Suzanne Mackay OT

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 👀

29/03/2025

A powerful message and a story that resonates with so many families.
We see you 🫶🏼

Podcast Episode · The Imperfects · S7, E7 Bonus · 15m

01/03/2025

06/02/2025

🌟Exciting News! 🌟

Our Term 1 groups are now open for registration! 📝 We can’t wait to run these groups featuring some fun construction and craft activities. Sign up now and get ready for to let your imagination run wild! 🧱🎨

03/12/2024

Great tips to tackle those everyday challenges that can really hijack your day 👌

Ah, clothing & getting dressed. What should be a simple part of daily life can turn into an Olympic event …