Parent Tips

Our team would like to share some helpful tips for early childhood learning

How Important is Hand and Grip Strength

Hand and grip strength are important as they are required for many everyday self-help, fine and gross motor activities such as buttoning and zipping climbing, and more!

How Important is Hand and Grip Strength

Hand and grip strength are important as they are required for many everyday self-help, fine and gross motor activities such as buttoning and zipping climbing, and more!

Have Fun! Why is Play so Important to Your Child’s Development

Play is a crucial aspect of childhood development, serving as a foundation for acquiring new skills and expanding knowledge.

Have Fun! Why is Play so Important to Your Child’s Development

Play is a crucial aspect of childhood development, serving as a foundation for acquiring new skills and expanding knowledge.

The Power of Repetition: Verbal Routines

Verbal routines are when the same words are repeatedly used in a predictable way in the same or similar activities.  

The Power of Repetition: Verbal Routines

Verbal routines are when the same words are repeatedly used in a predictable way in the same or similar activities.  

5 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Emotional Regulation!

Helping children with emotion regulation early on is essential to their long term well-being. Children who regulate their emotions well are able to use different strategies to manage their emotions and thus are less likely to engage in behaviours that lead to negative consequences.

5 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Emotional Regulation!

Helping children with emotion regulation early on is essential to their long term well-being. Children who regulate their emotions well are able to use different strategies to manage their emotions and thus are less likely to engage in behaviours that lead to negative consequences.

Dyslexia & Dyscalculia – Why does reading, writing, or handling numbers appear so challenging for my child?

Despite being as smart and educated as other children of the same age, some children encounter persistent and impairing difficulties in particular aspects of learning. These difficulties may be identified to be a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) which is neurological or inborn in nature.

Dyslexia & Dyscalculia – Why does reading, writing, or handling numbers appear so challenging for my child?

Despite being as smart and educated as other children of the same age, some children encounter persistent and impairing difficulties in particular aspects of learning. These difficulties may be identified to be a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) which is neurological or inborn in nature.

5 Tips to Help Children Develop Joint Attention

Joint attention happens when children share a common focus on the same object, person, or event. It is a pivotal skill that emerges as early as the first year of life and is a must for communication, learning and relationship-building to occur.

5 Tips to Help Children Develop Joint Attention

Joint attention happens when children share a common focus on the same object, person, or event. It is a pivotal skill that emerges as early as the first year of life and is a must for communication, learning and relationship-building to occur.

Five Great Toys For Developing Your Child’s Language

Here we talk about five everyday (and easily purchased) toys and how you can use them to focus on developing and extending your child’s communication skills.

Five Great Toys For Developing Your Child’s Language

Here we talk about five everyday (and easily purchased) toys and how you can use them to focus on developing and extending your child’s communication skills.

Why is Visual Perception Important for Children?

Visual perception is necessary for reading, writing, and movement. Without it, children may find daily tasks such as completing homework, solving puzzles, or getting dressed extremely stressful. It can lead to poor self-esteem and academic or social obstacles.

Why is Visual Perception Important for Children?

Visual perception is necessary for reading, writing, and movement. Without it, children may find daily tasks such as completing homework, solving puzzles, or getting dressed extremely stressful. It can lead to poor self-esteem and academic or social obstacles.

Children’s Hidden 8th Sense – Interoception

Interoception is our hidden “secret 8th sense”. In very simple terms, it is our sense that allows us to answer the question “How do I feel?” at any one moment. It does this by gathering information from our different body parts (joints, organs and muscles) and interpreting the information from these systems to determine how those body parts feel.

Children’s Hidden 8th Sense – Interoception

Interoception is our hidden “secret 8th sense”. In very simple terms, it is our sense that allows us to answer the question “How do I feel?” at any one moment. It does this by gathering information from our different body parts (joints, organs and muscles) and interpreting the information from these systems to determine how those body parts feel.

Strategies to Encourage Positive Behaviours

It is important to develop strategies to increase the behaviours you want to see in your child. By fostering positive behaviours, we help children develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and to understand expectations and structure. This will in turn help decrease negative behaviours.

Strategies to Encourage Positive Behaviours

It is important to develop strategies to increase the behaviours you want to see in your child. By fostering positive behaviours, we help children develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and to understand expectations and structure. This will in turn help decrease negative behaviours.

When Children Won’t Eat – Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders

Sometimes discerning the difference between a ‘picky eater’ and a problem feeder can be difficult. Determining whether or not your child is a ‘picky eater’ isn’t easy.

When Children Won’t Eat – Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders

Sometimes discerning the difference between a ‘picky eater’ and a problem feeder can be difficult. Determining whether or not your child is a ‘picky eater’ isn’t easy.

7 Questions About Children Toe Walking

Toe walking (or ‘idiopathic toe walking’) refers to when children predominantly walk on their tiptoes for no apparent reason after the age of three years.

7 Questions About Children Toe Walking

Toe walking (or ‘idiopathic toe walking’) refers to when children predominantly walk on their tiptoes for no apparent reason after the age of three years.

Echolalia: Why is My Child Repeating Things They Hear?

Echolalia refers to speech that is repeated and can be split into two categories: immediate and delayed. Immediate echolalia is when something is repeated immediately or shortly after it is heard, whereas delayed echolalia, also referred to as scripting, is when something is repeated after a significant period of delay.

Echolalia: Why is My Child Repeating Things They Hear?

Echolalia refers to speech that is repeated and can be split into two categories: immediate and delayed. Immediate echolalia is when something is repeated immediately or shortly after it is heard, whereas delayed echolalia, also referred to as scripting, is when something is repeated after a significant period of delay.

Communication Temptations: Strategies to Encourage Your Child’s Language

Communication temptations are a great technique to motivate your child to communicate and to enhance their language development. It means deliberately setting up the environment so your child is exposed to something unexpected or surprising, or where they need help from you.

