Alternative ways of communicating develop skills and self-esteem
Nothing can hold 7-year-old William back. The Spotswood boy, who has Down Syndrome, can be found shooting hoops, spending time in the water, or travelling the world with his family, if he’s not at an...
Read moreTherapy playgroup a confidence booster for families of children with autism
Kate had all but given up on mainstream playgroups for her youngest son, Archie, when she learned about Gateways Early Intervention Therapy Playgroup. ‘I’d had such bad experiences with typical playgroups because they made me...
Read moreOff To School help after a bumpy kinder year
Kindergarten plays an important role in preparing children for school. So when that preparation is disrupted – as has been the case during the COVID-19 pandemic – youngsters with additional needs can be left behind. Registrations have now opened for Gateways Support Services’ Off To School...
Read moreShort bursts deliver big results with online therapy
A little can go a long way as many of our online therapy clients are discovering. With feelings of Zoom fatigue and too much screen time common, it can be easy to dismiss online therapy...
Read moreFiction With Friends building social links for kids during pandemic restrictions
Amid the unpredictability of COVID-19 a creative new program is helping kids with developmental disabilities build social skills and confidence from the comfort of their homes. With lockdown measures in place, Gateways Support Services Occupational...
Read moreNew research into understanding childhood leisure activities
Congratulations to Gateways Support Services occupational therapist Emily Lugton on having her research into accurate reporting of children’s activity choices published. Occupational therapists are encouraged to use specific surveys – or scales – that allow...
Read moreLocal knowledge and personal care make great support coordination in Warrnambool
With a son requiring round-the-clock care and a busy teenage daughter with autism, Warrnambool resident Grace relies on the local knowledge and advice of her Gateways Support Coordinator. Over the past eight years, Grace says...
Read moreBright Sparks building social skills through small group play in term 3
Play is an important part of a child’s development; but it doesn’t come easily to everyone. Tarneit mother of three, Liane, says her children, Kye, 9, and 6-year-old twins Lyla and Ayva, all struggle with high anxiety and social skills. So when...
Read moreGateways Online Therapy ensures children and teens can keep working towards goals during lockdowns
Six-year-old Raymond usually has his occupational and speech therapy sessions at school. But while he is home with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic, he accessing these important supports online. His Dad, Lingan, says this...
Read moreTherapy meets recreation in bright new program
Fun-filled sessions of science, craft, cooking and more are helping kids reach their NDIS goals in the new Bright Sparks program. The program, which has run in Werribee since 2019, provides a group therapy option...
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