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What's New at WonderTree
Check out our fall 2026 programs and upcoming talks!


Aphantasia - Supports and Accommodations
Learn about aphantasia in children, how it can affect mental imagery, learning, and memory, and practical strategies to help children thrive.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
2 days ago7 min read


Aphantasia and Cross-Sensory Aphantasia: Not Everyone Experiences the Mind the Same Way
Aphantasia is a fascinating difference in how people experience mental imagery. Learn what aphantasia is, how it can affect everyday experiences like memory and learning, and how we can support different ways of thinking.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
5 days ago7 min read


Supporting Students with OCD at School: A Practical Guide for Educators
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can have a significant impact on a child's experience at school. A student may appear distracted, oppositional, perfectionistic, slow to complete work, frequently leave the classroom, ask the same question repeatedly, or spend significant amounts of time washing their hands, checking their work, or completing routines. What can look like a behavioural problem may actually be an attempt to manage intense anxiety or uncertainty associated wit

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
Aug 1811 min read


The Potential Impact of Hiding an Autism Diagnosis from your Child
Many parents wrestle with the question of whether, when, and how to tell their child about an autism diagnosis (or any developmental or mental health diagnosis actually!). What we know from research and lived experience offers an important perspective: children benefit from understanding themselves in ways that are honest, supportive, and developmentally appropriate.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
Aug 105 min read


Back-to-School Readiness: Setting Your Child Up for Success
A smoother back-to-school transition starts before the first day. Discover simple ways to rebuild routines, confidence, and independence for a successful school year.

Abbie Cameron
Aug 33 min read


Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC gives children another way to communicate while speech develops. Learn what AAC is, who it can support, and how it helps children express themselves with confidence.
Amy Unruh
Jul 213 min read


Keeping Your Child Safe - Beyond Sharing Your Phone Number
Safety isn't just about knowing a phone number or an address. It's about teaching children how to assess situations, trust their judgment, and make smart decisions when an adult isn't nearby.
Jasmine Bryan
Jul 73 min read


Not A Reward: Why Children Need Recess
ecess is more than “just a break.” It gives children the opportunity to reset, regulate, move their bodies, and return to learning ready to engage.
Pari Rana
May 163 min read


Neuroaffirming Care for ARFID: Bridging Clinical Practice and Family Life
When many people think about feeding difficulties, they picture “picky eating.” But for children and teens with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), the experience goes far beyond food preferences.
Dr. Kyla Baird and Mercedes Palermo, RN
May 116 min read


Every Child, Their Own Path: Rethinking Support for Autistic Youth
Wrap-around care for autistic youth: learn how individualized, neuroaffirming therapies support communication, development, and family well-being.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
Apr 194 min read


Learning Through What They Love: Supporting Autistic Children Using their Strengths and Interests
A strengths-based approach to supporting autistic children—discover how interests can boost engagement, confidence, and meaningful learning.
Pari Rana
Apr 63 min read


The Overlap of ADHD and Learning Disability in Writing / Dysgraphia
Struggling with writing due to ADHD or learning disabilities? Learn how these challenges overlap and discover strategies to support.

Abbie Cameron
Mar 174 min read


Heavy Work Made Simple: An Occupational Therapist’s Guide for Parents
Struggling with focus, big emotions, or constant movement? Heavy work is a simple, play-based strategy occupational therapists use to help children feel calmer, more regulated, and ready to learn. Learn how to use heavy work in everyday routines at home.

Abbie Cameron
Mar 84 min read


Practicing Fine Motor Skill Development at Home for Kids
Fine motor skill development is essential for children’s independence and early writing success. This blog shares simple, play-based activities families can do at home to strengthen hand muscles, improve fine motor control, and support writing readiness in young children.

Abbie Cameron
Mar 74 min read


Supporting Youth at Recognizing Safe Peer Interactions and Relationships
Healthy peer relationships help children grow socially and emotionally. Learn practical ways to support your child in building safe, positive friendships.
Sarah Khan & Abbie Cameron
Feb 104 min read


Introducing Therapy to Your Child
Starting therapy can feel big for kids and parents. This gentle guide helps you explain therapy in a way that feels safe, simple, and reassuring for your child.

Emily Millar
Feb 13 min read


Budget-Friendly Sensory Tools
Supporting your child’s sensory needs doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From rice-filled balloons to dollar store finds, affordable DIY sensory tools can help kids regulate, focus, and thrive, without breaking the bank.
Abhineeta Sharma
Sep 18, 20255 min read


Alexithymia Explained: When Feelings Don’t Have Words
Ever feel like emotions are hard to name or even harder to explain?
Alexithymia might be why. It’s a lesser-known term, but for many, it describes a very real experience , difficulty identifying and expressing emotions. In this blog, we explore what alexithymia is, who it affects, and how compassionate support can make a powerful difference.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
Aug 12, 20253 min read


Helping Autistic Youth Embrace Their Authentic Selves
Discover the power of fostering a positive autistic self-identity! In this blog, we explore how embracing autism as a unique strength—rather than something to be fixed—builds confidence and resilience. Learn practical ways parents can nurture self-awareness, self-acceptance, and celebrate their child's strengths, empowering them to thrive.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
Apr 14, 20256 min read


Inclusion Theatre in Schools: Performative vs. Meaningful Change
Is your child’s school truly inclusive or just putting on a show? Learn the difference between real inclusion and ‘inclusion theatre'.

Dr. Stephanie Lavoie and Dr. Michelle Fardella
Mar 31, 20254 min read
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