“Dear Peter, It was such a delight speaking with you recently – thank you for sharing your expertise, encouragement and resources. Your support has been invaluable! My sincere gratitude for your generosity!”
(Learning Support Assistant)
“Hi Peter, Thank you for sending through all of that information. I have finished the course – it was absolutely brilliant!! The MP3 files have been hugely beneficial to listen to and review whilst driving/on the road.”
(Speech Pathologist)
“Hey Peter, Thank you so much for your help in organising this course and providing me access to it. I wasn’t expecting to learn so much about me when I only attended so I could help my son. My perspective of the social world has changed, my perspective of myself has changed, and we have some new social goals for our family, and for my son.”
(Parent)
“Hi Peter, The book has arrived and I am about to log in to start the training. What fabulous service you provide. Thanks again.”
(School Principal)
“Hi Peter, Thanks very much for making the purchasing process super easy, and providing such good customer service!”
(Parent)
“Hi Peter, I attended the training last week with Ross Greene – this is by far the best training I have ever done – it fills so many gaps for me in my clinical practice – Ross Greene’s ideas about lagging skills and unresolved problems aligns beautifully for me…. thank you for providing the opportunity to do this training – warm regards”
(Child Behaviour Specialist)
“I truly love attending your workshops, and have now seen Michelle Garcia Winner, Leah Kuypers and Ross Greene. I am always so inspired by the information and it truly changes my practice every time. I don’t think I have ever been to any other courses that are so well organised, great food and venues and such extensive resources and books available. Your communication with participants is also second to none.”
(Therapist)
“Thanks so much for bringing such a valuable speaker to a regional town. Please keep me on your mailing list for any upcoming workshops this year and the years to follow. I am now looking to get certified in this area and help others implement Ross’s model. Just a quick note to say thank you for doing this valuable service!!!”
(Teacher)
“Dear Peter, I wanted to thank you for what you’ve done to make this event happen. It is so fundamentally important for our children, and our world. Looking forward to Ross’ next visit. Please keep me on your mailing list!”
(Therapist)
“Please pass on to Michelle my profound thanks, today was a literal LIFE ALTERING day. It was a pleasure to meet you both and appreciate first hand the work Michelle does. Many thanks.”
(Autism Support Coordination Team Leader)
“Thank you so much for making the opportunity available to have Social Thinking in Melbourne. It was by far the best PD I have ever done. Not only was the content extraordinary but your organisation of the last few days was on point. Thank you again.”
(Occupational Therapist)
“I Just wanted to say a big thank you to yourself, Michelle, Ryan and Carrie for the 3 day workshops. It was worth the trip from Copenhagen. It was absolutely fantastic. So thanks again.”
(International School Psychologist)
“I have learnt so much in the last 3 days. Hearing fantastic personal stories and meeting fellow workers on the learning journey as we strive to understand more about how our clients see their world. I listened in awe to Michelle as she shared her “Social Thinking” knowledge. It was mind blowing!!!! Now the challenge will be to digest and understand more fully her words of wisdom and begin applying her little gems into my workplace and life.“
(Preschool Field Officer)
“A huge thank you goes to you and your team for assisting with getting Michelle here, to Melbourne, to share her wisdom and knowledge on the informative topic of ‘Emotions’. Both seminars I attended were superb with a lot of ‘aha moments’ for myself. I’m looking forward to broadening my learning with help and guidance from your wonderful speakers in the future.”
(ASD Integration/Education Support Officer)
“Many thanks to Michelle for such an insightful and inspiring workshop! I have learnt so much from it and am really grateful for the wonderful information.”
(Speech Language Pathologist)
“The workshop was outstanding and very informative, Michelle is an amazing and inspiring speaker and great advocate for people with social/communication issues. Your efforts for the day were much appreciated.”
(General Practitioner)
“BEST PD I have ever attended. It was just…wow!!! Thanks Peter!”
(Teacher)
“With regard to Ross, WOW. So proficient, he makes it sound so logical and easy doesn’t he? Clearly it’s not easy, and it didn’t come about overnight, but the way Ross’ thinking has evolved to put in such a practical model for us all to use, that will ultimately have such important implications who all we work with…. well that’s just so commendable. Can’t wait to get “good at this” and apply it daily in my life, and in my practice at work. Cheers and thanks for making this happen.”