Communication Temptations: Strategies to Encourage Your Child’s Language

Communication temptations are a great technique to motivate your child to communicate and to enhance their language development. It means deliberately setting up the environment so your child is exposed to something unexpected or surprising, or where they need help from you.

Tantrums in Public – Four Ways to Help You Cope!

Many parents have experienced their child having tantrums in public. These episodes can be more common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children throw tantrums for various reasons such as not getting what they want or for attention. In some cases, they have meltdowns due to sensory overload.

Tantrums in Public – Four Ways to Help You Cope!

Many parents have experienced their child having tantrums in public. These episodes can be more common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children throw tantrums for various reasons such as not getting what they want or for attention. In some cases, they have meltdowns due to sensory overload.

3 Ways to Make Your Home a Child’s Play Paradise

Are you looking for new ideas to support your preschooler’s development and have fun at home? Here are three simple activities that you can try. Great for a rainy day!

3 Ways to Make Your Home a Child’s Play Paradise

Are you looking for new ideas to support your preschooler’s development and have fun at home? Here are three simple activities that you can try. Great for a rainy day!

Does My Child Have Additional or Special Needs?

Parents often enter unknown territory when they are told or suspect that their child has a delay or disability. The following ideas may help parents to get some clarifications.

Does My Child Have Additional or Special Needs?

Parents often enter unknown territory when they are told or suspect that their child has a delay or disability. The following ideas may help parents to get some clarifications.

Core Vocabulary – What it is and Why it’s so Important

Speech Therapists will often talk about using and teaching core words when addressing how to help young children with speech and language delay. So, what do they mean?

Core Vocabulary – What it is and Why it’s so Important

Speech Therapists will often talk about using and teaching core words when addressing how to help young children with speech and language delay. So, what do they mean?

Why Crawling Matters?

Babies tend to start crawling on their hands and knees at around the age of seven-to-eleven months. Find out why crawling is a very important stage for your child’s development.

Why Crawling Matters?

Babies tend to start crawling on their hands and knees at around the age of seven-to-eleven months. Find out why crawling is a very important stage for your child’s development.

Enhancing Emotional Regulation with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy that is beneficial to people of all ages, including children and adolescents.

Enhancing Emotional Regulation with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy that is beneficial to people of all ages, including children and adolescents.

“Sweet Dreams” – How to Help Your Child Have a Good Night’s Sleep?

Many studies have shown the health benefits for children of getting adequate sleep including improved behaviour, memory, attention, learning and general overall good mental and physical health.

“Sweet Dreams” – How to Help Your Child Have a Good Night’s Sleep?

Many studies have shown the health benefits for children of getting adequate sleep including improved behaviour, memory, attention, learning and general overall good mental and physical health.

Can Using Gestures and Signs Help My Child to Talk?

Children naturally use gestures and signs as it helps them to express themselves. When adults use gestures with them, that also helps them to learn the meanings of words.

Can Using Gestures and Signs Help My Child to Talk?

Children naturally use gestures and signs as it helps them to express themselves. When adults use gestures with them, that also helps them to learn the meanings of words.

Right or Left – Which Hand is Best? All You Need to Know About Hand Dominance

Parents often have many questions about hand dominance. Hand dominance or hand preference refers to the consistent choice of using one hand over the other for a skilled activity.

Right or Left – Which Hand is Best? All You Need to Know About Hand Dominance

Parents often have many questions about hand dominance. Hand dominance or hand preference refers to the consistent choice of using one hand over the other for a skilled activity.

Articulation – Five Frequently Asked Questions

Parents often have questions about their toddlers and preschoolers’ speech clarity. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about articulation.

Articulation – Five Frequently Asked Questions

Parents often have questions about their toddlers and preschoolers’ speech clarity. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about articulation.

Visual Timers – What, Why and How!

Time is an abstract concept as it is not something that we can see or touch. For young children, being told “It’s dinner in ten minutes” has little meaning!

Visual Timers – What, Why and How!

Time is an abstract concept as it is not something that we can see or touch. For young children, being told “It’s dinner in ten minutes” has little meaning!

How do I know what they are thinking about? (Theory of Mind)

Theory of Mind is the ability to understand the beliefs, intentions, desires and emotions of oneself or in others.

How do I know what they are thinking about? (Theory of Mind)

Theory of Mind is the ability to understand the beliefs, intentions, desires and emotions of oneself or in others.

What is Suck-Swallow-Breathe Synchrony?

The SSB synchrony allows infants to eat and breathe without choking, as well as to interact and explore the environment. This is why babies can start eating right after birth and often explore objects with their mouths.

What is Suck-Swallow-Breathe Synchrony?

The SSB synchrony allows infants to eat and breathe without choking, as well as to interact and explore the environment. This is why babies can start eating right after birth and often explore objects with their mouths.

Incidental Teaching – The Fun and Natural Approach of ABA

As time has passed, ABA has evolved beyond DTT and a good programme should involve instances of ’incidental teaching’, an approach that provides structured learning opportunities within the natural environment by using the child’s interests and natural motivation.

Incidental Teaching – The Fun and Natural Approach of ABA

As time has passed, ABA has evolved beyond DTT and a good programme should involve instances of ’incidental teaching’, an approach that provides structured learning opportunities within the natural environment by using the child’s interests and natural motivation.

From Phrases to Sentences – Two Simple Ways to Get Your Child Talking

Children move from using only single words and then begin to put two words together. Expansion and extension are two ways for you to help your child develop their expressive language.

From Phrases to Sentences – Two Simple Ways to Get Your Child Talking

Children move from using only single words and then begin to put two words together. Expansion and extension are two ways for you to help your child develop their expressive language.

Button Up!

Learning to manage buttons can be a very difficult skill for children to master. However, there are many ways to make learning to do buttons fun for your child!

Button Up!

Learning to manage buttons can be a very difficult skill for children to master. However, there are many ways to make learning to do buttons fun for your child!

