At The Therapy Network, we’re always seeking opportunities to grow our knowledge and deepen our practice – because we believe every child deserves the most up-to-date, thoughtful support. Recently, three of our clinicians – Hannah, Edward, and Amanda – attended the Advanced Social Thinking Seminar, led by internationally recognised experts Michelle Garcia Winner and Dr. Pamela Crooke.
It was a day rich with inspiration, fresh ideas, and powerful tools designed to enhance the social and emotional learning of the children we support. From dynamic assessment techniques to evidence-based teaching strategies, the seminar equipped our team with practical approaches to help young people thrive not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
Why Social Thinking Matters
One of the biggest takeaways from the day was the reminder that social thinking is not separate from academic success – it’s essential to it. Children’s ability to engage in learning is closely tied to their ability to navigate the social world around them. From working in pairs on a classroom task to understanding group dynamics on the playground, everyday school experiences are steeped in social interaction.
Even skills like self-advocacy – speaking up when you need help or expressing a concern – are rooted in social awareness and confidence. Supporting a child’s social development gives them the tools to manage these situations effectively, laying the groundwork for more successful learning and deeper connection with their peers and teachers.
A Whole-Child Approach
The Social Thinking methodology embraces the idea that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. Each child brings their own strengths, needs, and personality to their learning environment. By recognising the importance of relationships – with both peers and adults – we can better understand how to support children in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.
Our clinicians came away from the seminar energised and ready to embed these principles more deeply into our sessions. We’re especially excited about using these strategies to build individualised goals that support each child’s social learning journey in a fun, engaging, and achievable way.
What This Means for Families
For the families we work with, this means continued access to therapy that reflects best-practice thinking and real-world application. We’re committed to helping children become confident, connected, and capable – not just in therapy sessions, but in all areas of their lives.
We’ll be incorporating what we’ve learned into our programs and sessions, and we look forward to sharing more insights and strategies with you over the coming months.
As always, we’re here to support your child’s journey every step of the way.
