The Thrive Spot

The Thrive Spot Where All Children Grow
Providing Multidisciplinary Allied Health Services to children in the Illawarra

29/04/2026

We take our PD seriously… because our clients deserve it.

Over the school holidays, Cody and Rhianon completed DIR Floortime training.

A key takeaway that’s shaping practice is that regulation and engagement come first.
Before connection, communication or skill-building can happen, we need to understand and support each child’s nervous system.

For our team, PD isn’t a tick-box. It’s how we:
• stay aligned with evidence-informed practice
• reflect on and refine what we’re doing
• ensure we’re showing up in the best way for the kids and families we support

Lest we forget.Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all Australians and New Zealanders who h...
25/04/2026

Lest we forget.

Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and continue to serve.

We remember those who gave their lives, those who returned changed, and the families who carry their stories.

Their legacy lives on in the freedoms we hold today.

We will remember them.

Not everything has to be a goal.Sometimes the most powerful part of therapy is helping young people decide what not to w...
24/04/2026

Not everything has to be a goal.

Sometimes the most powerful part of therapy is helping young people decide what not to work on right now.

Using the AAGST goal-setting tool from Autism Queensland, we supported an adolescent to prioritise what actually felt meaningful, achievable, and important to them, while letting go of the rest (for now).

Because when goals are:
- client-led
- realistic
- aligned with capacity

We see more engagement, more ownership, and progress that actually sticks.

This is what neuroaffirming, person-centred therapy looks like!





20/04/2026

Quarterly PD days are our favourite kind of days!

A huge thank you to Marion from Kids in the Hills Speech for guiding us through CAS—how to differentiate it, assess it and support it in therapy.

So much learning, so many “aha” moments… and handy hints on how we can advocate for CAS to be recognised under the NDIS!

Throw in a thai team lunch and a quick toy tidy to wrap it all up = and that's what we’d call a pretty special day!

Confidence doesn’t come from getting everything “right.”It grows when children feel understood, supported, and safe to b...
17/04/2026

Confidence doesn’t come from getting everything “right.”

It grows when children feel understood, supported, and safe to be themselves.

For many neurodivergent children, the world can feel overwhelming—full of expectations that weren’t designed with them in mind. Over time, this can shape how they see themselves.

But confidence can be nurtured.

Through connection.
Through language.
Through small, meaningful moments where children feel seen and celebrated for who they are.

Because every child deserves to feel confident in being exactly who they are.

16/04/2026

Our Easter group last week = pure joy!!!!

From shared stories to sensory play and hands-on Easter crafts, the morning was filled with connection, laughter, and so many smiles.

Honestly… we’re not sure who had more fun!

Maddy and our speech pathology students were right in the middle of it all — joining in the play, the mess, the crafts, and the giggles just as much as the kids.

These are the moments we love most — where play, learning, and connection come together so naturally.

We’re already planning more themed groups for the next school holidays. Keep an eye out… we can’t wait to do it all again!

13/04/2026

Sharon spent the day diving into speech sound therapy with

Because when it comes to speech sounds… there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

This training helps us choose the right approach for each child based on their strengths, needs and how they learn best.

We love seeing our team continually learning, growing, and bringing that knowledge straight back into sessions!

Lesson: You don’t need the “perfect activity” to support communication. Last week, this simple Easter craft became an op...
08/04/2026

Lesson: You don’t need the “perfect activity” to support communication.

Last week, this simple Easter craft became an opportunity to model core language with Motor Plan 60 in TD Snap by

These are the words that matter — because they go beyond one activity.

They support communication across real life, all day, every day.

AAC isn’t separate from play…
It belongs in it!





Wishing all of our wonderful families a safe, restful and joy-filled Easter long weekend 🐰We hope the Easter Bunny bring...
03/04/2026

Wishing all of our wonderful families a safe, restful and joy-filled Easter long weekend 🐰

We hope the Easter Bunny brings a little fun and maybe a few choccie eggs!

Enjoy this time to slow down, connect and recharge — we’ll be ready to welcome you back in the clinic on Tuesday!

🐰

Today we celebrate neurodiversity and the many unique ways people experience the world. World Autism Awareness Day is a ...
02/04/2026

Today we celebrate neurodiversity and the many unique ways people experience the world.

World Autism Awareness Day is a moment to recognise and celebrate autistic individuals their strengths, perspectives, and the incredible value they bring to our communities.

It’s also a day to acknowledge the families who advocate tirelessly, the friends who create belonging, and the dedicated professionals who walk
alongside individuals every day with care, patience and support.

When we focus on listening, understanding, acceptance and inclusion, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter what!

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY 🎉Yesterday we celebrated one of the biggest smiles at The Thrive Spot! Maddy, your kindness, your...
02/04/2026

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY 🎉

Yesterday we celebrated one of the biggest smiles at The Thrive Spot!

Maddy, your kindness, your constant support, and the way you show up for our team (in more ways than we can count) does not go unnoticed. You bring such a special mix of fun, energy and passion into the clinic every single day—and we are so lucky to have you as part of our team.

From the little moments to the big ones, you make a difference!

We hope your day was filled with all your favourite things (and maybe a few sneaky treats too 😉)

Happy Birthday, Maddy!

We didn’t just play a game… we made one! This week, Maddy and her client created their own Snakes & Ladders — and along ...
27/03/2026

We didn’t just play a game… we made one!

This week, Maddy and her client created their own Snakes & Ladders — and along the way, they worked on so many important skills without it feeling like “work”.

We saw:
- problem solving
- collaboration
- turn taking
- clear communication

They even ran into a few challenges (like making sure everyone understood the rules)… which turned into the best learning opportunities.

You don’t always need fancy resources — just paper, pens, and a little creativity!

Save this for your next rainy day activity 🧡





Address

Unit 3, 130-134 Princes Highway, Dapto
Wollongong, NSW
2530

Telephone

+61491174791

Website

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