Understanding Sensory Defensiveness

Some children have a tendency to overprotect or defend themselves. They respond to certain harmless sensations as if they were irritating, dangerous or even painful.

Understanding Sensory Defensiveness

Some children have a tendency to overprotect or defend themselves. They respond to certain harmless sensations as if they were irritating, dangerous or even painful.

Mindfulness for Children

Psychologically, whether a child is experiencing distress or not, mindfulness practice is effective in strengthening children’s emotional well-being.

Mindfulness for Children

Psychologically, whether a child is experiencing distress or not, mindfulness practice is effective in strengthening children’s emotional well-being.

Help Your Child to Generalise Out of Classroom

As a parent, you might wonder – “Why does my child only greet his friends at school but not those he sees at the park?” or “Why is my child only able to recognise poodles as dogs but not huskies or pugs?”.

Help Your Child to Generalise Out of Classroom

As a parent, you might wonder – “Why does my child only greet his friends at school but not those he sees at the park?” or “Why is my child only able to recognise poodles as dogs but not huskies or pugs?”.

How to Help Your Child in Toilet Training?

There are many articles and books on how to toilet train your child. Learn about ‘habit training’, a technique that relies on schedules and routines for toilet training.

How to Help Your Child in Toilet Training?

There are many articles and books on how to toilet train your child. Learn about ‘habit training’, a technique that relies on schedules and routines for toilet training.

Once Upon a Time…

Reading stories can be a special part of the day as it is a wonderful way to encourage a positive relationship between you and your child and create special memories!

Once Upon a Time…

Reading stories can be a special part of the day as it is a wonderful way to encourage a positive relationship between you and your child and create special memories!

Our CDC Social Story

Everyone knows what a unique and challenging year it has been. Since the first closures following Chinese New Year, although many of our families have accessed our one-to-one services, many children have not yet returned to the Centre in person at all.

Our CDC Social Story

Everyone knows what a unique and challenging year it has been. Since the first closures following Chinese New Year, although many of our families have accessed our one-to-one services, many children have not yet returned to the Centre in person at all.

Reading with Your Child

Many of us know that reading with children is important for their language development. But how should we be reading with our children to achieve exactly that?

Reading with Your Child

Many of us know that reading with children is important for their language development. But how should we be reading with our children to achieve exactly that?

Behaviours at Home: What’s Going On?

Many parents ask us how to tackle their child’s behaviours. “My child started playing with his saliva; how can I stop that?” or “She’s pinching a lot more than before, what can I do?”

Behaviours at Home: What’s Going On?

Many parents ask us how to tackle their child’s behaviours. “My child started playing with his saliva; how can I stop that?” or “She’s pinching a lot more than before, what can I do?”

Happy Eating – How to Help Your Child Try New Foods

Children often struggle to try new foods and their different flavours and textures. When introducing new flavours and textures at home, it is important to do so slowly. The best way is through a process of systematic desensitisation.

Happy Eating – How to Help Your Child Try New Foods

Children often struggle to try new foods and their different flavours and textures. When introducing new flavours and textures at home, it is important to do so slowly. The best way is through a process of systematic desensitisation.

Home Can Be Fun!

No school, different routines and round-the-clock care; parents of children with learning differences are faced with their biggest challenge.

Home Can Be Fun!

No school, different routines and round-the-clock care; parents of children with learning differences are faced with their biggest challenge.

The Communication Pyramid

The communication pyramid is a favourite of speech and language therapists as a simple way to show how communication develops.

The Communication Pyramid

The communication pyramid is a favourite of speech and language therapists as a simple way to show how communication develops.

Helping Children Overcome their Fears of Separation

Almost all children go through feelings of separation anxiety during some time in their early childhood. In fact, having these feelings are completely normal and stem from their primal needs for safety.

Helping Children Overcome their Fears of Separation

Almost all children go through feelings of separation anxiety during some time in their early childhood. In fact, having these feelings are completely normal and stem from their primal needs for safety.

Tips for Building Core Strength

Core strength is developed in the muscles of the stomach and back and provides stabilisation for the body during all body movements. There are many ways to help your child improve their core strength.

Tips for Building Core Strength

Core strength is developed in the muscles of the stomach and back and provides stabilisation for the body during all body movements. There are many ways to help your child improve their core strength.

Back to School – When Separation Strategies Might Be Needed

Settling in to preschool, kindergarten or even primary school can be difficult purely due to the separation from parents or family. Some children are simply distressed every time they separate from their parents, not just at times of schooling.

Back to School – When Separation Strategies Might Be Needed

Settling in to preschool, kindergarten or even primary school can be difficult purely due to the separation from parents or family. Some children are simply distressed every time they separate from their parents, not just at times of schooling.

Time For Bed – Tips For Creating a Great Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine is a great way to ensure that your child gets enough sleep. Different routines suit different children so keep this in mind when you are trying anything new.

Time For Bed – Tips For Creating a Great Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine is a great way to ensure that your child gets enough sleep. Different routines suit different children so keep this in mind when you are trying anything new.

Selective Mutism – What Do We Know?

Selective Mutism is a rare anxiety-based disorder which can appear in early childhood. These children are able to speak fluently and normally in most situations but withdraw and remain silent in others.

Selective Mutism – What Do We Know?

Selective Mutism is a rare anxiety-based disorder which can appear in early childhood. These children are able to speak fluently and normally in most situations but withdraw and remain silent in others.

Five MORE great toys to develop your child’s language

Toys are the best way to practise language while having fun with your child. See below for five more toys to help to get your child talking!

Five MORE great toys to develop your child’s language

Toys are the best way to practise language while having fun with your child. See below for five more toys to help to get your child talking!

The Power of Music

Many children of all ages are motivated by music. Music can also be used as a strategy to improve a child’s sensory integration through programmes like Therapeutic Listening and the Listening Programme.

