1/8 For #ActuallyAutistic people, environments are crucial for wellbeing. Not all environments feel safe, neither are they. There is real danger out there. Sensory & expectations of others can all harm. A thread thinking about these as 'shark infested waters'.& why CBT can't work 2/8 Sharks are beautiful creatures. As within any ecosystem, all creatures have a place & role. Shark infested waters are fine if you're a shark or having nothing to fear from them. There are some we wouldn't want to swim with, but that's ok, it's our choice

1/12 A thread on 'fighting', being battle ready; wiser, but still vulnerable to the hurt. This is the reality of being a SEND parent, the bit professionals don't see, the bit you'd like to be on every professional's CPD. Not just teachers, but all who pass judgement on our YP 2/12 When you have a child, you really don't imagine that you are going to end up fighting those you had so much trust & respect for before. The schools, the teachers, the system. The reality of that first moment of fight is shock, disbelief, grief, horror. It doesn't get better

1/4 Words I find challenging. 'Heightened & baseline'. Both are in so many ways useless & dangerous. They are another's judgement on what they see, but fail worryingly to describe what is actually experienced. They are medically-cleansed, pretending to know, but not caring 2/4 Heightened: used for any action that is unwanted, out of place. The ableism factor is high. A whole range of emotions, communication, exploration & discovery, written off by just 1 word. The person objectified, by judge & jury, deemed 'less' for being their authentic self

/1 Trying to do a tweet capture of @AutisticGirls_ webinar on nurturing your autistic tween/ teen @autisticrealms @neuroteachers @grrand_ioe @DrRuthMoyse @MrTs_NQTs @MxOolong @Spectrum0Gaming - disclaimer, I've not done ALT for most, as slides are Text & just want to send. /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.

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