Life at Sensory Planet

Discover the best sensory tools for a 6-year-old with Level 3 autism. From water play to movement aids, explore calming and fun supports at Sensory Planet

Practical tips and a dash of humour for handling new attitude phases in autistic kids—while keeping rules fair for the whole family.

There’s been a lot of talk (and worry) about changes to the NDIS, with the new Thriving Kids program set to begin from July 2026. It’s completely normal to feel anxious about what this might mean — especially for families of children with autism or developmental delay.

People often ask how I manage to run a business, raise four kids, keep up with therapy schedules, and still find time to plan a wedding. The truth? I don’t “manage” it in the polished Instagram sense — I just keep moving, drink a lot of coffee, and celebrate the little wins along the way. Here’s a peek into what our week really looks like — the chaos, the routine, the meltdowns, and everything in between.

For many parents of neurodivergent children, sending your child to school is not as simple as ticking a box and packing a lunch. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of meetings, IEPs, therapy reports, anxious mornings, and teary afternoons. And sometimes, no matter how hard you advocate, the school just isn’t the right fit.

Let’s talk parenting styles.Not to judge. Not to lecture. Just to say — sometimes, gentle parenting looks more like a crime scene clean-up crew and less like a peaceful Pinterest board. And if you’re raising a neurodivergent child like I am, you’ll know the “gentle” bit isn’t always about volume — it’s about trying really bloody hard not to lose your mind when you’re running on 2 hours of sleep and your walls are covered in Sharpie.