The Power of Music

Many children of all ages are motivated by music. Music can also be used as a strategy to improve a child’s sensory integration through programmes like Therapeutic Listening and the Listening Programme.

Helping Your Child’s Transition to Primary School

Transitioning from kindergarten to primary school marks the beginning of a new stage for your child. It is very important for parents to be mindful in this period.

Helping Your Child’s Transition to Primary School

Transitioning from kindergarten to primary school marks the beginning of a new stage for your child. It is very important for parents to be mindful in this period.

People Games

People games are games that don’t require any toys. All you need is yourself, your child and, at times, a small prop. You essentially become ‘the toy’!

People Games

People games are games that don’t require any toys. All you need is yourself, your child and, at times, a small prop. You essentially become ‘the toy’!

Finding Functionality in your Child’s Obsession

Have you ever felt that your child is “obsessed” with something and you do not know how to deal with it?

Finding Functionality in your Child’s Obsession

Have you ever felt that your child is “obsessed” with something and you do not know how to deal with it?

A Small Step to Developing Positive Friendships

Some children have difficulties making friends because they do not understand the principles of cooperation and the balance in a give-and-take relationship.

A Small Step to Developing Positive Friendships

Some children have difficulties making friends because they do not understand the principles of cooperation and the balance in a give-and-take relationship.

Make Waiting Easier For Your Child

Many everyday situations involve waiting. Here are some tips to make waiting easier for your child.

Make Waiting Easier For Your Child

Many everyday situations involve waiting. Here are some tips to make waiting easier for your child.

Learning Language Through Songs

A great way to practise language is through songs. It is a fun and engaging activity which can involve the whole family.

Learning Language Through Songs

A great way to practise language is through songs. It is a fun and engaging activity which can involve the whole family.

Turning Learning Into Fun!

Learning can be uninspiring for children when they are practising the same skills over an extended period of time, especially when using the same materials and doing things the same way.

Turning Learning Into Fun!

Learning can be uninspiring for children when they are practising the same skills over an extended period of time, especially when using the same materials and doing things the same way.

Multisensory Approach to Handwriting

Learning approaches are particularly important when tackling a complex skill such as handwriting. A multisensory approach to learning is a way of teaching that engages more than one sensory system at a time.

Multisensory Approach to Handwriting

Learning approaches are particularly important when tackling a complex skill such as handwriting. A multisensory approach to learning is a way of teaching that engages more than one sensory system at a time.

Painting Out of the Box!

Art is more than just painting. Your child can practice their fine motor skills and build their language while having fun.

Painting Out of the Box!

Art is more than just painting. Your child can practice their fine motor skills and build their language while having fun.

Five Common Myths about AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a term which covers a range of techniques that support spoken language.

Five Common Myths about AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a term which covers a range of techniques that support spoken language.

The Truth About W-Sitting

The child is seated on the floor with their knees bent, feet positioned outside of their hips and their bottom on the floor. When in this position, the child’s legs will resemble the shape of the letter ‘W’.

The Truth About W-Sitting

The child is seated on the floor with their knees bent, feet positioned outside of their hips and their bottom on the floor. When in this position, the child’s legs will resemble the shape of the letter ‘W’.

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Nowadays, children spend much of their time engaged with screens – tablets, phones, and computers. This means less time for outdoor play, from which children can benefit so much.

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Nowadays, children spend much of their time engaged with screens – tablets, phones, and computers. This means less time for outdoor play, from which children can benefit so much.

Take Action with Verbs

Children need to learn all kinds of words to be able to communicate, and verbs are necessary to help them to begin to build their first short sentences.

Take Action with Verbs

Children need to learn all kinds of words to be able to communicate, and verbs are necessary to help them to begin to build their first short sentences.

Five Board Games for Family Fun

Board games are a really great way to take time away from electronic devices, have a break from homework or to play on a rainy day.

Five Board Games for Family Fun

Board games are a really great way to take time away from electronic devices, have a break from homework or to play on a rainy day.

Children Can Help!

There are a lot of discussions on whether children should be given responsibilities at home. Some believe it helps and teaches them a lot of skills and others believe children should learn through play without any responsibilities or demands.

Children Can Help!

There are a lot of discussions on whether children should be given responsibilities at home. Some believe it helps and teaches them a lot of skills and others believe children should learn through play without any responsibilities or demands.

Weighted Items – Why Use Them?

At CDC, occupational therapists often recommend weighted items for children. Weighted items have many benefits.

Weighted Items – Why Use Them?

At CDC, occupational therapists often recommend weighted items for children. Weighted items have many benefits.

Visual Schedules

A visual schedule is a series of pictures showing a number of activities or tasks to be completed or have been completed for the day or the week, or step-by-step guidelines for an activity.

Visual Schedules

A visual schedule is a series of pictures showing a number of activities or tasks to be completed or have been completed for the day or the week, or step-by-step guidelines for an activity.

Handling Routines, Coping with Changes

Adhering to routines and resistance to change are common among young children, especially children with autism spectrum disorder.

Handling Routines, Coping with Changes

Adhering to routines and resistance to change are common among young children, especially children with autism spectrum disorder.

Stay Active With Gross Motor Activities 

Gross-motor skills are those that enable us to move around our environment and engage in games and sport. Gross-motor skills are the basis from which children develop other skills such as fine-motor skills and self-help skills.

Stay Active With Gross Motor Activities 

Gross-motor skills are those that enable us to move around our environment and engage in games and sport. Gross-motor skills are the basis from which children develop other skills such as fine-motor skills and self-help skills.

Antecedent Interventions

Antecedent-based interventions are a collection of proactive strategies that change the environment or the settings that have shown to trigger certain behaviours.

Antecedent Interventions

Antecedent-based interventions are a collection of proactive strategies that change the environment or the settings that have shown to trigger certain behaviours.

Building Interaction with Children with Autism – The Hanen Way

More Than Words – The Hanen Programme® is a family-focused, social-pragmatic intervention programme for young children with ASD. It is aimed to empower parents to become the primary facilitator of their child’s communication and language development.

