The Power of Early Assessments for Children: Setting the Stage for Success
As the school year draws nearer, many parents find themselves asking: Is my child ready? Are they receiving the support they need to thrive? These are questions Angela, a senior paediatrician, addresses with a message that’s both practical and encouraging—early assessments can make all the difference. Why Now Is the Right Time Early assessments aren’t […]
How to Recognise Signs of Giftedness in Children
What is Giftedness? Giftedness in children is often misunderstood as simply being exceptionally intelligent, but it goes far beyond academic ability. Gifted children tend to process information differently, think deeply, and may even experience the world in a more intense way. Recognising and understanding giftedness early can help parents and educators provide the right support […]
Nurturing the Mind: The Role of Exercise in Mental Wellness
“Nurturing the Mind through Exercise: The Role of Exercise in Mental Wellness”, our latest webinar delved into the significant impact of exercise and movement on mental well-being. Patches CEO and Paediatrician, Dr James Fitzpatrick, and Perth and Pilbara Team Leader and Exercise Physiologist, Jake Nimmo, shared valuable insights and practical strategies to help attendees understand […]
The Role of Allied Health in Aged Care: Supporting Independence and Quality of Life
As we age, maintaining independence and a good quality of life becomes increasingly important. For many older adults, everyday tasks, mobility, and even communication can become challenging. This is where allied health professionals play a pivotal role in aged care, helping individuals remain as independent and engaged as possible while supporting their overall well-being. What […]
Embracing the Crunch: How Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks Can Benefit Your Child
As the school year kicks into gear, parents everywhere are dusting off their lunch-packing skills, gearing up for the daily ritual of filling lunch boxes with nutritious goodies. While the thought of assembling countless “Crunch&Sip” boxes might initially induce a sigh, let’s pause to consider the myriad benefits this routine offers beyond just meeting nutritional […]
The Benefits of Movement for ADHD
When it comes to ADHD, movement is the key Occupational Therapists often compare the body’s levels of alertness to car engines. Sometimes our internal engines run high, like when running, jumping, swimming and other times our engines will run low, for example, when sitting on the couch and watching tv. In order for children to […]
Harnessing the Power of Exercise Physiology for ADHD and Autism
Living with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present unique challenges for individuals and their families. While traditional interventions like therapy and medication are widely recognised, there is growing evidence supporting the positive impact of exercise physiology on managing symptoms associated with ADHD and ASD. Our […]
Latest Published Study Explores FASD within the Youth Justice Setting
Patches Australia and The University of Western Australia continue to lead integral research into the impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. A recently published study by Patches Team Member, Psychology Registrar, Grace Tan, supervised by Patches’ CEO, Dr James Fitzpatrick and The University of Western Australia’s Professor Camela Pestell, explored the characteristics, challenges, and offending […]
Aboriginal Allied Health Assistant Project
Patches Therapy Services was a recipient of a Jobs Market Fund grant funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health Assistant (AHA) workforce across Western Australian and the Northern Territory. The role of an AHA is varied and has been customised to the needs […]
New study explores link between FASD and adverse childhood experiences
Patches and The University of Western Australia (UWA) deliver impactful FASD research. PhD candidate Grace Tan, UWA Associate Professor Carmela Pestell, and Patches CEO Dr James Fitzpatrick continue their ground-breaking research into the relationship between early childhood trauma and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In their recent study, data was collected from 211 Patches assessment […]
Patches e-Book : Telehealth is Awesome
Patches e-Book: We Just Want our Child to be Happy
Is Medication for ADHD Always the Answer? Insights with Dr Deb Cohen-Jones
According to General Practitioner, Dr Deb Cohen-Jones, there are many support mechanisms besides medication that can help children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this video, Dr Deb provides tips for caregivers on how to navigate the important decision of when and when not to medicate, as well as the importance of nurturing […]
ADHD is a Superpower!
ADHD is a superpower that has spirited along many of the world’s greatest achievements and historical figures. In ancient times, and when we lived more closely within a natural environment, ADHD helped humans to scan their environment for danger, for food, and for opportunities for social interaction. In modern times, our ADHD can mean it […]
Autism in Girls
Why girls and women on the autism spectrum are missing out on diagnosis Autism has historically been conceptualised as primarily affecting boys and men and continues to be most frequently diagnosed in male than female individuals. Some researchers suggest that this may not be due to a true difference in prevalence, but rather due to […]
Telepractice
COVID-19 has and still is impacting Allied Health Service delivery in Australia and with the support from other health professionals in the Northern Territory (NT) we were keen to further investigate the impact of COVID 19 on service provision in the NT. On the 23rd March Patches Therapy made the decision to cease all non-urgent […]