Autism, ADHD​, and other neurodiversities
Autism and ADHD are two neurodiversities that are commonly discussed and have had increasing attention in the public eye. As diagnostic tools and understanding have gotten better, more children and adults are being diagnosed. Autism and ADHD have always existed and will always exist.
When my child was diagnosed with autism, we immediately adopted understood that she would always be autistic and that some things may be more difficult as she learns to thrive is a world not designed for her. We have employed many strategies including social stories, reward charts, play, and professional services to address difficulties as they arise.
Using the Social Model of Disability that explains disability is caused by an unaccommodating society rather than individual differences, my therapeutic process focuses on neurodivergent affirming practices. Starting with and building on strengths, my approach will tailor to each individual and family to build a plan and achieve your unique goals.
Some Strategies and Ideas for Parents
Social Stories
Social stories are powerful, first person stories that can help orient your child to things they are experiencing now or in the near future. Stories that feature your child and/or use real pictures are especially helpful. You can write these yourself or you can find some prewritten or for purchase.
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The Toddler Prep Books* are helpful for everyday experiences like going to the doctor, dentist, movies, and camping. Or you can write them yourself. Here is an example** I wrote to help my daughter get ready for kindergarten.
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Talk About Values
Many neurodivergent children will need additional support to learn the skills they need to operate in this world that ultimately is not designed for them.
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When you talk to providers, talk to them about your values for your child. For example, I recently asked a physical therapist, "What is your approach working with autistic children? My child is falling, that is what we are trying to address. We are looking for neurodivergent-affirming care and want to work with someone who believes, like we do, that we are not trying to treat or fix her autism. We are going to work on the thing that isn't working for her, and right now, it's that she is falling."
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When you are clear with your providers, you can partner to make appropriate goals and it will be easier to see when to discharge from services.
"But I'm the Only One"
Nothing was more heartbreaking than when my daughter expressed how different she felt than her classmates. "But I'm the only one that has autism. I'm the only who doesn't like to eat the food at school. I'm the only one that doesn't like our loud lunchtime."
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It's normal for kids to start to compare themselves to their peers and notice when they are the same and how they are different.
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For neurodivergent kids, having books that help them feel less alone and make them proud of their unique brains. We have found a few books* that have made an impact.
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All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
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My Different Brain by Orlanda Bettison
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Uniquely Wired A Story about Autism and its Gifts by Julia Cook
*I do not get any compensation or benefits for recommending these books to you. They have been incredibly helpful for my family and I hope they help yours too.
**Opens as a download. Please use as a template for your own stories. Pictures have been removed for my daughter's privacy.
*I do not get any compensation or benefits for recommending these books to you. They have been incredibly helpful for my family and I hope they help yours too.
**Opens as a download. Please use as a template for your own stories. Pictures have been removed for my daughter's privacy.