Building Interaction with Children with Autism – The Hanen Way

More Than Words – The Hanen Programme® is a family-focused, social-pragmatic intervention programme for young children with ASD. It is aimed to empower parents to become the primary facilitator of their child’s communication and language development.

Keeping Children Active

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and get active with your children! Here are some suggestions for getting active this summer!

Keeping Children Active

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and get active with your children! Here are some suggestions for getting active this summer!

Summer Fun

As the weather heats up and summer is approaching, there’s no better place to go than the pool or the beach. Did you know that you can embed language in to these two activities? It starts with what you might bring.

Summer Fun

As the weather heats up and summer is approaching, there’s no better place to go than the pool or the beach. Did you know that you can embed language in to these two activities? It starts with what you might bring.

Develop Cognitive Skills Through Cooking

Most children like to imitate adults, so why not take this opportunity to bring your child to the kitchen and learn important skills through cooking. Creating dishes together can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

Develop Cognitive Skills Through Cooking

Most children like to imitate adults, so why not take this opportunity to bring your child to the kitchen and learn important skills through cooking. Creating dishes together can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

5 Misconceptions or Myths about Applied Behaviour Analysis

Nowadays, people are getting more familiar with the principles of ABA, because of its popularity for children with autism spectrum disorder, however there are still misconceptions.

5 Misconceptions or Myths about Applied Behaviour Analysis

Nowadays, people are getting more familiar with the principles of ABA, because of its popularity for children with autism spectrum disorder, however there are still misconceptions.

Exercises to Improve Handwriting for your Child

Helping your child improve the stability of these muscles will have a positive impact on their handwriting. Here are some activity ideas you can try with your child at home.

Exercises to Improve Handwriting for your Child

Helping your child improve the stability of these muscles will have a positive impact on their handwriting. Here are some activity ideas you can try with your child at home.

How to Create Positive Attachment through Play?

Play is an important part of child development which goes beyond working toward age-appropriate skills. Through engaging children in play in early years, children bond with their caregiver.

How to Create Positive Attachment through Play?

Play is an important part of child development which goes beyond working toward age-appropriate skills. Through engaging children in play in early years, children bond with their caregiver.

Trying New Food

Sometimes it’s not easy to get children to try new food, especially for children with special educational needs. Some children are sensitive to certain kinds of texture and smell, or items that are new to them.

Trying New Food

Sometimes it’s not easy to get children to try new food, especially for children with special educational needs. Some children are sensitive to certain kinds of texture and smell, or items that are new to them.

Quality Versus Quantity – Which Matters More in Language Development?

It is a well-known fact that talking to your child and exposing them to many different words helps them develop their language skills. However, this is not the be-all and end-all.

Quality Versus Quantity – Which Matters More in Language Development?

It is a well-known fact that talking to your child and exposing them to many different words helps them develop their language skills. However, this is not the be-all and end-all.

Develop Children’s Cognitive Skills Through Music Activities

Music not only brings joy to children, it also benefits children’s cognitive development. Music can then be used to motivate children to engage in learning activities.

Develop Children’s Cognitive Skills Through Music Activities

Music not only brings joy to children, it also benefits children’s cognitive development. Music can then be used to motivate children to engage in learning activities.

Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation is the ability to control one’s emotion so that the response to the environment is socially appropriate.

Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation is the ability to control one’s emotion so that the response to the environment is socially appropriate.

How Signs, Pictures and Gestures Can Facilitate your Communication with your Child

The idea is to supplement your verbal messages to your child by using an additional way to communicate.

How Signs, Pictures and Gestures Can Facilitate your Communication with your Child

The idea is to supplement your verbal messages to your child by using an additional way to communicate.

Hand Strengthening Activities

It is important that children are exposed to a variety of fine-motor activities to help develop good hand strength.

Hand Strengthening Activities

It is important that children are exposed to a variety of fine-motor activities to help develop good hand strength.

More Than ‘Good Job!’

Children build on their strengths and work on their weaknesses. This is one of the most important things to keep in mind when we are with the children.

More Than ‘Good Job!’

Children build on their strengths and work on their weaknesses. This is one of the most important things to keep in mind when we are with the children.

Language Fun in the Bath!

Bubbles and rubber ducks are bath time favourites. Did you know that you could use these and many other toys to work on language?

Language Fun in the Bath!

Bubbles and rubber ducks are bath time favourites. Did you know that you could use these and many other toys to work on language?

Tips for Handling Behaviours

Behaviours can be viewed as communication. There are reasons why children act the way they do, same goes for tantrums and misbehaviours.

Tips for Handling Behaviours

Behaviours can be viewed as communication. There are reasons why children act the way they do, same goes for tantrums and misbehaviours.

Protecting Your Child’s Voice

Protecting your child’s voice from day-to-day is essential to help them prevent voice problems. Problems can appear as children straining to talk, getting tired easily when talking or changes in their voice quality.

Protecting Your Child’s Voice

Protecting your child’s voice from day-to-day is essential to help them prevent voice problems. Problems can appear as children straining to talk, getting tired easily when talking or changes in their voice quality.

What Are Some Books That Teach Children To Safely Express Feelings?

A few books can help to guide families in exploring various emotions. These books explore that all feelings are okay, but it is what and how we deal with emotions that is important.

What Are Some Books That Teach Children To Safely Express Feelings?

A few books can help to guide families in exploring various emotions. These books explore that all feelings are okay, but it is what and how we deal with emotions that is important.

Snack and Learn

Filled with opportunities to request for, and talk about, favourite foods and drinks, snack time is wonderful for developing communication skills. This everyday activity is not only great for learning language but also helps facilitate parent-child bonding.

Snack and Learn

Filled with opportunities to request for, and talk about, favourite foods and drinks, snack time is wonderful for developing communication skills. This everyday activity is not only great for learning language but also helps facilitate parent-child bonding.

