As speech pathologists, we often talk with parents about inference skills—and many are surprised to learn just how much these skills impact learning, friendships, and everyday communication. What are inference skills? Inference is the ability to figure something out when it’s not directly stated. It’s about using clues, background knowledge, and context to make an educated guess. For example: If a character is shivering and holding an umbrella, your child infers that it’s col

In my work with children who have Autism or a PDA (Pathalogical Demand Avoidance) profile, I often use the DIR®/Floortime model to guide therapy. DIR® stands for Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based. It focuses on meeting a child where they are developmentally and building skills through play, connection, and meaningful interactions. Floortime is all about following the child’s lead, engaging with their interests, and helping them expand their emotional, s

First, What Is Art Therapy? Art therapy is a specialised form of mental health therapy facilitated by a trained art therapist. It combines creative expression with psychological support to help children explore feelings, process experiences, and build coping skills. It’s important to know:Art therapy is not about artistic talent. Your child does not need to be “good at art.” The focus is on expression and emotional growth, not creating a masterpiece. Every child is different,