How to Spot Trichotillomania in the Classroom

Trichotillomania has always been a secretive thing, leading health professionals to believe for many years that it was extremely rare. But in recent years, researchers have discovered that it’s actually a common problem that affects up to 2% of the population(1). Children and young people are no exception; trichotillomania commonly begins between the ages

The Regulation Rocket

By Simone Ryan – Occupational Therapist – talking about regulation. One of the most common requests I’ve had when working with families and educators of children (with or without a disability or delay) is for assistance with a child’s self regulation. When we think of how important social emotional development is to school success, initiating

Improving Fine Motor Skills

Improving Fine Motor Skills Written by Deb Hopper Published in Great Health Guide articles available in Audio: CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO VERSION: Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference and sometimes the little things in life can be the most difficult. Many children struggle with fine motor skills, or

5 Tips for Reducing Anxiety this Christmas

Well, it’s the holiday season and Christmas is around the corner. Lights, music, yummy food and family all around. It can’t get better than that, can it? But do you fear your kids won’t feel the same? Many children are anxious about the holiday season. You might see them complaining of nausea, stomach problems, fatigue

Transition from School to Holidays

Transition from School to Holidays – Written by Deb Hopper Published in Great Health Guide articles available in Audio: CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO VERSION The end of the school year brings much excitement for children and families. The anticipation of Christmas, holidays, going away and seeing family and friends can be very exciting. As well

Minimising Tantrums at the Shops Part 2

Minimising Tantrums at the Shops - October

Minimising Tantrums at the Shops Part 2 All parents understand the struggle and balancing act that shopping with children can be. In last month’s edition of GHG (TM), we took a look at some of the less understood reasons why shopping can be so hard for children. We recommend reading this article to gain a

5 Top Tips for Long Trips with Kids

Keeping you sane during long trips!! School holidays often equate to travelling long distances and often carry high expectations for family fun, bonding and memories. But, often as we turn the key in the car and the kilometres tick by, so too do our precious children turn on their keys of sibling rivalry and the

Local OT Deb Hopper, Makes Number 1 Best Selling Author on Amazon

Thank you to the Great Lakes Advocate for sharing an article on Deb Hopper this week. Great Lakes Advocate January 2016 Full Article Below: Local Occupational Therapist Deb Hopper Achieves Amazon Number 1 Best Selling Author for New Book Deb Hopper, Forster local Paediatric Occupational Therapist has recently achieved her dream of becoming a

Dealing with Autism and challenging behaviour in our classrooms

As we hear another story in the news about a child being “caged” at school, this time in Queensland we can no longer sit back. Deb Hopper BHIthSc (OT) CSturt; MHIthSc Accredited Occupational Therapist is passionate about sensory processing, working as a Paedatrict Occupational Therapist in NSW, works daily with children diagnosed with Autism, ADHD and

School Readiness Program – Is your child ready for school?

Is your child ready for school? Can your child sit still and focus for long periods of time? Will your child be able to keep up with reading and writing activities? Does your child have the social and emotional skills to cope at school? Don’t let your child get behind before they have started! Join