Tips to Assist Children’s Emotional Development

The style of parenting can make it either easier or harder for your children to master their emotional milestones.

Tips to Assist Children’s Emotional Development

The style of parenting can make it either easier or harder for your children to master their emotional milestones.

Five-Minute Sensory-Rich Activities

Just a few minutes of sensory-rich activities every day can enhance your child’s development.

Five-Minute Sensory-Rich Activities

Just a few minutes of sensory-rich activities every day can enhance your child’s development.

Prompting 101

Prompts are supplemental teaching aids that you add to a situation to increase the likelihood of our children responding correctly.

Prompting 101

Prompts are supplemental teaching aids that you add to a situation to increase the likelihood of our children responding correctly.

The Magic of Bubbles… from a Speech Therapist!

Here are some ways you can use bubbles to help your child’s language development.

The Magic of Bubbles… from a Speech Therapist!

Here are some ways you can use bubbles to help your child’s language development.

What Is Crossing The Midline And Why Is It Important?

Crossing the midline is when we move our arm or leg across the middle of our body to perform a task.

What Is Crossing The Midline And Why Is It Important?

Crossing the midline is when we move our arm or leg across the middle of our body to perform a task.

Messy Play: Slime

Messy play and slime are two things that parents usually want to avoid. However, messy play offers numerous opportunities for learning.

Messy Play: Slime

Messy play and slime are two things that parents usually want to avoid. However, messy play offers numerous opportunities for learning.

Child Washing Spoon
Language, Learning and the Home

Many everyday situations can be turned into language-rich learning experiences that can also facilitate the development of the bond between the child and the caregiver.

Language, Learning and the Home

Many everyday situations can be turned into language-rich learning experiences that can also facilitate the development of the bond between the child and the caregiver.

Fidget Tools – What Are They and Why Do We Use Them?

Fidget tools are used to help children improve their concentration and attention by providing them additional sensory input such as touch sensation.

Fidget Tools – What Are They and Why Do We Use Them?

Fidget tools are used to help children improve their concentration and attention by providing them additional sensory input such as touch sensation.

Parenting Tips for Parents

Prioritise your schedule, take time to take care of yourself alongside your practice as parents. Build a positive and secure parent-child relationship, by talking and playing, your child before using any behavioural strategies.

Parenting Tips for Parents

Prioritise your schedule, take time to take care of yourself alongside your practice as parents. Build a positive and secure parent-child relationship, by talking and playing, your child before using any behavioural strategies.

Stuttering In Toddlers & Preschoolers

Dysfluent speech can be common in toddlers and pre-schoolers. It is characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech, also called ‘stuttering’.

Stuttering In Toddlers & Preschoolers

Dysfluent speech can be common in toddlers and pre-schoolers. It is characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech, also called ‘stuttering’.

Help Your Children Express Their Emotions

Some people may think that children will pick up the way to read and express emotions by themselves; and “teaching” about them is simply unnecessary.

Help Your Children Express Their Emotions

Some people may think that children will pick up the way to read and express emotions by themselves; and “teaching” about them is simply unnecessary.

Getting Ready to Learn

Children start learning the moment they come into this world. All children develop and acquire new skills at different rates.

Getting Ready to Learn

Children start learning the moment they come into this world. All children develop and acquire new skills at different rates.

Knowing Your Child’s Learning Style

Each child learns and interacts with the world in different ways. Most toddlers begin to show preference for a particular learning style.

Knowing Your Child’s Learning Style

Each child learns and interacts with the world in different ways. Most toddlers begin to show preference for a particular learning style.

Helping Your Child Sleep Better

Common problems with children’s sleep include inconsistent sleep routines, difficulty falling asleep, nighttime and early morning awakening and restlessness.

Helping Your Child Sleep Better

Common problems with children’s sleep include inconsistent sleep routines, difficulty falling asleep, nighttime and early morning awakening and restlessness.

Backward Chaining

Backward Chaining is a useful strategy to enable your child to learn new skills. It involves breaking down a task into simple steps (task analysis) and teaching them in reverse order.

Backward Chaining

Backward Chaining is a useful strategy to enable your child to learn new skills. It involves breaking down a task into simple steps (task analysis) and teaching them in reverse order.

Visual Perception

Some children have 20/20 vision but they can still have problems with visual perception processing. It has nothing to do with their vision.

Visual Perception

Some children have 20/20 vision but they can still have problems with visual perception processing. It has nothing to do with their vision.

child-looking-up
Auditory Memory

Children with language difficulties often struggle with auditory memory. They often have trouble remembering longer instructions, and may only remember parts of what they hear.

Auditory Memory

Children with language difficulties often struggle with auditory memory. They often have trouble remembering longer instructions, and may only remember parts of what they hear.

Develop Phonological Awareness in Early Years

Phonological awareness is the understanding and manipulating the structural features in spoken words, namely rhymes, syllables and phonemes.

Develop Phonological Awareness in Early Years

Phonological awareness is the understanding and manipulating the structural features in spoken words, namely rhymes, syllables and phonemes.

How to Choose a Kindergarten That Suits Your Child

The choices for early childhood education in Hong Kong are extensive, as a visit to any of the increasingly popular kindergarten fairs makes clear.

How to Choose a Kindergarten That Suits Your Child

The choices for early childhood education in Hong Kong are extensive, as a visit to any of the increasingly popular kindergarten fairs makes clear.

Top Tips to Make Transition to a New School Easier!

Moving to a new environment such as a new classroom or a new school can be difficult for any child.

Top Tips to Make Transition to a New School Easier!

Moving to a new environment such as a new classroom or a new school can be difficult for any child.

Toy Rotation

With a toy rotation system, toys are sorted and categorised into boxes.

Toy Rotation

With a toy rotation system, toys are sorted and categorised into boxes.

Helpful Hints When Potty/Toilet Training

Toilet training can often be a stressful time, but it is an important milestone for every child.

