Sparkly Aliens

Together, we are reimagining what it means to be Free to Be Me. Welcome to the Collective.

The Sparkly Alien Collective empowers neurocomplex and sensitive humans to live with authenticity, joy, and sovereignty through transformative programs, radical imagination, bold community change, and resources that honour every brain and body. The Sparkly Alien Collective is a global empowerment movement for neurocomplex, sensitive, and creative humans who’ve always felt a little “too much” for the world — when in truth, they were never too much, just too sparkly for systems that weren’t built for them.

✨ We exist to support authenticity, joy, connection, safety, empowerment, and accessibility — across every age, identity, and intensity. Our Collective has four powerful arms working together to rewrite the rules and build the future:

🌍 Sparkly Aliens – The global brand for coaching, workshops, PD, and The Sparkly Alien Empowerment Series — empowering individuals to live free, creative, and authentic lives.

🕊 Sparkly Aliens Inc. – Our not-for-profit arm focused on inclusion, scholarships, retreats, and access-for-all programs — especially for those falling through the cracks.

🔥 Neurodivergent Empowered – Our NDIS-registered service offering therapeutic programs, friendship groups, and positive identity development for neurocomplex children, teens, and adults.

📚 The Sparkly Alien – Our digital hub for self-paced courses, downloads, book resources, meditations, and all things sparkly, empowering, and transformative.

01/09/2025

🫶 This Is Why We Are Continually Uplevelling What We Offer 🫶

This feedback from a parent in our Saturday Teens Group means the world to us, not just because it’s kind, but because it reflects exactly what we’ve been building behind the scenes:

Over the past year+, we’ve evolved from a support work model into something deeper: therapy-informed, trauma-aware, and co-regulation-led.
Every team member has undertaken extensive training to step into this next level of work: as therapy assistants, as lived-experience-informed facilitators, and where qualified, as therapists.

Thank you for trusting me on this journey of up-skilling and expansion, team. You are all heart-led legends.

And when we hear that the difference is felt — in the way we greet young people as individuals, in the way connection is intentionally built, in the way sessions shift to reflect who walks in that day — we know it’s landing where it matters most.

This isn’t just a group of participants hanging out.
This is attachment-safe, neurodivergent-affirming group therapy... but fun!!!
This is space for real connection, real safety, and real growth.

So let me take a moment to say this to our team:

I know I stretch you.
I know I keep asking us to go higher — NDIS certification, up-skilling expectations, facilitator development, expansion of cohorts, ongoing qualifications... the list is long.

But this feedback?
This is someone else seeing what I’ve always seen in you.

🥲🥲🥲🥲

You make me so proud to be building this with you.
This is what happens when heart-led humans rise together.

- Love Tan x 👑🤍✨

Crowns On. Hearts Open. SparklyAF.

01/09/2025

Welcome to the first episode of Cat-alyst!

Where psychology meets play, nervous system science meets sparkle, and we decode what actually works — especially for neurodivergent kids.

Let’s talk about big feelings, tiny bodies, and the real tools that help.

When a child is overwhelmed, it’s not a behaviour issue.
It’s a nervous system responding to threat — and sometimes the threat is a classroom, a demand, or a world that wasn’t built for them.

Their logic brain goes offline. Their body takes over.
That’s why in our sessions, we don’t start with words.
We start with movement and breath — because those are the fastest ways back to safety.

💡 Science says:
- Crossing the midline (like yoga, crawling, or rolling) builds communication between the two sides of the brain. This supports focus, coordination, and emotional regulation.

- A coordinated movement study showed a 117% increase in literacy scores and major improvements in behaviour.

- In Sweden, researchers found that just one hour of extra physical activity per day at age 11 led to 35% less depression and 12% fewer psychiatric diagnoses by age 18.

Breath is a built-in superpower: Breathing isn’t just calming. It’s neurological first aid.

💡 Science says:

- Slow, rhythmic breathing activates the vagus nerve, helping the body shift into rest-and-restore mode.

- Daily breathwork improves emotional control and lowers anxiety in children, especially when done in playful, familiar ways.

That’s why we blow bubbles.
Do “dragon breaths.”
Smell imaginary flowers.
It’s not fluff. It’s regulation training in disguise.

Co-regulation comes first:

💡 Science says:

- Children’s nervous systems co-regulate with the adults around them.
- Labeling emotions and staying connected is more effective than logic or discipline in the heat of the moment.

