What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026
Neurodiversity recognises that there is no single “normal” way to think, learn, communicate or experience the world. This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16th-22nd March) and here at Patches we are celebrating different minds. What is Neurodiversity? Every mind works differently. Some people think visually, some process information through patterns, while others approach problems with […]
Back to School: Neurodivergent Friendly Tips to Prepare Your Child
Back to school can be an exciting time for children but can also be overwhelming. New routines, new teachers and new classmates can cause a mix of emotions, especially for children who are neurodivergent or experience anxiety. Here are some back to school tips to make the transition smoother and help set your child up […]
More Than Just “Late Bloomers”: Early Signs of Communication Delay Every Parent Should Know
“He’ll talk when he’s ready.” “She’s just the quiet type.” For generations, well-meaning friends and family have reassured worried parents with phrases like these. While children do indeed develop at their own pace, the “wait and see” approach can sometimes delay crucial support for children with speech and language difficulties (Buschmann et al., 2008). Communication […]
From “Deficit” to “Difference”: Recognising Early Signs of Autism Through a Modern Lens
In 1943, child psychiatrist Leo Kanner published a paper describing 11 children who shared a “powerful desire for aloneness” and an “anxious obsessive desire for the maintenance of sameness” (Kanner, 1943). For decades, this condition, now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), was viewed strictly through a medical lens as a set of deficits to […]
An ‘Invisible Disability’: Why FASD Often Goes Undetected or Misdiagnosed
This week (19th – 25th October) is Invisible Disabilities week. This week aims to shine a light on conditions and disabilities you can’t always see – including neurological, cognitive, mental health, chronic, autoimmune, and sensory conditions. Around 80% of disabilities are invisible, one of which is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a lifelong […]
ADHD vs Autism: Recognising the Similarities and Differences
ADHD and autism have many overlapping traits, around executive functioning, social challenges and sensory processing. ADHD and autism face shared psycho-social risks, including co-occurring mental health conditions, addiction, self-harm and victimisation. They also often share diverse social identities, experiencing higher rates of genderqueerness and non-heterosexual orientations compared to neurotypicals. Despite their similarities, ADHD and autism […]
Time’s Up! How Alarm Clocks Can Help with Time Management for Children with ADHD
Time management can be particularly challenging for children with ADHD, as they often struggle with staying focused, managing their attention, and transitioning between tasks. However, implementing simple strategies, such as using clocks and alarms, can significantly help parents and children manage daily routines, especially when getting ready for school. Why Time Management is a Struggle […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: 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 […]