Fun with Feelings
Developed by clinical psychologists at Minds and Hearts, Fun with Feelings is tailored for young autistic children with anxiety. Delivered through two complementary resources:
- Parent Manual – 10 Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum: practical strategies to understand, prevent, and respond to anxiety.
- Child Activity Book – Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum: introduces six playful “feelings characters” to help children recognise, express, and manage emotions.
Parents are first coached in strategies to reduce anxiety and build confidence. In later sessions, parents and children work together using the activity book, practising relaxation, coping, and emotional skills through games and everyday practice.
Skills Covered
Through Fun with Feelings, families learn how to
Understanding ASD
- Understand anxiety in autism and respond effectively
Emotional Understanding
- Recognise and express happiness, sadness, worry, anger, and affection
- Develop a shared emotional language between children, parents, and professionals
Emotion Toolbox
- Build parent and child toolboxes for managing triggers
- Take gradual steps to reduce big fears
- Use relaxation and coping strategies at home
Participation Requirements
This program is designed for families who:
- Have a child aged 4–6 with autism or social-emotional challenges
- Want support to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation
- Can attend consistently and practise strategies at home
- Prefer a structured, family-focused approach
- Have children who are able to engage in supported parent–child activities
Why It Matters
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges for autistic children, often impacting learning, friendships, and family life if left unaddressed.
Fun with Feelings bridges this gap by giving families practical tools to recognise, express, and manage emotions early. By starting in the preschool years, children and parents build strong foundations for emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience that carry into school and beyond.
Proven Results
Research shows Fun with Feelings leads to:
- Reduced anxiety in autistic children aged 4–6
- Improved emotional recognition and regulation
- Increased parent confidence in managing child anxiety
- Stronger parent–child connection through shared language and tools
This evidence-based approach helps families connect, communicate, and thrive together.
Participation Requirements
This program is designed for families who:
- Have a child aged 4–6 with autism or social-emotional challenges
- Want support to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation
- Can attend consistently and practise strategies at home
- Prefer a structured, family-focused approach
- Have children who are able to engage in supported parent–child activities
Why It Matters
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges for autistic children, often impacting learning, friendships, and family life if left unaddressed.
Fun with Feelings bridges this gap by giving families practical tools to recognise, express, and manage emotions early. By starting in the preschool years, children and parents build strong foundations for emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience that carry into school and beyond.
Proven Results
Research shows Fun with Feelings leads to:
- Reduced anxiety in autistic children aged 4–6
- Improved emotional recognition and regulation
- Increased parent confidence in managing child anxiety
- Stronger parent–child connection through shared language and tools
This evidence-based approach helps families connect, communicate, and thrive together.
Skills Covered
Through Fun with Feelings, families learn how to
- Understand anxiety in autism and respond effectively
- Build parent and child toolboxes for managing triggers
- Take gradual steps to reduce big fears
- Recognise and express happiness, sadness, worry, anger, and affection
- Use relaxation and coping strategies at home
- Develop a shared emotional language between children, parents, and professionals
Program Structure
Duration
10 weeks
Format
Weekly 60 minute Sessions
Activities
Structured workbook focused on building emotion management tools
Parent/Carer Involvement
Parent- Centred intervention
How Can I Apply to Participate?
We’d love to support you and your child through Fun with Feelings in Mascot, Sydney.
Book an initial consultation with our psychologists to confirm if this program is the right fit for your child and family.