So in our sessions, you’ll hear:

“Let’s breathe together.”
“That was a big moment. I’ve got you.”
“It’s okay to feel what you feel.”

Because the goal isn’t control. It’s connection.
And from there, kids learn that big feelings don’t have to be scary. They’re just signals. And they pass.

The most powerful intervention we have is still a calm, safe adult. We meet kids where they’re at — and offer the tools to feel it all, safely and skillfully.

Looking for more resources or professional development?Explore tools, trainings, and real-world regulation strategies at:

👉 mindbubbles.com.au
👉 sparklyaliens.com

Crowns On. Hearts Open. SparklyAF.

🌈 Shared in collaboration — original learning points by Cat, reframed through our two wings: HEART & EMPOWER.

01/09/2025

🎮 Why We Use Video Games in Group Therapy (And Why It Works)

If you’ve ever wondered why our groups sometimes look more like gaming arcades than therapy rooms, this one’s for you.

We use video games intentionally as part of our group therapy practice. For many of our neurodivergent and neurocomplex participants, games aren't just fun — they're functional. They are a powerful play-based tool for teaching real-world skills in a way that feels safe, relevant, and exciting.

Executive Function in Action:

Games like Minecraft, Mario Maker, and Pokémon aren't just play. They build the core executive function skills that children (and adults) need for life.

- Planning & Prioritisation
- Stress Tolerance
- Emotional Regulation
- Organisation

These aren't small wins. They are transferable, real-world life skills, practiced in a space that makes sense to our clients.

Research backs this up. Studies from the Journal of Play Therapy show that video games can improve cognitive flexibility, planning, and self-monitoring, especially when used intentionally in therapeutic settings (Ceranoglu, 2010; Moreno et al., 2014).

Gaming also supports:

- Social Skill Building: Making friends, navigating tricky players, learning to express needs and set boundaries
- Conflict Resolution: What happens when two players want the same prize or someone doesn’t follow the rules?
- Authentic Self-Expression: Creating avatars, designing worlds, and exploring identity in a way that feels safe

These are not just play. They are social scripts, relational practice, and identity exploration.

In our groups, we use video games with intention, structure, and therapeutic purpose. What we see is kids not just playing, but growing.

💡 The Short Version:
Games are not the opposite of therapy.
In the right hands, they are therapy.

Crowns On. Hearts Open. SparklyAF.
Let’s game with purpose.

🌈 Shared in collaboration — original learning points by Abbey, reframed through our two wings: HEART & EMPOWER.

📝 References:

Ceranoglu, T. A. (2010). Video games in psychotherapy. Review of General Psychology, 14(2), 141–146.

Moreno, M. A., et al. (2014). Use of interactive media in therapy: Video games in child therapy. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 23(3), 421–430.

01/09/2025

THIS is the magic.

“My child is really happy — did trial another social group so he could make comparisons and he hands down chooses you without question. Just the vibe. He definitely feels he has more of a place here. There was apparently no comparison.”

This kind of feedback is everything.
It reminds us why we do what we do — and why we do it differently.

Because what looks like a simple group activity on the surface is actually the result of deep design, hours of training, and a whole lot of listening.

Every part of our sessions is created with neurodivergent brilliance in mind — pacing, sensory needs, communication styles, and the vibe of the space itself. That kind of seamless support doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional practice. It takes training. It takes evolution.

And this year, we’ve elevated that even further.
We’ve embedded structured feedback touch points into the journey — starting with self-assessment, then regular check-ins along the way — so we’re not just assuming what works… we’re hearing it, adapting it, and growing together.

Because real therapy and support isn’t rigid.
It’s responsive.
And every time someone finds their version of authentic joy, we know we’re on the right path. 💫

Crowns On. Hearts Open. SparklyAF.

28/08/2025

Welcome to the very first episode of Christine’s Classroom — our new educational series where we unpack big ideas with clarity, compassion, and a neurodivergent-affirming lens.

In this debut episode, Christine explores the key differences between PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), how trauma reshapes the brain, and why these patterns show up so frequently in neurocomplex individuals — especially autistic and ADHD brains.

Drawing on both research and real-world observations, this episode sheds light on:

- The neurobiology of trauma

- How trauma responses can be misread as behavioural or personality issues

- Why masking, sensory trauma, and chronic invalidation leave many neurodivergent people living in a constant state of nervous system dysregulation

- How trauma-linked psychosis and dissociation can be better understood and supported.

