast Lane? Here's a Gentle Reminder. 🌟

We all know how busy life can be for modern-day parents - there are so many balls to juggle each day. That’s why our Child Aware Approach (CAA) team wanted to share a valuable resource from Relationships Australia SA’s Together 4 Kids program.

It highlights how even the smallest moments of quality interaction between parents and children can have a meaningful impact on a child’s life. Whether it’s a quick cuddle, a shared laugh, or a few minutes of undivided attention - these moments matter. Especially during those times when we’re feeling stretched for time, it’s a great reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated.

Let’s keep showing up in the little ways. 💛

01/11/2025

01/11/2025

An angry child isn’t a “bad” child — they’re often hurt, scared, or overwhelmed.❤️‍🩹

01/11/2025

Before a child can manage their emotions, they first need to notice them.
That begins with interoception — the hidden sense that helps the brain read the body’s signals.

A racing heart, a heavy chest, butterflies, a tight tummy — these are the body’s early messages.
When a child can’t interpret them, emotions can appear “sudden” or “out of nowhere.”
They’re not ignoring how they feel — their brain simply isn’t getting a clear signal yet.

Understanding interoception helps us respond with patience, not punishment — and teach children how to recognise what their body is trying to say.

Explore Managing Big Feelings: The Toolkit for Parents & Educators — practical guidance to help children build awareness, understanding, and self-regulation. Link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

01/11/2025

It’s rarely our child’s behavior that sends us over the edge — it’s what it brings up inside us.

The noise, the defiance, the chaos… often awaken old feelings we haven’t made peace with.

Awareness is where healing begins.

👉 Take our 3-minute quiz to discover your personalized calm-parent plan and start rewiring chaos into connection:
https://bit.ly/Emotional_Intelligence_Quiz

01/11/2025

Even if your child’s behaviour is triggering your emotions, those feelings are yours to hold, not your child’s.

Example: “I’m feeling really frustrated right now and it’s making it hard for me to communicate. I just need a minute to reconnect with myself.”

If you’re sitting here going… “yeah but how do they know what they did was wrong?”

They will understand, when they are mature enough. But before you collaborate with your child to find a solution, you need to check-in with yourself. When we take the time to check-in and connect with ourself before we try to make sense of the situation, we’re more likely to respond, instead of react.

What if my child is continuing to hit me or someone else? This is tough because both nervous systems are in sympathetic. You can meet both your needs with a co-regulation strategy that uses force. I like the “push me over game.” I put my palms up and brace myself and my child uses only their palms to try and push me over; highly effective nervous system reset. You can also try to push against a wall if another person is not available.

Learn more about how to respond to our own emotions so we can respond to our child in my latest book 👇

Finding Your Calm: A Responsive Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation⁣⁣
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Link: https://amzn.to/44yVD6U

Reviews

“Your book is currently changing our lives 🙌❤️🙏” T. Frissora

“Absolutely love your book! Thank you for what you do.” KQK

“The first book I can’t put down.” S. Cerami

“I don’t feel alone anymore!” P. Cassin