Helpful Hints When Potty/Toilet Training

Toilet training can often be a stressful time, but it is an important milestone for every child.

Setting up an Individualised Educational Plan (IEP)

Children with delays or learning difficulties may require some special educational services in schools. This may include an Individualised educational plan (IEP).

Setting up an Individualised Educational Plan (IEP)

Children with delays or learning difficulties may require some special educational services in schools. This may include an Individualised educational plan (IEP).

Task Analysis

Task analysis is the evidence-based practice of breaking a complex task down into smaller, more teachable steps.

Task Analysis

Task analysis is the evidence-based practice of breaking a complex task down into smaller, more teachable steps.

Tips to Improve Writing Readiness

Handwriting is one of the important skills necessary for academic success. Pre-writing skills are the building blocks of writing readiness.

Tips to Improve Writing Readiness

Handwriting is one of the important skills necessary for academic success. Pre-writing skills are the building blocks of writing readiness.

Working Memory

Working memory refers to how we hold on to and work with information. It is key to our learning and ability to function successfully within our environment.

Working Memory

Working memory refers to how we hold on to and work with information. It is key to our learning and ability to function successfully within our environment.

Fun at the Supermarket

Taking your child to the supermarket is a fabulous opportunity for developing their language. You can turn any situation (e.g. going to the park, play-time etc) into a language-rich experience.

Fun at the Supermarket

Taking your child to the supermarket is a fabulous opportunity for developing their language. You can turn any situation (e.g. going to the park, play-time etc) into a language-rich experience.

iPads/tablets for Learning

iPads and tablets have become readily available, with most households having access to one or more devices. Being portable and offering hours of entertainment, they are definitely a favourite amongst children.

iPads/tablets for Learning

iPads and tablets have become readily available, with most households having access to one or more devices. Being portable and offering hours of entertainment, they are definitely a favourite amongst children.

Self-Stimulation Behaviours in Kids

Self-stimulation behaviours simply means any repetitive body or object movement. Often these present as staring at lights, moving fingers in front of the eyes, hand-flapping, rocking, and jumping.

Self-Stimulation Behaviours in Kids

Self-stimulation behaviours simply means any repetitive body or object movement. Often these present as staring at lights, moving fingers in front of the eyes, hand-flapping, rocking, and jumping.

Using a Visual Schedule

A visual schedule communicates the sequence of an upcoming task or event through the use of photos, images and/or symbols.

Using a Visual Schedule

A visual schedule communicates the sequence of an upcoming task or event through the use of photos, images and/or symbols.

Getting to Know Your Child’s Teacher and Preparing for Your Parent Teacher Conference

Having a positive and effective relationship with your child’s teacher will lead to a better understanding of your child’s strengths and needs.

Getting to Know Your Child’s Teacher and Preparing for Your Parent Teacher Conference

Having a positive and effective relationship with your child’s teacher will lead to a better understanding of your child’s strengths and needs.

Learning To Play In Competitive Games

There are different ways to facilitate competitive games which gradually should help young children understand the concept of winning and losing later.

Learning To Play In Competitive Games

There are different ways to facilitate competitive games which gradually should help young children understand the concept of winning and losing later.

Using Maths Language to Strengthen Maths Skills in Early Years Development

During early years development, children begin to learn maths ideas and try to internalise relationships between these ideas with the real world.

Using Maths Language to Strengthen Maths Skills in Early Years Development

During early years development, children begin to learn maths ideas and try to internalise relationships between these ideas with the real world.

Attention

Attention is an essential tool for basic learning. Weak attention negatively affects the quality of learning in the classroom.

Attention

Attention is an essential tool for basic learning. Weak attention negatively affects the quality of learning in the classroom.

Using a Token Economy System at Home!

A token economy system is a way of recognising, promoting and rewarding behaviour. Children are given ‘tokens’ when they show a positive behaviour and this is exchanged for a bigger reward.

Using a Token Economy System at Home!

A token economy system is a way of recognising, promoting and rewarding behaviour. Children are given ‘tokens’ when they show a positive behaviour and this is exchanged for a bigger reward.

Hearing

It is generally recommended that children have their hearing checked annually up until the early primary years.

Hearing

It is generally recommended that children have their hearing checked annually up until the early primary years.

How Do We Foster Children’s Creativity?

The development of creativity in early years essentially guides children to develop problem-solving skills in later years.

How Do We Foster Children’s Creativity?

The development of creativity in early years essentially guides children to develop problem-solving skills in later years.

Promoting Turn Taking With Peers

Learning to take turns is one of the most crucial social skills in our daily life especially when we want to develop friendships, communicate with others and take part in games.

Promoting Turn Taking With Peers

Learning to take turns is one of the most crucial social skills in our daily life especially when we want to develop friendships, communicate with others and take part in games.

5 Critical Skills for Reading Readiness

This article aims to help you identify signs that your child is ready to begin reading, as well as ways to encourage reading in your daily routine.

5 Critical Skills for Reading Readiness

This article aims to help you identify signs that your child is ready to begin reading, as well as ways to encourage reading in your daily routine.

Eating Out with Your Young Child

Some would say, one of the hardest things about having young children, is eating out in public. Parents are often concerned about their child’s behaviour in restaurants such as running around, talking loudly, or having a meltdown.

Eating Out with Your Young Child

Some would say, one of the hardest things about having young children, is eating out in public. Parents are often concerned about their child’s behaviour in restaurants such as running around, talking loudly, or having a meltdown.

Upper Body Strengthening Ideas

Developing good upper body strength is important for mobility, fine motor skills, and self- help skills.

Upper Body Strengthening Ideas

Developing good upper body strength is important for mobility, fine motor skills, and self- help skills.

How to Support Your Child’s Bilingualism?

Research shows that bilingualism itself doesn’t cause language delay. Children learning two languages may be slower to start talking, but research shows this is normal.