Whether you're a parent, practitioner, educator, or just curious — this is a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand the trauma–neurodivergence intersection. Christine brings her expertise as an early intervention practitioner and registered teacher to offer grounded, practical insight into this vital topic.

🌈 Shared in collaboration — original learning points by Christine, reframed through our two wings: HEART & EMPOWER. You can read more about this at www.neurodivergentempowered.com

For those wanting the receipts - we got you:

Kerns, C. M., et al. (2015). The relationship of trauma and PTSD symptoms with autism spectrum disorder.

Crane, L., et al. (2018). Experiences of autism diagnosis: A survey of over 1,000 autistic adults in the UK.

Weiss, J. A., & Fardella, M. A. (2018). Validated trauma symptom profiles in adults with ASD.

Szymanski, K., Sapanski, L., & Conway, F. (2011). ADHD and trauma: Intersections and outcomes.

van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score.

Fisher, J. (2021). Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma.

Siegel, D. J. (2020). The Neurobiology of We.

28/08/2025

There’s a neurobiological reason stillness isn’t always calming for some of us.

When you live with a neurocomplex brain and body, stillness can feel like sensory deprivation — not restoration. Our nervous systems often seek regulation through movement, rhythm, pressure, or engagement. Forcing stillness can trigger more dysregulation, not less.

Science says: Autistic and ADHD nervous systems often operate in hyperarousal or hypoarousal states — meaning we need tools that support co-regulation, not performative calm.

Polyvagal theory tells us we don’t feel safe just because a space is quiet. Safety is felt — through agency, movement, and authenticity.

This is why I reimagined yoga and mindfulness when I trained — to work with our wiring, not against it.

My calm includes pressure, movement, wandering thoughts, and deep presence — not silence or stillness for the sake of it.

If you’ve ever felt like the problem in a mindfulness space… you’re not. You might just need a practice built for your nervous system.

📸 Liz Morris Photography

22/08/2025

One of my favourite tools to stay present? Mindful colouring.

There’s something powerful about slowing down, choosing colours, and letting the page come alive.

This one carries the words:
“Flames don’t destroy the story — they purge its power.”

It’s a reminder that even in the fire, we can rewrite, reclaim, and rise.

If colouring helps you stay grounded too, feel free to print this off and make it your own.

Together we can.

16/08/2025

The fancy schmancy-ness continues...

Local business mum wins Silver at National Awards

Caloundra, QLD – August 2025 – Tanya Hicks of The Sparkly Alien Collective has been named the Silver Medalist – Emerging AusMumpreneur of the Year Award at the prestigious 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards.

Created by sisters Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, the AusMumpreneur Awards celebrate the achievements of Australian mums in business across categories such as business excellence, innovation, customer service, sustainability, and technology.

“There are so many incredible women right across Australia balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and these awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success,” says co-founder Katy Garner.

The Sparkly Alien Collective is a global movement made up of four arms — The Sparkly Alien, Sparkly Aliens, Sparkly Aliens Inc., and Neurodivergent Empowered. Together, they create inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent-affirming spaces for people who’ve felt unseen or misunderstood. From self-paced resources and books, to retreats, professional development, and NDIS-certified therapeutic services, Tanya and her team are reshaping systems to celebrate identity, remove barriers, and empower individuals and families to thrive.

Tanya says she is especially proud of the Collective’s international recognition, including being named Gold Global Women Changing the World Award Winner for Children’s Education and Bronze Award Winner for Advocacy & Impact in London, alongside scaling programs and impact across Australia and abroad.

✨ Tanya’s advice for aspiring mumpreneurs?
“Don’t try to do it all alone — but also don’t bring just anyone with you. The right people will amplify your vision, not drain it. Surround yourself with those who are in it for the right reasons, who genuinely care about making the world better — not just self-interest. It takes discernment to tell the difference, but when you do, you build a team that makes the challenges lighter and the successes far more meaningful.”

Thanks to the support of Business Events Victoria, this year’s event was hosted in regional Victoria for the first time, with Geelong showcased as a hub of innovation, creativity, and women-led business.

👉 Read more about the winners: www.ausmumpreneur.com

15/08/2025

Well this sounds fancy! 😬

Local business mum wins gold at National Awards!