(Teacher)
“Thanks so much for hosting the workshop yesterday. It was super informative and my husband and I both feel we have a better understanding of the CPS model to support our 3 kids. I thought I’d cheekily offer our family if you need a volunteer case study for when Ross returns for advanced training!”
(Parent)
“It was an absolute pleasure attending Ross’s workshop yesterday – my brain is full, and inspiration overflowing! I am definitely interested in attending Ross’s advanced workshop in future. I would like to add a BIG thank you for organising and managing the event! You and your colleagues managed to make a big group still feel intimate, and your passion and respect for Ross’s work really shone through. What a joy it was!”
(Therapist)
“Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to listen to Ross in Brisbane. He is truly an inspiration. I hope to be able to use some of the knowledge I have gained from the workshop with in my classroom and at home with my own children. I have begun reading his book The Explosive Child and I am already learning so much.”
(Teacher)
“Peter, Thank you again for bringing such great PD to Melbourne. I have already changed my practise and met with a preschool team last night and removed the focus from behaviour management – we plan to try the ALSUP next week. I am also grateful for the reminder to include the children in the problem solving process – I know I do that in clinic sessions but possibly not enough in initial planning.”
(Therapist)
“Thank you Peter! I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.”
(Parent)
“Hi Peter, Thank you so much for organising Ross Greene to come out. The workshop was amazing and I am super inspired to give it a “red hot go”. Can’t wait for next year’s workshops so please keep me in the loop.”
(Teacher)
“Hi Peter, Thanks so much for this organisation! I must say I have used 2 of the skills that he taught yesterday with 2 children in today’s sessions and although I am still grappling with the language I am mighty impressed with the process and the outcomes that we achieved with this, so nice to be reminded to just let things happen in the time that is needed. Looking forward to Ross’s next instalments.”
(Therapist)
“Hi Peter, Thank you so much for your amazing customer service this afternoon! I appreciate it so much! Can’t wait to use this resource with our students!!”
(Teacher)
“Thank you Peter! The last 3 days were immensely interesting and will be practically useful in my Speech Pathology clinic and services. Thank you again, this week has been excellent! It has really shifted my view of supporting our client’s social learning with practical intervention tools and strategies I can put into effect immediately.”
(Speech Pathologist)
“Hi Peter, The book has arrived and I am about to log in to start the training. What fabulous service you provide. Thanks again.”
(School Principal)
“Thanks again Peter for all of your help (and for the free gift that was kindly included in our order!!) We look forward to using all of the lovely resources to help boost social thinking in our household!!”
(Parent)
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I think Lauren’s reflection that “before the NDIS, Australia used a system similar in design to what is now being proposed” is worth rebroadcasting. It’s true. A Message From Lauren Reinhardt by Lauren Reinhardt Director, North Shore Speech Therapy Over the past week, many families have reached out as conversations about Thriving Kids gain momentum. As the…
by Natassia Chrysanthos Sydney Morning Herald – 3 February 2026 Parents will no longer have to spend thousands of dollars and dozens of hours chasing autism diagnoses for their struggling children to qualify for government disability support under the new Thriving Kids program, which will help children with lower support needs outside the NDIS. After…
by Michelle Garcia Winner & Dr Pamela Crooke Social problem solving is not only a social skill; it is deeply connected to the academic curriculum. Students need to infer, collaborate, take perspective, regulate emotions, and make decisions across subjects. These are all parts of social problem solving. When kids learn to consider others’ thoughts and work through confusing moments…
By Alexandra Koster, Rayane Tamer Source: SBS News Families and advocates fear autistic children will lose vital support as the federal government prepares to move those with so-called “mild to moderate” autism off the NDIS and into a new program, Thriving Kids. The federal government will divert people with what it calls “mild to moderate” autism…
Published 9 October 2025 By Edwina Guinan, Deborah Groarke Source: SBS News Parents, disability advocates, autistic adults and other stakeholders have told a parliamentary inquiry they fear vulnerable children won’t be able to access the appropriate care under the government’s new program for autistic children. In August, Health Minister Mark Butler announced the creation of the Thriving…
I am reposting this article from Michelle and Pam to explain the changes made to Book 5 in the We Thinkers series… Susanne Truesdale created the concept of Whole Body Listening in 1990 to help break down one of the most complicated and abstract components of social communication and learning. Unfortunately, over the years, the Whole Body…
