The Wandering Acorn - Educational and Behavioural Consultancy

23/02/2025

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT SAMI

I have started a page where I where I share my own personal story!
Please follow this page, if you need to be inspired, laugh, feel less alone, and learn how to be perfectly imperfect!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AF8Y3CmGE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Learning to live, love and learn perfectly imperfectly

13/02/2025

My 3 year verification NDIS audit is complete!

Today I finished my two day 3 year verification NDIS audit!

Goodness me, they are a thorough and demanding process but when you are assured you are going above and beyond all NDIS expectations, it feels amazing knowing you are providing outstanding service and care to your little people.

Behaviour practitioners are audited every 18 months due to our high risk role. So cheers to another 18 months!

29/10/2024

There is so much uncertainty in the NDIS space at the moment and fear as plans are reassessed and supports are being reduced
BUT - these beautiful faces are exactly why I do what I do!
My anxiety groups change little lives ❤️ 12 strangers that are now, forever more, friends ❤️

24/09/2024

Today my little ones completed their therapy session with Happy Hands Messy Play Co sensory tray kits. Play based behaviour therapy is so, so important but also effective. Children can explore and communicate in a safe space through play.

20/08/2024

We ventured into Kmart and Coles again tonight for our fortnightly Anxiety and Social groups!

Watching young people, who can find the world so overwhelming some days, just group together and build metaphorical hamburgers and communicate, negotiate and share; just fills my heart to the brim!

06/08/2024

Tonight our Anxiety group moved from the office to the big wide world! We enjoyed a night of challenges at Westfield! It was very successful and I loved seeing young people using their learnt skills beyond 4 walls ❤️

14/07/2024

This post may cause controversy, but I want parents to know!

I am seeing large numbers of people becoming NDIS Behaviour Practitioners with almost zero qualifications and experience only as Support Worker or experience as a someone who is related to a child with autism or similar.

NDIS Behaviour Practitioners are one of the highest paid professionals in NDIS and I truly believe with the changes to NDIS and the lack of experience and qualifications required, many are chasing the money and not actually thinking about what we do.

I strongly urge parents to please ask your BSP for their qualifications and experience. Don’t just assume they have what you are wanting.

Support workers are amazing and needed, but this doesn’t mean they can do what we do. Demand the best, and I would encourage you to ensure they have a Bachelor and Masters plus years of experience, as working with children is a honour, but also complex, challenging, heart breaking and rewarding. But you need to demand someone who has a thorough academic understanding of your child and their needs. Taking children shopping or teaching them how to cook, and a 3 month TAFE course isn’t adequate.

Sadly many parents would assume their BSP has experience and the right qualifications, but this is no longer the case! Please also know, we have the ability to enforce restrictive practices (I do not use or endorse restrictive practices) however, this could be life threatening if the person recommending these has no formal qualifications.

Parents - ask the questions, because you deserve the best.

19/03/2024

Our very first Macquarie University Cool Kids Anxiety program has started. Every Tuesday, 11 teens come and meet in a safe place where they explore and learn to face their anxiety head on. There is nothing more beautiful than watching teens share their experiences, losses, wins and stories together.
This week we are exploring Mindfulness at the start of our session; such a powerful tool!
🎈

09/02/2024

30/01/2024

I am so blessed in my role! Not only do I work with children, but I get to work with teachers!
Today, I spent the day with K-12 teachers exploring adjustments, disabilities and mental health in children.
I love sharing, what my teachers (my kiddies) teach me.
Providing professional development is something I feel so blessed to be able to do ❤️

17/12/2023

I am now a mumma of a child with special needs
My son has grade 4 brain cancer which has caused his blindness
I now understand the fear parents face when their child goes to school and you’re not there, an excursion where you can’t ensure they are safe, and the lack of social interaction that happens because it’s just hard.
For 20 yrs, I was in education, specialising in special education and special education leadership and I never fully understood the fear parents faced when they dropped their children off to school.
As a behaviour practitioner, I do what I do, with a whole different level of empathy, understanding and empowerment ❤️

07/12/2023

This champion (my son) is showing the world that having a disability can be strong, beautiful and inspiring
My son is fighting stage 4 brain cancer that has left him blind, but nothing has stopped him ❤️❤️