Infinity - Children's Communication Specialist

A post worthy of the feed.
Courtesy of .aac.coach.

I haven't been around a lot lately.. I think my own spoons have been a little on the low side! There are some career moves happening and my NHS job takes up a share of my mental capacity. Getting the balance of wanting to do more independent work, while not completely over loading myself is a bit of a challenge!

The spoon theory is such a great way to think about behaviour. Often, I come across children who hit meltdown but there doesn't seem to be a 'reason'. Sometimes, we just lose too many spoons.

Neurodiversity- affirming therapy 🧠

I wanted to take a moment to explain neurodiversity affirming therapies a little more. It's something that I'm becoming increasingly mindful of within my practice, to be the best, child-centred therapist I can be.

What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity explains natural variations in the brain and is a part of human diversity. Neurodiversity includes Autism Spectrum Condition, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Language Disorder, Dyslexia, Dypraxia and numerous others.

What is neurodiversity-affirming therapy?
This is a perspective that encourages acceptance of neurodiversity rather than seeing it as a disorder that can be 'fixed'.
This is still quite a new, up and coming approach to therapy, so continues not to be accepted by some.

- I aim to provide advice, guidance and adaptations to meet the needs of children and young people who identify as neurodivergent rather.
- I aim to support children and young people to where possible, self-advocate.
- My therapies embrace the differences neurodivergent people experience and never forces or pushes them to fit in to neurotypical norms.
- I accept all communication, no matter the form, what's important to me is that young people and children's 'voices' are being heard and listened to.
- I make a conscious effort to listen to voices of neurodivergent people in order to inform my practice.
- I listen and make time to understand to wants, needs, goals and aspirations of the children and young people I work with.