22q Minded

Supporting 22q families worldwide 💙
Clinical psychologists specialising in 22q-related syndromes and related conditions. Dr Linda Campbell & Dr Sasja Duijff

Coaching, training & resources for families & professionals. Local services in Australia & the Netherlands
www.22qminded.com

05/01/2026

Many parents tell us this is one of the hardest parts.

Your child may speak well. They may cope at school. From the outside, things can look “okay.”

And yet, you see the effort it takes. The misunderstandings. The emotional spillover at the end of the day. The constant thinking ahead — adjusting language, managing transitions, helping things make sense.

Carrying that load can be exhausting, especially when it’s not always visible to others.

Wanting support doesn’t mean you’re not coping. It means you’re paying attention.

Programs like Care4Parents and Feelings in Focus exist to support families with this emotional and relational load — alongside the everyday work you’re already doing.

If this resonates, you’re not alone.

03/01/2026

Receptive language difficulties are often easy to miss — especially when someone speaks clearly and confidently.

Many of the signs show up quietly: fatigue after school, nodding along without really understanding, struggling most in language-heavy or busy environments. Over time, the effort it takes just to keep up can spill over as frustration, withdrawal, or overwhelm.

These patterns aren’t about not trying. They’re about how much language someone is being asked to process — and how little space they sometimes have to do it.

Noticing these signs can be an important first step. When we understand what’s happening beneath the surface, our responses naturally become more supportive and less reactive.

02/01/2026

Many children, teens, and adults with 22q speak clearly and confidently.

And yet, they may still struggle to fully understand what is being said to them.

Receptive language is about how much meaning someone takes in — not how well they speak. Instructions, conversations, jokes, classroom explanations, social rules… all rely on understanding, not just words.

When understanding is harder, children are often working incredibly hard just to keep up. That effort can show up as overwhelm, withdrawal, frustration, or behaviours that look “oppositional” — but aren’t.

Understanding comes before cooperation.
Understanding comes before independence.
Understanding comes before friendships.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. This is a common — and often hidden — part of the 22q profile.

If you’d like to read more, we’ve shared a longer piece on receptive language on our blog: https://www.22qminded.com/the-hidden-language-understanding-receptive-language-differences-in-children-and-adults-with-22q/

29/12/2025

Supporting the 22q journey takes a village—and the right tools. 🌿💛

Whether you are navigating the "hidden" gaps in communication, looking for mindful ways to manage parenting stress, or helping your child regulate big emotions, we are here for you in 2026.

Our upcoming series is designed specifically for the 22q community by 22q-informed psychologists, combining evidence-based strategies with the support of parents who truly understand your world.

What’s coming up: 🌿 Care4Parents: 8 weeks of mindful parenting to help you navigate challenges with more joy. 💬 Feelings in Focus: 6 weeks of live support for your child’s emotional journey. 🗓️ 2026 Webinar Series: 8 evidence-based sessions covering everything from language, mental health, advocacy and much more.

Flexible Learning: Can’t make the live time? All our webinars are available On-Demand so you can learn at your own pace.

Don’t navigate the 22q journey alone. Let’s grow, learn, and connect together.

🔗 Click on the link below to view the full 2026 schedule.

🔄 Repost to help your network
⤵️ Comment below with your thoughts
➡️ Click here to register: www.22qminded.com/shop/

21/12/2025

🎥 Now Streaming: Dr Sasja Duijff’s Insightful Talk from 22qEurope! 🌍

During 22q Awareness Month, Dr Sasja delivered an empowering presentation at the 22qEurope conference—now available to watch right here. Her insights into the emotional well-being of caregivers and families in the 22q community are not to be missed.

We’re excited to announce that Dr Sasja will also be leading the first Care4Parents training session with 22qMinded in February 2026! This unique, evidence-informed program supports parents and caregivers with practical tools, neuroaffirming strategies, and a space to connect.

💡 Miss the February round? Don’t worry—Dr. Linda Campbell will offer a follow-up opportunity starting in July 2026.

