/2 understanding sensory is VITAL in helping to nurture your autistic tween/teen. School is frequently a point of trauma for autistic CYP @naomicfisher@_MissingTheMark NB increased anxiety can make sensory experiences more intense, challenging.
/3 many ways to be happy. checklists tend to miss this E.g. Questions about numbers of friends - It's possible to be happy with a few/ many friends. We're all different. Choose checklists wisely, even better- talk to your CYP ❤️lived experiences autisticgirlsnetwork.org/keeping-it-all…
/4 masking/ adaptive morphing (@WennLawson) = suppressing who you are = not good for MH. Feb 1/2 of Y7 often a point of breakdown for many in @AutisticGirls_ survey. We can change things by developing our understanding of autism and neurodiversity
/5 persistent absence - consider neurodivergent needs and experiences. Don't assume it's choice, don't think in terms of 'deficit'. It's easier to unmask if you are in safer, more secure environments.
/6 Spotting Masking. Explosions at home= CYP is NOT fine in school @NotFineinSchool . So important to listen to parents & CYP lived experiences. Notice internal presentations, choices around activities. #FLipTheNarrative thinking is essential
/7 Autism+Environment= outcome (@SheffieldLuke). So important to embrace autistic identity. Having safe spaces to explore -peers, adults, sensory & also safe activities= stimming/special interests. Autistic identity=environment too.
/8 Batteries, bank withdrawals or 'spoons' - It helps to account for how much energy you have, balance things, plan in advance, to understand how best to help yourself to do things that your brain & body likes to do. It's ok to ask for help
/9 Ways that empty autistic individual's batteries, bank accounts and spoon drawers. A list that really helps us to think about equitable requirements @MrTs_NQTs
/10 Ways to fill up your 'battery, bank account and the spoon drawer'. ❤️the fact that Special interests is at the top - please allow the CYP to share @commaficionado@thewoodbug Sensory is also not a bad thing, again #FlipTheNarrative NB-swinging tends to be more vestibular.
/11 Other ideas to support positive autistic identity.
/12 Promoting neurodiversity everywhere. An incredible message to take forward @ITAKOM_CONF Allow the ability to advocate, have agency, be able to say No. Shows an individual's awareness of 'batteries, bank accounts and spoons'.
/13 Thank you @AutisticGirls_ & @grrand_ioe Much more in the book ❤️. A brilliant webinar. I think there will be a recording, for all the bits I missed.
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1/7 Evidence for sensory processing impacting on participation in everyday activities in typically developing children DOI: 10.1177/03080226211020651. @SINetwork
2/7 It is important for everyone working with CYPs (professionals, family, carers, friends) to appreciate every CYP's sensory prefences in order to support participation @RCSLTLearn