DOTS Therapy Hub

23/03/2026

Building the skills to use a pencil starts long before kids pick one up.

Focusing on finger strength, wrist control and core strength through playful activities helps children gain confidence and independence, making writing feel natural and manageable over time.

22/03/2026

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case.

The case attended one of the listed exposure sites in NBMLHD at the same time as a confirmed case earlier this month and visited several other locations while unknowingly infectious.

People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

• Woolworths, Jordan Springs: 17 March 2026, 8.15am – 9.20am
• Baby Bunting Penrith, Jamisontown: 18 March 2026, 2.00pm – 2.45pm
• Kmart, Nepean Village: 18 March 2026, 2.30pm – 3.20pm
• Brell House, St Marys: 18 March 2026, 6.30pm – 9.00pm
• Young Academics Early Learning Centre, Cranebrook: 18 March 2026, 8.55am – 9.30am, 4.10pm – 4.45pm and 20 March 2026, 8.50am – 9.25am and 5.00pm – 5.35pm
• Scent Method Warehouse, Prestons: 19 March 2026, 11.30am – 12.10pm
• Terry White Chemist, Jordan Springs: 19 March 2026, 6.00pm – 6.50pm
• Parx Coffee House, Cranebrook: 20 March 2026, 8.55am – 9.30am
• Subway, Jordan Springs: 20 March 2026, 7.00pm – 7.35pm
• XS Espresso, Jordan Springs: 21 March 2026, 11.50am – 12.35pm

A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Centre for Population Health Director, Eloise Milthorpe, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed above, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you don't spend time in waiting rooms with other patients and wear a mask," Ms Milthorpe said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven't attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period."

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough," Ms Milthorpe said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

19/03/2026

Social relationships are a part of how children experience belonging.

Social communication skills help children engage with their social world and make meaningful connections with peers.

Social communication includes lots of everyday ‘rules’ or ‘customs’ that many of us are not actually taught, things like how to enter a conversation, what messages our facial expressions are sending and what someone’s body language might mean.

For some children, these skills don’t always come naturally. Differences in how a child talks, moves or interacts aren’t a sign that something is wrong, they’re simply different ways of communicating.

Rather than pushing people to mask their natural ways of interacting, it’s important to make space for different communication styles.

Not making eye contact doesn’t mean someone isn’t listening.

Moving or stimming doesn’t mean someone isn’t paying attention.

Silence doesn’t mean someone has nothing to say.

There is no single ‘right’ way to communicate.
What matters most is creating understanding, access and space for every child’s unique way of connecting.

17/03/2026

Speech and language challenges can impact more than just your child’s words, they can affect your child’s confidence, friendships and participation in everyday activities.

If you are noticing some of these differences in your child, they may benefit from some extra support.

Early guidance and personalised planning can help them build the skills and confidence to engage with their social world.

Visit our website to find out more through our referral form under our 'Contact Us' tab at www.dotstherapy.com.au

16/03/2026

You want your child to feel confident taking part in everyday activities and social interactions.

Some children may find it challenging to join in or to communicate in ways that feel comfortable.

These differences are not a reflection of your child’s potential - it simply means some additional supports and strategies can help your child access more social opportunities.

At DOTS Therapy Hub, we observe how children communicate and interact, and work with families to identify strategies that are tailored to their child’s needs and interests.

This approach helps children engage in activities at home, school, or play in ways that suit them, while supporting families to understand and respond to their child’s unique communication style.

To learn more about how we can support you, get in touch with us at www.dotstherapy.com.au

12/03/2026

Pincer grip skills can be built using everyday tools found around the home.

Simple, playful activities help develop coordination, precision and independence, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.

At DOTS, we help you identify goals and strategies for these skills, and guide you on the next steps, so progress feels clear and achievable.

Save these tips for small daily practices to make everyday tasks easier for your child.

11/03/2026

Did you know children learn how to communicate even before they use words?

Every look, gesture, and movement is a form of expression. A smile, a reach or even a pause can tell you what your child is noticing, feeling, or trying to share.

Noticing these small cues helps you understand your child’s unique way of connecting with the world, long before words come into play.

Take a moment today to watch, listen and tune in to the little ways your child communicates.

09/03/2026

We are offering school based Speech Pathology sessions at Braddock Public School Official - get in touch with us via our website to find out more.

09/03/2026

Every child’s journey is unique, and sometimes they need support in more than one area. That’s where wrap-around support comes in a comprehensive approach that meets your child where they’re at and involves the whole support team.

From developing social communication to ensuring safe, coordinated movement, each support works together to help your child feel confident at home, at school and in their everyday life.

When support comes from all angles, we can help children to have the best outcomes.

If you are looking for paediatric allied health supports, get in touch with us via our website www.dotstherapy.com.au/new-referrals

Learn about our mission to make therapy and educational services more accessible, reliable, and compassionate for families and communities.

05/03/2026

🎂Join us today as we wish Natalie a very happy birthday!

Natalie Nassif is one of our speech pathologists who supports families and their children with a range of communication differences, as well as working with local schools and teaching teams to support children in classroom settings.

Natalie loves being creative and practical with therapy activities in a way that is positive, meaningful and fun for the child.

Have a great day today Natalie!

04/03/2026

At DOTS Therapy Hub, we aim to make therapy accessible and supportive for families.

Our multi-disciplinary team provides speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and allied health assistant support.

We ensure that we collaborate and can work together to support your child across the various parts of their life. This means that children can practice skills in ways that are natural, while families receive guidance and support at every step.

If you want to learn more about how our team can work with your child, head over to our website via the link in our bio.