🎓 Learn more and register for Sasja’s session here:
👉 https://www.22qminded.com/product/care4parents-training-with-sasja-duijff-feb2026

20/12/2025

Holiday travel can get complicated when medications are part of daily life. It's normal to forget, get mixed up, or feel overwhelmed!

💙 Luckily, we've gathered a few tried and true tips to help you manage medication when routines change and life feels a little chaotic. Check them out below!

17/12/2025

✨ Parenting a child with a disability is a journey filled with love, growth… and moments that can feel deeply isolating. But here’s the truth: none of us were meant to do this alone. 🌿

In our latest blog, we explore:
💛 Why connection matters more than perfection
💛 What a supportive “village” can really look like
💛 How to start building your own network of care
💛 The power of chosen family — and letting others in

Support can be chosen, created, and grown. Even a few steady, caring people can make all the difference. 💫

➡️ Read the full post at www.22qminded.com/blog

✨ Stay connected for more neuroaffirming resources, shared stories, and expert-led webinars through our Care4Parents program.

15/12/2025

Why is co-regulation so important — not just in infancy, but across the lifespan?
If you’re raising or supporting someone with 22q, you might recognise the emotional highs and lows — not just in your child, but in yourself too. Staying calm in the chaos? It’s not always easy.

In our latest 💡 Let’s Talk About 💡 blog, we explore co-regulation across the lifespan — what it means, why it’s essential in 22q, and how therapists, parents, and children can work together to build emotional safety.

✨ Discover how small moments of connection — a breath, a gentle touch, a grounded presence — can help both parent and child feel supported, seen, and more regulated.

🔍 Read now: Co-Regulation Across the Lifespan
🌐 www.22qminded.com/blog

💛 Know a parent, therapist, or educator walking this journey? Tag someone who might need this reminder: you don’t have to do it alone.

🧠 Want more support? Explore our Care4Parents program at www.22qminded.com/shop
— created to nurture the nervous systems of caregivers, too.

14/12/2025

Join us for a short 22q Minded community seminar with clinical psychologist Dr. Linda Campbell and pediatric psychologist Dr. Sasja, exploring the diagnostic journey in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q).

First delivered at 22q11 Europe in Brussels (November 2025), this talk reflects on the emotions many families experience before and after diagnosis—from uncertainty and relief to grief and overwhelm—and shares practical, compassionate strategies to make everyday life feel more manageable.

We discuss navigating medical and school systems, supporting siblings, finding clear information, and building a “village” of support so you don’t have to carry it alone. 💛

Diagnosis & adjustment • advocacy • sibling support • caregiver wellbeing • community

06/12/2025

💛 New on the Blog: Building Belonging in 2025 💛

What does belonging really mean for families raising a child with 22q?

This year, we listened closely to parents—and what they shared was powerful. From feeling seen by professionals to building their own support "village," families reminded us that belonging is about more than services… it’s about connection.

In our latest blog, we explore:
✨ What helped families feel understood
✨ How professionals can truly support connection
✨ Practical steps for families to build their own village of support

Whether you're a parent, educator, or clinician, this is a must-read reminder of the power of being present, curious, and kind.

https://www.22qminded.com/building-belonging-what-22q-families-taught-us-about-connection-in-2025/

02/12/2025

🎄✨ If you’re looking for a gentle way to explain 22q to a child, Chromosome Magic is here to help.

Hi, I’m Linda — the author of Chromosome Magic. After working with many families in my private practice, I realised how much support was needed when explaining 22q to children, friends, and family. This book was created to help make those conversations easier.

🧬 Meet Chromosome Magic: The Science of 22q and You — a colourful, kid-friendly guide that gently explains chromosomes, genes and what 22q deletion or duplication means — in a way that children (age 6–12) and families can understand and embrace.
22qminded

💖 Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator or young person with questions, this book opens the door to meaningful conversations and celebrates what makes each of us unique.

📚 Available now in paperback, hardcover and e-book — perfect for home libraries, school bookshelves or thoughtful holiday gifts.
For a sneak peek - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/d71250da24.html

🎁 This Christmas, give the gift of understanding, confidence, and compassion.

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Maitland, NSW

Website

http://www.22qminded.au/, http://www.22qminded.nl/, http://www.22qminded.com/

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