How to Support Your Child’s Bilingualism?

Research shows that bilingualism itself doesn’t cause language delay. Children learning two languages may be slower to start talking, but research shows this is normal.

Ground Rules that Work!

Ground rules are helpful for children to understand what the limits are and what behaviour is expected.

Ground Rules that Work!

Ground rules are helpful for children to understand what the limits are and what behaviour is expected.

Kung Hei Fat Choi – learning language through the Chinese New Year festival!

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of the upcoming holiday to enhance your child’s language.

Kung Hei Fat Choi – learning language through the Chinese New Year festival!

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of the upcoming holiday to enhance your child’s language.

Sensory Diets

Sensory processing is the organisation of sensory input received from the body and the environment for use in daily life.

Sensory Diets

Sensory processing is the organisation of sensory input received from the body and the environment for use in daily life.

Let Language Lead the Way to Literacy

Learn how to develop the best environment that will lay the foundations for literacy.

Let Language Lead the Way to Literacy

Learn how to develop the best environment that will lay the foundations for literacy.

Effects of Stress on Children

It is believed that even the youngest child can sense tension in the immediate environment and/or in caregiver(s).

Effects of Stress on Children

It is believed that even the youngest child can sense tension in the immediate environment and/or in caregiver(s).

Watch Your Child’s Back! Tips for the Best School Bag

A suitable backpack is very important for your children when they are ready for preschool.

Watch Your Child’s Back! Tips for the Best School Bag

A suitable backpack is very important for your children when they are ready for preschool.

Sharing

Toddlers are not developmentally ready to ‘share’. The ability to share of course varies from child to child.

Sharing

Toddlers are not developmentally ready to ‘share’. The ability to share of course varies from child to child.

iPads, Computers and TVs – striking a balance

Many parents are concerned about how long their children are spending looking at the screen of an iPhone, iPad, computer or TV.

iPads, Computers and TVs – striking a balance

Many parents are concerned about how long their children are spending looking at the screen of an iPhone, iPad, computer or TV.

Off on Holiday?

Going away for the festive season? It is always challenging travelling with young children.

Off on Holiday?

Going away for the festive season? It is always challenging travelling with young children.

Functions of Behaviour

All behaviour is a form of communication and enables your child to interact with his/her environment. It is important to remember that your child’s behaviour always serves a purpose

Functions of Behaviour

All behaviour is a form of communication and enables your child to interact with his/her environment. It is important to remember that your child’s behaviour always serves a purpose

Scissor Skills

Scissor skills are often a frightening prospect for parents to encounter. Why should my child learn to cut with scissors? At what age should I expose my child to using scissors and scissor safety?

Scissor Skills

Scissor skills are often a frightening prospect for parents to encounter. Why should my child learn to cut with scissors? At what age should I expose my child to using scissors and scissor safety?

Managing a Young Child’s Behaviours

The following ideas suggest how to deal with a child’s undesirable behaviour, while allowing the parent/ carer not to be become too stressed.

Managing a Young Child’s Behaviours

The following ideas suggest how to deal with a child’s undesirable behaviour, while allowing the parent/ carer not to be become too stressed.

Getting the most out of assessment feedback or parent-teacher meetings

Parent-professional meetings are wonderful opportunities to plan together, exchange advice and have constructive input into your child’s developmental/educational experience.

Getting the most out of assessment feedback or parent-teacher meetings

Parent-professional meetings are wonderful opportunities to plan together, exchange advice and have constructive input into your child’s developmental/educational experience.

How To Handle Picky Eaters

Children can become picky eaters for a number of reasons. Some children are born more sensitive to taste, smell and texture. However, picky eating habits are more likely to develop when children are being punished, bribed or rewarded for their eating behaviours.

How To Handle Picky Eaters

Children can become picky eaters for a number of reasons. Some children are born more sensitive to taste, smell and texture. However, picky eating habits are more likely to develop when children are being punished, bribed or rewarded for their eating behaviours.

Developmental vs. Psycho-educational Assessments

Here are some tips on how Developmental and Psycho-educational Assessments differ

Developmental vs. Psycho-educational Assessments

Here are some tips on how Developmental and Psycho-educational Assessments differ

Steps to Effective Parenting

15 steps to help be a more effective parent and encouraging cooperation

Steps to Effective Parenting

15 steps to help be a more effective parent and encouraging cooperation

Spoiling & Discipline

Six signs of spoiling & effective discipline tips to avoid brat attacks

Spoiling & Discipline

Six signs of spoiling & effective discipline tips to avoid brat attacks

Signs of Anxiety

Signs that your child may be overly anxious

Signs of Anxiety

Signs that your child may be overly anxious

Potty Training

Signs of toilet-training readiness & training tips

Potty Training

Signs of toilet-training readiness & training tips

Healthy TV Time

Watch what your children watch! Four top tips & TV use.

Healthy TV Time

Watch what your children watch! Four top tips & TV use.

Dealing With Separation

Things to do with your child to avoid separation issues.

Dealing With Separation

Things to do with your child to avoid separation issues.

Age-Appropriate Activities

Remember earlier does not necessarily mean better. Don’t force your child to do an activity they are not interested in – you may do more harm than good.

Age-Appropriate Activities

Remember earlier does not necessarily mean better. Don’t force your child to do an activity they are not interested in – you may do more harm than good.

How to Use Comments and Questions to Help Your Child’s Language

When we comment on our child’s activities and experiences, we let them hear the language they need to learn.

How to Use Comments and Questions to Help Your Child’s Language

When we comment on our child’s activities and experiences, we let them hear the language they need to learn.

Identifying Visual-Perceptual Difficulties in Children

Good visual-perceptual skills are important for many everyday skills such as reading, writing, and dressing. Here are top signs a processing problem.

Identifying Visual-Perceptual Difficulties in Children

Good visual-perceptual skills are important for many everyday skills such as reading, writing, and dressing. Here are top signs a processing problem.