Suzanne Mackay OT

19/12/2025

Nice to know I’m working in a historical landmark 😆

👟Walk into Forbes Footwear in Hornsby today and it feels like stepping straight into this photo from 1969

This family run shoe shop has traded on the same corner of Peats Ferry Road and William Street since 1940. The inside from this 1969 photo looks almost exactly the same now, with the counter in the middle and boxes stacked high either side of the shop.

James Forbes and his son Warren opened the doors in 1940, when a pair of shoes cost 25 cents. The Forbes family still own the whole building, with Scott Forbes’ great grandparents once living above the shop. The upstairs was named Willander Court in honour of William Alexander Forbes, James’ brother who died in the Second World War.

Recognised as Hornsby’s oldest retailer, Forbes Footwear is a living link to Hornsby’s retail heritage.

Keen for more local history? Explore Hornsby Shire Recollects for photos, adverts and stories from across the Shire: https://hornsbyshire.recollect.net.au

13/12/2025

A great summary and definitely worth a spot on the fridge … I’ll supply the magnet!

Free WHAT A CHILD’S BEHAVIOUR IS REALLY TELLING YOU POSTER

This poster puts into words what many adults feel but struggle to explain.

When a child shouts, refuses, withdraws, lashes out or melts down, it is easy to see behaviour as bad, defiant or attention seeking. This poster clearly shows that behaviour is communication. It helps adults stop reacting to what they see and start thinking about what the child is trying to tell them.

The poster explains how challenging behaviour is often linked to unmet needs such as feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, tired, hungry, anxious, overstimulated or in need of connection. It supports a trauma informed, needs led way of responding that focuses on understanding rather than punishment.

This resource is especially helpful for children who struggle with emotional regulation, big feelings, anxiety, sensory overload, attachment needs or trauma related stress. It helps adults understand what is happening in a child’s nervous system when they are under pressure.

Comment CHILD and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

04/12/2025

Maggie’s YouTube channel offers a wide range of videos on parenting topics and dilemmas. Most of your questions are likely answered in this library. Plus, if you subscribe for free, you won't miss any new videos as they are released!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmJwvtKh30CD1E2ozs9jzA

29/10/2025

Come and see our AAC and Assistive Technology Showcase as a part of St Lucy's Community Day! We will have external providers coming share information and showcase a range of products such as:
• Low tech and mid tech AAC
• Switch adapted toys
• Sensory equipment
• AAC device and switch mounts
• Adaptable furniture
• Adapted bikes and frame runners
• And more!

Key Word Sign (KWS) Australia will be running a range of workshops throughout the day. We will also have information available from organisations such as AssistiveWare, Liberator and Link Assistive.

We look forward to seeing you!

21/10/2025

28th October | 7:30pm AEDT

21/10/2025

Thanks for the reminder Team ACM… play is a child’s work 💯

🌟 Why Pretend Play Matters for Your Little One 🌟

When your child pretends to be a superhero, a chef, or a talking animal, they’re doing more than just playing they’re building essential life skills!

Here’s how pretend play supports your toddler or preschooler’s development:

🗣️ Language Skills
Acting out stories boosts vocabulary, sentence structure, and conversational turn-taking. It’s a fun and natural way to grow communication!

📚 Narrative & Storytelling
Pretend play helps children learn to create and tell their own stories, a key skill for reading comprehension and later academic success.

🧸 Play & Problem-Solving
When a chair becomes a rocket or a teddy bear needs a doctor, kids are learning how to think symbolically, solve problems, and adapt.

🎨 Creativity & Imagination
There are no rules in pretend play and that’s the magic! It encourages original thinking, flexible ideas, and outside-the-box problem solving.

🤝 Social Skills
Playing “house” or “store” with others teaches turn-taking, sharing, negotiating roles, and understanding different perspectives.

💖 Emotional Growth
Pretend play gives children a safe space to express feelings, act out real-life situations, and build confidence.

✨ Pro tip: You don’t need fancy toys. A cardboard box or a spoon can lead to hours of meaningful play (and brain development!).

If you’re ever concerned about your child’s play, language, or social development a speech pathologist can help guide and support you.

09/10/2025

Always great advice …

We have seen some disturbing trends in recent times: Increasing number of 4-6-year-old boys being suspended or expelled More ADHD/ODD diagnoses — mainly boys More behaviour management classes in schools ...

09/10/2025

A great explanation of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of a sensory diet 😊

For some children, the world can feel like too much – or not quite enough. Sensory processing challenges affect how …

25/09/2025

Important to stick to the facts amongst all the misinformation out there at the moment….

Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.

We know autism is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. Individualized plans, often involving a combination of developmental, behavioral, educational and social-relational strategies, can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to individuals and families. We also need and welcome additional investments in federally funded research to better support families of autistic children.

Families who have questions about their child’s medications, autism care plans or other health care should consult with their pediatrician or health care provider.
https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc

05/07/2025

Head over to have a look at my new website!
suzannemackayot.com
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Suzanne Mackay With vast experience and expertise in the area of paediatrics, Suzanne focuses her area of practice on children 6 years and under.Supported by current research, she sees early intervention as the cornerstone for allowing children to reach their full potential. Based in Hornsby (New S....

02/04/2025

So insightful! Have a listen Do yourself a favour and have a listen 🤗

01/04/2025

Always lots of great information on this page. Take a look 👀