Empowering neurodivergent people through understanding and conversation
Empowering neurodivergent people through understanding and conversation
There are two important things to remember when it comes to Christmas lunch and neurodivergent kids. Firstly, it is a social construct, not a necessity. Secondly, you and your neurodivergent child do not owe conformity to anyone. Not even the people you love most. In fact, especially not the people you love most. If your child finds eating Christmas lunch at a family gathering difficult, that is okay. If this situation remains difficult, that is[…]
Developing a sense of security can prevent or repair so much of what people feel is difficult about neurodivergence. There are a number of traits of neurodivergencies that are tough – for the neurodivergent person, and sometimes for the people around them too. But so many of the trickier aspects of many neurodivergences are not traits of the neurotype itself, but an expression of distress. We have talked about this so many times in articles[…]
For even the most neuroaffirming family unit, Christmas celebrations with extended family can be incredibly difficult for families with neurodivergent members. Some find this is down to the lack of accommodations. For others it is due to blatant judgement. Some children are dysregulated by particular family members. Parents can be frustrated by their usually-regulated child having a “bad day” in the presence of so many family members. Obviously these potential “bad days” are absolutely understandable,[…]
Q. My daughter is 12 and will be starting high school next year. She was diagnosed with autism when she was 6 but has got through primary school without any support other than her teachers helping her through some fights with friends and not sticking to one peer group. This term she seems to be losing skills. I have taken her to the doctor because I was worried there was something wrong with her body[…]
Some neurodivergent children can be very particular about routines, the position of items, which clothing items should be worn together, and other non-sensory specifics. (Sensory needs are a separate issue). These things can appear inconsequential to other people, and may be considered indicative of OCD. A number of young neurodivergent people are even diagnosed as having OCD. How many of these diagnoses are accurate is questionable. The DSM-5 specifically defines Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as not[…]
I’ve got a happy tailI’ve got a happy tailHappy tail, happy tailI’ve got a happy tail. – Tumpty, Tilly & Friends, CBeebies When it comes to neurodivergent children’s negative reflexive behaviours, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is frequently mentioned. It is the dysphoric emotional (and sometimes physiological) response to rejection, real or perceived. This can include perceived criticism, ostracism, teasing, insults, interruption, and almost any other slight. The response generally is understood to be out of[…]
