ABC Play Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy

20/10/2025

💡 “Everyone should know about children’s rights” is the theme for Children’s Week 2025 in Australia

🇺🇳 Article 42 of the UNCRC reminds us that it’s our collective responsibility to ensure children AND adults understand children’s rights. As play therapists, we take this responsibility seriously

🇺🇳 Every day in our work, we advocate for children’s rights through play…their right to be heard (Article 12), their right to play and rest (Article 31), and their right to express themselves freely (Article 13)

▶️ Play therapy isn’t just about supporting children to healing or develop, it’s about empowering children to know and exercise their rights in a language they understand best: play!

🗣️ This Children’s Week, let’s start conversations about children’s rights. Let’s communicate to children that they have a voice that matters. Let’s remind adults that listening to children isn’t optional…it’s their right

❓What will YOU do this week to help someone learn about children’s rights?

16/10/2025

Children with more than one developmental condition – such as ADHD, autism or others – are at risk of depression or anxiety too. Health systems need to adapt.

👉 Read the full story: https://theconversation.com/our-study-of-267-000-kids-reveals-the-hidden-burden-of-multiple-developmental-conditions-267114

09/10/2025

October is ADHD & Dyslexia Awareness Month

Did you know that 1 in 20 Australians have ADHD, and up to 10% experience dyslexia?

This month, we’re celebrating the diversity of minds, raising awareness, understanding and acceptance of how people think, learn and connect.

ADHD affects attention, energy and impulsivity, but it also brings unique strengths like creativity, hyperfocus, problem-solving and enthusiasm.

Dyslexia impacts reading and language processing yet many people with dyslexia show innovative thinking, strong pattern recognition and powerful visual creativity.

By learning more about neurodiversity, we can create schools, workplaces and communities where everyone’s strengths are recognised and supported.

Learn more:
• neuroinclusiverecruiting.org.au/neurodiversity
• speldsa.org.au
• adhdawarenessmonth.org

Let’s celebrate different ways of thinking — because every brain learns differently, and every person deserves to belong. 💙

09/10/2025

Curious about play therapy? This powerful approach is growing fast as more parents discover the key to children’s wellbeing may lie in the playroom.

22/09/2025

The Australian Autism Alliance is seeking feedback on the recently announced Thriving Kids program, designed for children aged 0–8 who may require additional supports beyond those usually provided to neurotypical children.

Why take part?
- Make sure autistic voices and the autism community are included in program design

- Highlight what matters most to you and those you represent

- Help decision-makers understand both the opportunities and challenges

Share your opinions by completing the anonymous survey (approx. 10–20 minutes): https://tinyurl.com/r84kpjf9

18/09/2025

New bulk-billed health checks for three-year-olds would refer them for additional support – including psychosocial therapy.

11/09/2025

10/09/2025

Why is focusing on improving the classroom climate rather than a disciplinary climate important for Australian schools? (16.05.2023)

09/09/2025

This week is National Child Protection Week. An important time to promote awareness and share resources. ABC Play Therapy would like to thank all of our foster families for all your dedication and hard work.
Thank you! 💐

28/04/2025

April is Autism Awareness Month ✨ 🌈
We are honoured to have permission to share this unique perspective from 5 year old Lou. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving neurodivergent children a voice. Stories like hers help foster greater understanding, inclusion, and empathy ✨ 🌈

5 1/2 year old Eloisa explains her experience of being Autistic for her Foundation/Prep classmates!

14/04/2025

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-and-the-pursuit-of-leadership/202504/the-adult-takeover-of-childhood

Childhood has been overtaken by adults. Less freedom and more screens is associated with rising anxiety in kids and parents. Balance means letting kids do more on their own.