Now’s a great time to discover or rediscover Social Thinking and learn how Social Thinking 2.0 can provide you as a Therapist, a Parent or Carer, or as a proud member of the Neurodiversity Community, with tools and strategies to assist you on your personalised journey towards achieving social goals, goals defined by you. Why…
By Jessica Riordan, Sarah Timperley, and Matthew Harrison, The University of Melbourne If a child you love (or teach) is neurodivergent, learning about ”neurodiversity-affirming’’ approaches can help you better understand and support them. “Kids have to learn to sit still. If they can’t sit still, they can’t learn,” a colleague of ours remarked in a…
Updated: August, 2022 © 2022 Think Social Publishing, Inc. This is pre or post reading for Michelle Garcia Winner’s & Dr Pam Crooke’s training “People think that if something feels easy to do, the mechanisms behind it must be simple.” -Cosmides Amazingly, young children learn to coordinate their own body and mind, as well as…
Updated: April, 2022 © 2022 Think Social Publishing, Inc. This is pre or post reading for Michelle Garcia Winner’s & Dr Pam Crooke’s training. Years ago, an astute clinician strongly encouraged our team to explore how social learning and anxiety intersect as part of the Social Thinking® Methodology. While we realized we had been teaching…
 | Kristen JacobsenKristen Jacobsen is a Speech-Language Pathologist and executive function coach. Alongside Sarah Ward, Kristen is Co-Director of Cognitive Connections in Concord Massachusetts. Kristen is the co-author of the The Time Tracker Program, which aims to improve students’ executive function skills at school and home. The Social Mind are hosting Kristen Jacobsen and Sarah Ward on an Australian speaking tour soon. Join our mailing list via the link on our Home page and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 | Sarah WardSarah Ward is Speech-Language Pathologist and an internationally recognized expert on Executive Function skills. Alongside Kristen Jacobsen, Sarah is Co-Director of Cognitive Connections in Concord Massachusetts. In her new three book set, The Time Tracker Program, Sarah translates complex ideas into practical strategies that will improve the executive function skills of your students. The Social Mind is hosting Sarah and Kristen’s Australian speaking tour soon. Join our mailing list via the link on our Home page and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 | Joan GreenThe Social Mind is proud to stock Joan Green’s Interactive Reading Books HERE. Joan taught special education in the Los Angeles school system for 16 years and was selected as Special Education Teacher of the Year. She served as a member of an Autism Task Force where she co-authored a certification of competency for teaching children with autism. As an educational consultant she is frequently called upon as a guest speaker for national organisations. Joan developed many teaching aids over the course of her classroom experience and makes these materials available to others through her company, Greenhouse Publications. We here at The Social Mind consider Joan’s Interactive Reading Books to be excellent resources for kids to learn how to match, identify and label specific emotions, sights, sounds and actions. |
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 | Karen YoungKaren Young is author of our best selling books on anxiety, identity and bravery Hey Warrior, Hey Awesome and But We’re Not Lions. Karen began her career as a psychologist in private practice. She has worked extensively with children teens and families, and in educational and organisation settings. She has lectured in and has a Masters in Gestalt Therapy. It is through her work with children, teens and families, that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in the life of a child. We highly recommend Karen’s books for anyone with an anxious child or a kid who is learning to face the world bravely, and isn’t that all of us! A must read! Australia is home for Karen. Experience has taught Karen that people can do amazing things with the right information. Here’s just one comment received about Karen’s books: “Thank you for these amazing resources. What a gift to any family learning about what anxiety is and what amazing qualities people with anxiety have and the incredible things they can do!” |
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 | Dr Anna VaginAnna Vagin, PhD, is a licensed speech/language pathologist with over 25 years of experience working in the area of social cognition. Recipient of an Outstanding Achievement Award for innovative work in autism, she is the author of Movie Time Social Learning (2013) and YouCue Feelings: Using Online Videos for Social Learning (2015), and developer of the Conversation Paths Pack (2020). Anna is an outstanding speaker and The Social Mind host her speaking tours of Australia, join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 | Kari Zweber PalmerKari Zweber Palmer is a speech-language pathologist/social-cognitive therapist at her private practice, Changing Perspectives, in Excelsior, Minnesota. She has co-authored, with Michelle Garcia Winner, Ryan Hendrix, and Nancy Tarshis, We Thinkers! Volume 1 Social Explorers and We Thinkers! Volume 2 Social Problem Solvers. Additionally, Kari consults with local school districts in the USA on implementing Social Thinking into their programming. We last hosted Kari in Australia in 2019 and look forward to her next visit. Join our mailing list to receive notifications. |
