I've had a lot of experience of working with children who have autism or ADHD - and sometimes both. I've worked with the families of neurodivergent children, their teachers, support assistants, peers in their classrooms and with professionals encountering autistic children in their work from time to time. I have no lived experience of autism or ADHD, but have been extremely fortunate to learn from a number of autistic adults and ADHDers; particularly in the last year while running my business.
Disclaimer: I'm not delivering training about the clinical aspects of neurodiversity, I don't have the experience and expertise to do so, please seek out high quality training by those who have. I'm attempting to address the responses I often hear when in the classroom supporting pupils and staff with behaviour: "I wish he'd just do the same thing as everyone else." It is most often a boy, but not always and the graphic below demonstrates what I am mindful of.
For education practitioners I liken the expectations of autistic children and those with ADHD to being asked to use their left hand if right handed, to drinking from the opposite side of a cup or attempting to walk downstairs backwards. We know that such actions are problematic from the start; throw in discomfort, pain, fear, significant effort for little or no return. Far more empathy can be shown by recognising that these children aren't different, they are unique.
For many neurotypical people who don't have a day to day lived experience of autism or ADHD, the concept of having a brain that processes information in an untypical way can be difficult to grasp. Experiences that the majority of us take for granted can be much more challenging for an autistic child than we'd ever imagine. However, it's necessary to recognise the strengths that exist for many children with autism and ADHD.
So this workshop is designed to recognise some of the issues that make the neurotypical world more difficult to navigate sometimes. It explores how to recognise some of the indicators of stress and how we can support autistic children and those with ADHD in school to regulate their emotions and behaviour in a way that works for them. Each child's experiences will be unique and behavioural change takes time; particularly if it is to become permanent.
If you're interesting in booking a place for either workshop, here are the links to Eventbrite:
Sensory Processing & Behaviour: Supporting Autistic Children, 28th June 10:00 am-12:00 pm
ADHD Traits & Behaviour: Sensory Needs & Self-Regulation, 3rd July 1:15 pm-3:15 pm
The fee for each workshop is £55.00. However, if you'd like to attend both or attend with a colleague, contact me by email and I'll arrange a discount. zelpherf@aluna-abc.co.uk
I look forward to seeing you there!!
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