Stronger Connections Keyworkers

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

FREE Christmas Gold Coast Events

04/12/2025

Free WHY A CHILD CAN'T CALM DOWN ON COMMAND INFORMATION SHEET
https://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/why-a-child-cant-calm-down-on-command-information-sheet/
Big behaviours can leave adults unsure how to respond. It helps to know what happens in a child's body and brain when the child feels overwhelmed. The heart beats faster, breathing changes, and the survival part of the brain takes over. When this happens, the child cannot think clearly or follow instructions until the body has settled again.

Children still need rules, boundaries, routines, and fair consequences. These are a normal part of growing up. The poster below explains why these work best when a child is calm enough to listen, learn, and take guidance on board.

04/12/2025

THIS.

When behaviour makes more sense through a dopamine lens
So many challenges we see — screen battles, difficulty starting tasks, emotional swings, hyperfocus, burnout — make far more sense when we understand how dopamine works differently in neurodivergent brains. This isn’t attitude. It’s chemistry.

When the dopamine gap shows up in daily life
ADHD brains often have lower baseline dopamine and fewer receptors. Autistic brains can process reward differently, favouring deep interests over novelty. These differences shape motivation, focus and self-regulation long before behaviour ever enters the picture.

When screens meet a biological need
Screens provide rapid, reliable dopamine loops — clear goals, instant feedback, predictable rewards. For many neurodivergent young people, that means regulation, not 'addiction'. It’s why transitions feel so intense, and why understanding the why changes how we respond.

When we need to look beyond willpower
Task-shifting, motivation, transitions, emotional regulation — these all rely on dopamine pathways. Neurodivergent children aren’t choosing to struggle. Their brains are working harder to do what comes instinctively to others.

When knowledge reduces conflict
This visual breaks down the dopamine science simply and compassionately, helping families move from frustration to understanding. If screens are a daily battle, this is the missing piece that helps everything make sense.

Earlier today I shared ADHD & Screens and Autism & Screens, each explaining how dopamine, sensory needs and executive function shape screen engagement. Have a look — together, they paint the full neurodivergent picture.

03/12/2025

Are you an autistic carer, parent or guardian?

If you’re an autistic adult who is also a carer, parent or guardian, you deserve a space where you are seen, heard and understood. The Autistic Carers Network centres your journey of being a carer.

Together, we will:
- Learn tools to manage your own sensory experience
- Refresh and practise self-advocacy skills
- Dive into topics that matter to you
- Connect with peers who genuinely “get it”

This peer network is for autistic individuals who are carers. Formal and self-diagnosis are both equally recognised.

🗓 First meeting: Monday 16 February 2026, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Online and in-person

Want to join? Fill out the expression of interest form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qJuGzk-meEmQRsMjRoM051GTrzuZuCREptVwYDqKrfBUN1MzVVNMUTE3RlRLTVNJVUFZTks4OFdGViQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
Or email Olenka: olenkat@purpleorange.org.au

03/12/2025

Is your child “screen addicted”… or is something else happening underneath?
Here’s the checklist every parent should see — and the part that matters most:

WHAT THIS CHECKLIST MEANS
If you’re nodding along, your child probably isn’t “addicted”.
They’re dysregulated. Overwhelmed. Seeking stimulation because it feels easier than slowing down.
What they need most is support, co-regulation and realistic boundaries — not shame or fear.

Please comment Screen for our free information sheet.

03/12/2025

03/12/2025

03/12/2025

03/12/2025

Kindness Book Recommendations from NeuroChild Team! 💙

03/12/2025

🌟 International Day of People with Disability 2025 🌟
3 December

Today we join communities around the world in recognising the strengths, voices and achievements of people with disability. At Stronger Connections Keyworkers, we believe every child deserves to grow, learn and thrive within a community that sees their potential first.

This year’s theme reminds us that inclusion isn’t just an idea — it’s something we create together. Through early childhood intervention, family-centred practice and genuine partnership, we walk alongside families to ensure every child can participate in the everyday moments that matter most.

To the children we support, the families who welcome us into their lives, and the professionals who collaborate with us — thank you. Your resilience, your advocacy and your trust inspire us every single day.

💙 Today we celebrate ability, diversity and the power of strong connections.
Together, we can build a future where every child is included, valued and supported to shine.