Clinical psychologist Emily Hanlon explains how we can better understand children's emotions and how they drive behaviour, and how we can use this knowledge to support our kids.

We have this idea that children have become behaviourally 'worse.' But that's not true. It is our expectations of them that have changed.

When our expectations are too high, we view behaviour as 'problematic.' We assume that something is 'wrong' rather than trying to understand WHY children are acting that way or WHAT is driving that behaviour. Behaviour is always driven by emotion.

I'm Emily Hanlon, The Playful Psychologist. I am a clinical psychologist based in Sydney with a specific interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental delay.

I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults with ASD, ADHD, mood-related disorders, anxiety, poor social skills, and other behavioural concerns.

I draw on my unique first-hand experience of having a brother on the autism spectrum to facilitate my therapeutic practice.

I started The Playful Psychologist to share my ideas and knowledge to help children thrive. As a young psychologist and first-time parent, I wished I had somewhere to turn for inspiration, and that is what I hope to do for others!

My online resources and courses help teachers, parents, and clinicians better understand child development and the emotional needs of children. Most of the resources and courses are available on demand.