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 | Nancy TarshisNancy Tarshis, a speech-language pathologist and special educator with extensive experience working with children and their parents. Nancy is the co-author of We Thinkers! Volume 1 Social Explorers and We Thinkers! Volume 2 Social Problem Solvers Nancy is the Director of Early Childhood Programming at The Quad Preparatory School, which is dedicated to twice exceptional children. As Emeritus at CERC, she participates in ongoing research and lectures to paediatric fellows, medical residents, and psychology interns. Nancy conducted training in Australia on how to teach Social Thinking skills to early learners using the We Thinkers program, in 2018 and again in 2020. We hope to bring her back soon. Join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 | Ryan HendrixRyan Hendrix is a Social Cognitive Therapist from San Francisco. She trained and works directly with Michelle Garcia Winner and Dr Pamela Crooke. She has co-authored, with Michelle Garcia Winner, Ryan Hendrix, and Nancy Tarshis, We Thinkers! Volume 1 Social Explorers and We Thinkers! Volume 2 Social Problem Solvers. Her diverse caseload experience includes preschool-age children through young adults with varying levels of social cognitive learning challenges. Ryan also helps supervise and train graduate students and clinicians in their clinical fellowship year in the USA. We last hosted Ryan in Australia in 2019 and look forward to her return. Join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 | Dr. Ross GreeneDr Ross Greene is the New York Times bestselling author of the influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Found, and Raising Human Beings. Ross is the founder of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS). Dr Greene’s not for profit Lives in Balance has a lot of free training resources on their website. Ross is an outstanding speaker and The Social Mind regularly host his speaking tours of Australia, join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 | Leah KuypersLeah Kuypers is the author of the international best seller The Zones of Regulation®, a framework designed to teach self-regulation. You can view all The Zones of Regulation resources HERE. Leah earned a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Graduate Certificate in Autism and a Master of Arts in Education from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She has practiced as an OT/autism specialist in school and clinical settings, specialising in self-regulation and social learning, and has worked with students of all ages and challenges, including anxiety, ADHD, and ASD. The Social Mind is proud to regularly host Leah in Australia to conduct training workshops. Leah is a skilled and generous presenter and if you join our mailing list we’ll keep you posted about training opportunities. |
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 | Michelle Garcia WinnerMichelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP specialises in the treatment of individuals with social learning challenges and is the founder and CEO of Social Thinking®, a company dedicated to helping individuals from age four through adulthood, develop their social competencies to meet their personal social goals. You can find all Michelle’s resources in our Bookstore HERE. Michelle coined the term “Social Thinking” in the mid-1990s and since that time has created numerous unique treatment frameworks and curricula that help educators, clinicians, professionals of all types, and parents/family members appreciate that social capabilities are integral to a person’s success in life, socially, academically, and professionally. Michelle is an outstanding speaker and The Social Mind regularly host her speaking tours of Australia, join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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 Dr Pamela Crooke | Dr Pamela CrookeDr Pam Crooke has co-authored, with Michelle Garcia Winner, five award-winning books related to Social Thinking: Socially Curious and Curiously Social, You Are a Social Detective, Social Fortune or Social Fate, Social Town Citizens, and their book geared to adults, Good Intentions Are Not Good Enough. Pam & Michelle collaborate on writing articles and blogs that appear on the Social Thinking USA website and in a wide array of publications. Prior to joining the Social Thinking team, Pam coordinated the Autism interdisciplinary clinical services at the Tucson Alliance for Autism, as a clinical and academic faculty member of three universities, and worked in the Arizona public schools for 15 years. Pam is a prolific speaker both in North America and beyond, giving workshops, and training staff on Social Thinking methodology. The Social Mind regularly host her speaking tours of Australia, join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted about tour dates. |
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