Presented by Prof. Karen Stagnitti, Occupational Therapist

In this 2-part workshop for parents and professionals, you will learn:

• about the development of pretend play
• the importance of play for communication and social development
• how play helps literacy development
• how to support and extend your child’s play

This workshop for parents/careers provides helpful tips and practical for supporting children with ASD and anxiety.

Information covered includes:

• What anxiety looks like
• Why anxiety is so common in children with ASD
• How you can help your child to understand and manage anxiety

This session will be run by Dr Fiona Zandt, psychologist

Starting School: A Workshop for Parents and Carers.

This workshop will provide information and practical strategies to support parents/carers with their child’s the transition to school. This workshop will have a strong focus on supporting children with additional needs with starting prep.

The workshop will cover:

• Literacy development for young children and ways to encourage this.
• Ways to manage anxiety around the transition to school for children (and parents too!).
• Practical resources to support with the transition to school.

Presented by Dr Fiona Zandt (Clinical Psychologist), Betty Mihelakos (Speech Pathologist) and Emma Menkinoska (Clinical Psychologist)

This parent/carer information session provides practical ideas and tips to enable you to enjoy the holiday season with your child with special needs.

The workshop will cover:

• Why holidays can be tricky for children with special needs
• What you can do to help
• How you can look after yourself over this time

Presenters – Melbourne Kids Clinicians (To be confirmed)