The Spiced Road
Parent/Caregiver Education Seminars
These will be offered at various sites around Northern NSW and southern QLD. They will be conducted in person to create a sense of community between parents who often feel alone when navigating challenging parentings moments.
May 2025 Seminars
Register for What to do when my child says No!
Pathological Demand Avoidance
Register for AAA
Register for Understanding Neurodiversity
Fee - $130.00 - EARLYBIRD is $100 - must be paid by the Early Bird Date.
For NDIS - Capacity Building: Parent and Carer Training (15_038_0117_1_3) x 2.5 sessions
*PDA workshop is 90 minutes - $100, Earlybird $80
Please use NDIS as PROMO CODE and complete NDIS questions, a quote will be emailed to your Plan Manager. If your Plan Manager does not approve payment, you will be responsible for the invoice.
What to do when my child says NO! Working with opposition, tantrums, meltdowns, shutdowns and learning ways to navigate through it
Parenting does not come with an instruction manual. And even then, what works for one child, does not always work on the next! It is important to listen to your child and understand their motives, as well as their currency. We have all experienced the overwhelming feelings when our child says No!
This workshop will offer practical strategies to assist your child at home and at school, when they would prefer to say No!
This is an essential seminar for parents who have a child that experiences strong emotions and feels overwhelmed and underprepared to support them.
Pathological Demand Avoidance
PDA is a profile within the autism spectrum characterised by an extreme sense of anxiety and avoidance when faced with demands or expectations. Parents often experience distress witnessing their child's extreme reactions to demands, exhaustion from finding effective ways to support them, and stress accessing necessary resources. A low-demand parenting approach, which prioritises reducing anxiety and stress, can be beneficial.
AAA: Adolescence, Anxiety & Autism
Adolescents are often overlooked by service providers. We are acutely aware that young children with autism grow into Adolescents (and eventually adults!). This seminar targets Adolescents with Autism and/or Anxiety. We will cover understanding and strategies for Parents/Carers and other adults around these adolescents.
Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD etc)
Kelly has been diagnosing children, adolescents and adults since 2016.
This seminar will all things neurodivergence - definitions, common misconceptions and strategies to support neurodivergent individuals
This is a helpful seminar for parents who do not feel they have the knowledge or understanding of Autism, ADHD and other developmental or psychological conditions common to children.
Neurodivergent Girls: Misdiagnosis, Undiagnosed Conditions, and Ways to Support Them Through Diagnosis and Beyond
For so long Autism and ADHD were considered to be only for the boys. Kelly is diagnosing and supporting more and more girls and women through diagnosis and self discovery. Some of them have been judged as shy or sensitive and some have been misdiagnosed, leading to a lack of support and understanding, as well as contributing to low self esteem and self worth.
This seminar will explore the the different presentation for girls, as well as ways to diagnose, and what to do next.
This is a helpful seminar for parents who have a daughter that may have difficulties with friendships (including bossiness/controlling), sensory sensitivities, withdrawal, self harm, and specialised interests.
Supporting my child with Anxiety and/or Depression
One of the most common reasons children, adolescents and adults present to psychological counselling is for Anxiety and/or Depression. Parents commonly present with despair and hopelessness as they often do not feel they have the strategies and skills to support their child through these emotions/conditions. Others report frustration and fear after presenting to a Doctor or Paediatrician, as they may only walk away with a referral or medication, but no instruction on how to manage the situation immediately after the appointment.
This seminar will explore the presentation of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents, as well as offer practical strategies to assist your child at home and at school.
This is an essential seminar for parents who have a child that experiences big emotions and feels overwhelmed and underprepared to support them.
Join our Mailing List to learn about upcoming dates
Either email your request to admin@thespicedroad.com.au or complete the contact form below. We will then notify you of upcoming events.
You can also email to request a Seminar topic, or that Kelly brings The Spiced Road to a location near you.
Kelly Ritchie - Psychologist
Kelly Ritchie has been practicing as a psychologist for 25 years. She is the founder of Supersaurus, a multidisciplinary neuroaffirming therapy clinic located in Tamworth, NSW. She has applied her extensive expertise to develop tailored individual therapy solutions and group programs, while also leading the diagnostic team. She is a trusted resource for clients and their families, guiding them through the intricate journey of parenting with practical skills and strategies.
Navigating the intense moments of parenting can be both challenging and fulfilling, requiring patience, empathy, and a good sense of humour. These moments often occur when children test limits, express strong feelings, or when parents encounter unexpected situations. To help manage these experiences, The Spiced Road has developed a series of Parent/Caregiver Education Seminars aimed at cultivating healthy relationships, establishing boundaries to enhance security, and embracing flexibility and adaptability to help parents navigate surprises with a positive outlook. Our seminars are neuroaffirming, making them suitable for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children however they are designed with all parents in mind, so everyone can benefit. We welcome parents from diverse family structures, along with caregivers and teachers eager to learn more about the young individuals they guide through life.
Remember, each intense moment is a chance for growth and connection, transforming potential chaos into treasured memories.
As a devoted mother and wife in a neurodivergent family, Kelly draws upon her personal and professional experiences to inform her work. This passion led her to create The Spiced Road, a series of seminars designed to support parents and caregivers in navigating the unique challenges they face. Through her initiatives, Kelly aims to foster understanding and resilience within families.
Kelly Ritchie
Founder, Psychologist, Parent