Clair Sykes - Walked Talk

14/08/2026

Communication Beyond Words: Key Word Signing, AAC and Understanding Social Cues

Communication is a fundamental part of everyday life. It allows us to express our needs, share our thoughts and feelings, build relationships and participate in our communities....

Communication is a fundamental part of everyday life. It allows us to express our needs, share our thoughts and feelings, build relationships and participate in our communities. While many people c…

14/08/2026

📣 Walked Talk is now offering Speech Pathology services.
Our team supports communication, feeding, swallowing, and everyday functional skills across all ages. With a neuroaffirming, trauma informed approach, we work alongside participants and families to create meaningful, practical change.
We can assist with speech, language, social communication, adult dysphagia, AAC, and more.
💬 Reach out if you’d like to learn how Speech Pathology can support your goals.

16/07/2026

Recognising Toxic vs Healthy Relationship Patterns

Relationships play a significant role in our overall wellbeing. Whether it's with a romantic partner, family member, friend or colleague, healthy relationships provide support, security and a sense of belonging....

Relationships play a significant role in our overall wellbeing. Whether it’s with a romantic partner, family member, friend or colleague, healthy relationships provide support, security and a…

04/05/2026

This article explores why motivation feels so difficult when you’re depressed, why “just do it” falls short, and what actually helps.

Head over to my website to give it a read.

https://walkedtalk.com.au/2026/05/03/depression-and-motivation-why-just-do-it-doesnt-work/

03/05/2026

Depression and Motivation: Why “Just Do It” Doesn’t Work

If you’ve ever been told to “just do it,” “push through,” or “get on with things” while experiencing depression, you’ll know how frustrating—and often invalidating—that advice can feel. While it might come from a place of encouragement, it fundamentally misunderstands what depression does to the brain, the body, and a person’s capacity to act. Depression is not laziness. It’s not a lack of willpower....

If you’ve ever been told to “just do it,” “push through,” or “get on with things” while experiencing depression, you’ll know how frustrating—and often invalidating—that advice can feel. While it mi…

08/04/2026

Neurodivergent kids don’t need to be changed to fit the world—they need a world that better understands and accommodates them.

My latest blog article explores neurodivergence in kids and how to meet their needs.

Head over to my website to give it a read!

https://walkedtalk.com.au/2026/04/07/understanding-neurodivergent-kids-meeting-their-needs-with-compassion-and-practical-support/

07/04/2026

Understanding Neurodivergent Kids: Meeting Their Needs with Compassion and Practical Support

Raising or supporting a neurodivergent child can be both deeply rewarding and, at times, challenging. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world that differ from the “neurotypical” majority. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, it’s more helpful—and increasingly accepted—to see them as natural variations in human brains....

Raising or supporting a neurodivergent child can be both deeply rewarding and, at times, challenging. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dy…

06/03/2026

Chronic stress thrives on reactivity and habit. Mindfulness introduces awareness and choice.

My latest blog explores Mindfulness and Chronic Stress and learning how to gently interrupt the stress cycle. Head over to my website to give it a read!

https://walkedtalk.com.au/2026/03/02/mindfulness-and-chronic-stress-learning-to-gently-interrupt-the-stress-cycle/

03/03/2026

Mindfulness offers a practical and compassionate way to work with chronic stress — not by forcing relaxation, but by helping the body and mind feel safe enough to rest, even briefly.

Head over to my website to read my latest blog on Mindfulness and Chronic Stress: Learning to Gently Interrupt the Stress Cycle.

https://walkedtalk.com.au/2026/03/02/mindfulness-and-chronic-stress-learning-to-gently-interrupt-the-stress-cycle

02/03/2026

Mindfulness and Chronic Stress: Learning to Gently Interrupt the Stress Cycle

Chronic stress has become a quiet companion for many people. Unlike short bursts of stress that pass once a challenge is over, chronic stress lingers. It settles into the body and nervous system, influencing sleep, mood, concentration, relationships, and physical health. Over time, it can feel as though being tense, alert, or exhausted is simply “normal”. Mindfulness offers a practical and compassionate way to work with chronic stress — not by forcing relaxation, but by helping the body and mind feel safe enough to rest, even briefly....

Chronic stress has become a quiet companion for many people. Unlike short bursts of stress that pass once a challenge is over, chronic stress lingers. It settles into the body and nervous system, i…