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If behaviours of concern are still happening, does that mean Positive Behaviour Support is not working? Behaviour change matters, but it is not the only measure. This reflective guide explores the changes we should expect to see in the behaviour itself, the person's daily life and the systems around them.

Children often know they experience the world differently long before they have words to explain why. An honest, neuroaffirming conversation about diagnosis can replace harmful self-labels with understanding, language and access to support.

“Make sure you take time for yourself.” This is advice most parents have heard. Take a break. Go to the gym. Book a babysitter. Get more sleep. Rest when you can. While this advice is well-intended, it often misses the mark for parents raising neurodivergent children. The reality can be quite different. Perhaps your child cannot safely be left with a babysitter. Maybe there is no extended family nearby, suitable respite is unavailable, or the people around you do not understa

When participation changes or distress escalates, the visible behaviour is only the beginning of the formulation. Learn how autistic burnout, meltdowns and other distress responses can be understood through needs, communication, identity, nervous-system and whole-system lenses.

"We've been told our child needs psychology." "Someone else suggested play therapy." "Another family recommended equine therapy." "What's actually the difference?" If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the number of therapy options available, you're certainly not alone. One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is one "best" therapy. In reality, there isn't. The most effective therapy isn't determined by its title; it's determined by how well it fits the individual. At

"Behaviour is information. Most behaviours make sense... once we have all of the information." If you're parenting, teaching or supporting a neurodivergent child, you'll probably recognise this moment. Things have been travelling along reasonably well, and then seemingly overnight... Your child starts hitting. They refuse to go to school. They're suddenly waking multiple times each night. They're melting down over things that never bothered them before. They're seeking more s

What if the way a child plays is telling us far more than their words ever could? As therapists, educators, and parents, we often hear phrases like: "They're obsessed with lining things up." "All they want to do is crash things." "She keeps playing the same game over and over." "He only wants to pretend he's a dragon." It's easy to view these behaviours as quirks, challenges, or habits that need to be redirected. But what if they are actually communication? What if play is on

What we are doing when we observe, ask questions, and gather information Schools are often key partners in supporting children and young people with disability. When a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioner becomes involved, it’s common for school staff to wonder: “What is their role?”“Why are they mostly observing or asking questions?” This guide is designed to provide clarity around: The role of a PBS practitioner What a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) involves

If you’ve ever supported a child who resists everyday expectations — even things they enjoy — it can feel confusing, exhausting, and at times, deeply misunderstood. From the outside, it may look like refusal or oppositional behaviour. But when we understand demand avoidance through a neuroaffirming, nervous-system lens , we begin to see something else entirely: 👉 A response to overwhelm 👉 A need for autonomy 👉 A communication of unmet needs What is Demand Avoidance? Deman

Identity development is a natural and essential part of childhood and adolescence. It is how young people come to understand who they are, how they relate to the world, and where they belong. For neurodivergent children and young people, this process can be deeply meaningful — and at times, deeply vulnerable — particularly when trauma is part of their story. Understanding the intersection between trauma and identity is critical for supporting long-term wellbeing, self-worth,

When a child or young person is struggling, what we see on the outside is often labelled as “behaviour.” What’s happening underneath is something much more important — communication . At Grow Therapy Services, we don’t ask “How do we stop this behaviour?” We ask: “What is this nervous system trying to tell us right now?” This question sits at the heart of our work — and at the heart of our Stages of Distress & Crisis Reference Chart , a neuroaffirming tool designed to support

When supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, it can be tempting to rush toward goals. Improve emotional regulation. Build social skills. Increase independence. Reduce behaviours of concern. These goals often stem from a place of care and hope. However, when we focus on outcomes before understanding , we risk missing the very foundations that make growth possible. Neurodivergence is not just a collection of isolated traits. It is an interconnected system ; emot

When you’re raising a neurodivergent child, the topic of medication often arrives with a swirl of mixed feelings – hope, fear, curiosity, guilt, relief, and everything in between. At Grow Therapy Services, we see medication as one possible tool in a much bigger support toolbox – never the whole story, never the only option, and never a reflection of your worth as a parent or your child’s worth as a human being. This blog is an information guide only – not medical advice. Any

The Christmas and summer holiday period can be a time of togetherness and joy — but also unpredictability, dysregulation, sensory overload, and shifting routines. For many neurodivergent children and their families, this season brings mixed feelings. Alongside excitement often sits exhaustion, pressure, and the invisible work families do in planning, anticipating needs, and supporting their child’s emotional world. At Grow Therapy Services, we want to hold space for what this

Supporting Demand-Avoidant or Anxious Children with Connection and Consistency Children who frequently negotiate, resist, or “push back” against requests aren’t being difficult — they’re often showing us how overwhelmed, anxious, or powerless they feel. For many neurodivergent children, demands can trigger a stress response because they signal a loss of control, uncertainty, or fear of failure. When every instruction feels like pressure, a natural protective instinct kicks i

As we step into Term 4, many families begin to feel the shift — the weather warms, school calendars fill up, and our days start to feel a little more hurried. In the Pilbara, this time of year can bring extra layers of fatigue and overstimulation — not only from the heat but also from the sheer number of end-of-year events, transitions, and expectations that start appearing on the calendar. At Grow Therapy Services, we know that for many neurodivergent children (and their fam

When I first encountered the concept of neuroaffirming therapy, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Imagine a world where therapy doesn’t...

At Grow Therapy Services, we believe behaviour is communication, and for neurodivergent individuals, it’s often the most accessible way...

As parents, educators, and caregivers, it’s natural to wonder: Is my child’s behaviour just part of their unique temperament, or could it...

If you’ve ever felt that typical parenting advice just doesn’t work for your neurodivergent child, you’re not alone. Mainstream strategies – like sticker charts or strict “one-size-fits-all” rules – can feel dismissive, outdated, or even harmful when raising a child whose brain works differently Neuroaffirming parenting offers a different path. It’s a warm, respectful approach grounded in both professional insights and the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Inst