Caloundra, QLD – August 2025 – Tanya Hicks of The Sparkly Alien Collective has been named the Gold Winner – Emerging Not for Profit Business Excellence Award at the prestigious 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards.

Created by sisters Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, the AusMumpreneur Awards celebrate the achievements of Australian mums in business across a wide range of categories, including business excellence, product innovation, customer service, sustainability, and technology.

“There are so many incredible women right across Australia balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and these awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success,” says co-founder Katy Garner.

The Sparkly Alien Collective is a world-leading movement comprising four arms — The Sparkly Alien, Sparkly Aliens, Sparkly Aliens Inc., and Neurodivergent Empowered — working together to create inclusive, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent-affirming spaces for people who have felt unseen or misunderstood. Through programs, retreats, books, professional development, and NDIS-certified therapeutic services, Tanya and her team remove barriers to well-being, celebrate identity, and empower individuals to thrive.

Tanya is honoured to receive this recognition and says the last 12 months have been her organisation’s most impactful yet — expanding access for those left behind by systemic gaps, delivering free and subsidised programs through Sparkly Aliens Inc., and scaling their reach nationally and globally.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone rediscover their joy, identity, and connection because we’ve created a space where they feel safe to be their true self,” Tanya says.

Tanya’s advice for aspiring mumpreneurs? “Lead with your values and your vision, even if the path feels unconventional. The right people and opportunities will meet you there.”

Thanks to the support of Business Events Victoria, this year’s prestigious event was held in regional Victoria for the first time, with Geelong showcased as a thriving hub for innovation, creativity, and women-led business.

AusMumpreneur Awards
https://ausmumpreneur.com/2025-ausmumpreneur-awards-winners/

“This event offered women an opportunity to find connection, support, and inspiration while also celebrating their success with others who understand the journey of business and parenting,” explains co-founder Peace Mitchell.

15/08/2025

AusMumpreneur didn’t change my mission. It changed my access to the knowledge, people, and opportunities that make achieving that mission possible.

This year, I booked Kianni into the Future Leaders Program — a stand-alone, paid conference in its own right. And let me tell you, the kids of the parents who put them in these rooms… they are some of the most beautiful, impactful change-makers you’ll ever meet.

Personal share: For Kianni, it was the first thing she’s done without me since coming out as trans just a month ago. And once again, it proved to me — as a mum — these are the rooms I need to get her into.

The growth I made from these experiences myself has been huge. Last year, I shook through my acceptance speech, fighting back tears of fear and imposter syndrome. This year, I stood on stage and delivered a keynote with my daughter by my side — and we ended with a standing ovation.

We CAN do hard things.

Even when people try to tear you down or diminish your dreams from the cheap seats or want to take a leg up from you without doing the background work themselves — which I’ve had a lot of this past 2 years — I have learned that you keep showing up, shaky voice and all, because of the support and belief you get from generous, wholehearted people in these type of rooms anyway.

I filled an entire book with notes from the keynote speakers of these amazing Mums from the last 2 days and will spend the next few days going through it slowly.

I’m mentally and physically exhausted as any autistic person could relate to of attending events and awards of this calibre. Though my heart is also full. And I am so, so grateful. ❤️

Thank you, Peace and Katy and your whole team - let's face it you don't get nearly recognised enough... and thank you to the amazing AusMumpreneur community. xx. I will not waste these amazing opportunities it has afforded me... in fact, after ensuring I can do it with joy and health for myself as the priority this next year, my next phase of 'How far can I take this?" for our community begin xx

Sending massive sparkly, unapologetic, in your face making it weird love,

Tan xx

AusMumpreneur

09/08/2025

First thing tomorrow morning, we are off to Geelong to represent Neurodivergent Empowered and the Sparkly Aliens Collective at the National Conference!

We’re incredibly humbled to be named finalists in FIVE categories this year:
🏆 Disabled Business Excellence
🏆 Social Enterprise Business Award
🏆 Author Award
🏆 Emerging Non-Profit Business Excellence Award
🏆 Emerging AusMumpreneur of the Year Award

It’s going to be an amazing experience to be surrounded by so many inspiring women. Even better — one of our own team members, Kianni, will be part of the Future Leaders Conference running alongside the main event!

Victoria, here we come! 💛

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Sunshine Coast, QLD
4551

Website

http://Www.sparklyaliens.com/, http://www.thesparklyalien.com/, http://www.sparklyaliensinc.com/, http://www.neurodiverg

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