The Kindred Practice

22/08/2025

22/08/2025

A very important breakdown (thank you, Kaleidoscope Assessment) of how current NDIS reform proposals risk undermining the commitments and direction of the National Autism Strategy. One approach is codesigned with autistic Australians and is based on person-centred supports that prioritise dignity, agency, and compassion. The other one is being made up on the spot during press conferences by a politician with a poor track record of supporting the emotional well-being of all Australians and with virtually no understanding of the NDIS or the lives of neurodivergent Australians.

Here's a work-in-progress summary of some main reasons there is community concern about Mark Butler's proposed NDIS reforms. The table contrasts the National Autism Strategy (which came first) against Butler's positions, across key dimensions, leading to a summary of perceived conflicts/risks in each dimension.

The government has a lot of work to do in providing transparent information to address these potential risks. Until then, the degree of distress and concern in the community makes complete sense when this maps out the layers of uncertainty we are sat with.

19/08/2025

We've noticed an increase in referrals lately, with more families reaching out for support than usual. We hate not being able to offer support to families straight away so we’re getting ready to launch some new groups. This means helping more families with less waiting. The first one we’re announcing is our SPACE group - our favourite parent program for supporting anxious children.

Please email us at groups@thekindredpractice.com.au for more info.

18/08/2025

SEEN – THE FILM

Wednesday, August 20
7:45pm

All Tickets: $15 - Tickets on sale (https://tinyurl.com/bowralps-seen)

Presented by Bowral Public School P&C

Join local parents for a community screening of SEEN.

We’re happy to share that the Bowral Public School P&C will be hosting a screening of SEEN, a new documentary that explores the links between personal healing, parenting, relationships, and child brain development.

The film combines real parent stories with insights from leading experts, aiming to spark reflection and conversation about emotional wellbeing and connection.

This event is open to everyone in the Southern Highlands — parents, carers, educators, or anyone interested in wellbeing. By coming along, you’ll also be supporting the Bowral Public School P&C in funding local projects.

24/06/2025

Our beautiful craft group is back! We are thrilled to offer four mornings full of creativity and connection for neurodivergent girls aged 6 to 11 for this winter school holidays.

This 3-hour, therapist-run, drop-off group is a focused on creating, crafting, and neuro-divergent affirming support and connection.

Where: Renwick Community Centre

When: 9:00am-12:00pm
Wednesday July 9th, Thursday July 10th,
Wednesday July 16th, & Thursday July 17th

Cost: $275 for the three hours. NDIS funding accepted.

What to Pack: Please send your child along with a water bottle and a snack. Comfort items are of course welcome.

As requested by the girls last term, we will be exploring the culinary arts as well (unicorn cupcakes have been requested). Please inform us of any dietary needs and allergies upon booking.

Each day will have a different variety of activities on offer. Families are welcome to book one or multiple mornings.

To book online please use this link and click “Book a Class”: https://thekindredpractice.bookings.pracsuite.com/?s=5116

Email us at groups@thekindredpractice.com.au for more information or to book your spot.

08/04/2025

Our first group for neurodivergent girls in January was such a special experience for all involved that we’re running it again these school holidays!

A 3-hour drop-off camp focused on creating, crafting, and neuro-divergent affirming support and connection.

Where: Renwick Community Centre

When: Tuesday April 15th from 9:00am to 12:00pm or Thursday April 17th from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Cost: $275 for the three hours (NDIS funding accepted).

We’re running this group twice. Families are welcome to book one or both days.
To book online, please use this link and click “Book a Class - New Client”
https://thekindredpractice.bookings.pracsuite.com/?s=5116

Please email us at groups@thekindredpractice.com.au for more information.

24/01/2025

Wonderful news for our local community. The end of a long and distressing period for so many residents. Such a privilege to see a community rally together over shared values. And such a relief to see fairness and commonsense prevail.

The NSW planning commission has rejected a Moss Vale plastics recycling facility after receiving nearly 3,000 submissions from opposers, including high-profile celebrities and a billionaire.

16/01/2025

We’re super excited about our first group for 2025. This one is for for neurodivergent girls aged 6 to 11.

A 3-hour drop-off camp focused on creating, crafting, and neuro-divergent affirming support and connection.

Where: Renwick Community Centre

When: Tues Jan 28th from 10:00am to 1:00pm or Wed Jan 29th from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Cost: $275 for the three hours (NDIS funding accepted)

We’re running this group twice. Families are welcome to book one or both days.

Book online at: https://thekindredpractice.bookings.pracsuite.com/?s=5116

Please email us at groups@thekindredpractice.com.au for more information.

07/01/2025

Great news for families looking for support from a local paediatrician.

Highlands General Practice - Bowral Street and Moss Vale is a long established Southern Highlands general practice offering a comprehensive range of services.

21/12/2024

The Kindred Team will be taking a break to spend time with family and friends. Our last day for 2024 will be Friday the 20th of December and we’ll be back on Monday the 6th of January 2025. Some of our clinicians will be on leave until later in January so please reach out if you’re unsure when your next appointment is.

We won’t be checking emails and messages regularly during the break so we may not respond until after the 6th of January.

The Kindred Team wish you all a happy and safe holiday period. Thank you for trusting us to support your family this year - we look forward to seeing you in 2025.

We know that the holidays can be a difficult time for many people. Don't hesitate to reach out to any of the services below if you need help:

📞Lifeline 13 11 14⁠
⁠
📞Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800⁠
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📞The Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

For any emergencies, please call 000.

—The Kindred Team 🧡

09/12/2024

This time of the year is one of our busiest for assessments. Before getting in touch with us, many parents and carers feel confused and overwhelmed - there are so many different options and pathways. We’re writing a series of posts explaining the assessment process, what makes a good assessment, and answering some of the most commonly asked questions. We’re starting here with autism assessments for children. We hope this makes the process a little clearer and helps you know how to get the assessment your child needs.

https://thekindredpractice.com.au/getting-an-autism-assessment-for-your-child/

If you would like to know more please get in touch with us at reception@thekindredpractice.com.au or call on 02 4629 7133.

Helping you join the dots to create an easier and more connected family life.

26/11/2024

We are deeply shocked and disappointed by the recent changes announced by the NDIS, which significantly reduce funding for art and music therapy. Art and music therapy offer so much more than creative outlets—they provide essential pathways for connection, healing, and self-expression, particularly for those who communicate best through alternative means. We know many individuals who struggled to access or participate in traditional psychology sessions but have been helped enormously through art or music therapy.

The decision to cut this funding with only a week’s notice shows a complete disregard for the choice, dignity, and well-being of those NDIS clients who have built trusting and healing relationships with their therapists. The timing, as we head full-speed towards one of the most stressful times of the year, is particularly difficult to understand.

At The Kindred Practice, we recognize the profound impact these therapies have on supporting communication, emotional regulation, and well-being for our community. We stand with art and music therapists in advocating for their recognition, fair funding, and accessibility. Our hearts are with all the families who will now see their children deprived of meaningful and safe connections with their trusted art or music therapists.

We encourage as many people as possible to sign the petitions below:

https://www.change.org/p/creative-and-experiential-therapies-belong-in-the-ndis

https://www.change.org/p/save-music-therapy-keep-it-funded-under-ndis