Positive Development’s Post

How fabulous is this homework from a wonderful student completing my Sona Best Self course? It’s so important to try to switch our focus from our faults to our strengths. The truth is we can often take our strengths for granted, while amplifying our weaknesses. Magic happens when we switch our focus to what we are naturally good at. Maybe it’s time to take a strengths test? Or to retake one (Research recommends, every 6 months)? Find the link for the free VIA character strengths test in the comments. There is a youth version too! Which is a lovely empowering exercise to do with older teens & this hand drawing a nice version for younger ones! - #positivepsychology #loveoflearning #reallifepositivity #inspiration #onlinecourses #reflection #sona #groupcoaching #teambuilding #research #onlinecoaching #onetoone #bestself #neurodiversity #autism #autismawareness

April is #WorldAutismMonth, and throughout the month, we'll be sharing stories and lived experiences from individuals on the skills they bring to their teams, how they best feel supported by friends and colleagues, and what others can do to foster neuro-inclusion. To begin the celebrations, we asked autistic individuals what key skills they most associated with 💬 Of those who took part, 36% identified Attention to Detail as their biggest strength, with 31% choosing Hyperfocus as a core skill. Many participants also highlighted that they excelled in all three areas, as well as their ability to see patterns and connections where neurotypical individuals may not. It's important to remember this month that every individual's strengths will be unique, and to prioritise neuro-inclusion to help individuals utilise their talents and thrive. The National Autistic Society #WorldAutismWeek #Autism #AutismAwareness #Poll #Neurodiversity

What is that emotional outburst telling you? Here’s my experience as a mother to a special needs child and as a mentor to other parents like me. By implementing the findings of certain experts, I have gained transformative insights that have helped us. I now believe that "Decoding Behavior is More Than Just Emotion." I have learned that a meltdown is not an act of defiance, but a call for understanding. It is a signal that our children need us to listen to them with more than just our ears. When my child has an emotional outburst, I firmly believe that words alone cannot convey what is going on for him. I have learned to look beyond the moment and try to understand the message hidden in his behaviour. This helps me to respond with empathy and understanding, rather than frustration and blind reaction. I have come to value insight over action and to pause and reflect on what lies beneath the surface. It's a lesson that resonates deeply, both personally and professionally. What is your opinion on viewing challenging behaviour as communication instead of defiance? Have you ever experienced a moment where decoding your child's behaviour led to a breakthrough? Please share your story for us to learn. #DisabilitiesAwareness2024 #InclusionMatters #CelebrateDifferences #EveryAbilityCounts #AdvocateInclusivity #AwarenessInspiresChange #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #CriDuChat #specialneedsparenting #BALANCEframework #AutismAcceptance

🔑 Unlocking Lifelong Independence: Embracing Learning and Self-Advocacy for Autism! 🌟 Life is a beautiful mosaic, each piece uniquely shaped by our experiences and choices. 🎨 For those navigating the world with autism, the journey might seem like an intricate puzzle – but remember, every piece has its place! ✨ 🧠 Embrace Learning: Knowledge is the compass that guides us through uncharted waters. 🌊🗺 The pursuit of understanding fuels our personal growth and empowers us to break barriers. 📚💡 Remember, curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a superpower! 💪🔍 🗣 Self-Advocacy: Your voice is the wind beneath your wings, propelling you to new heights. 🦋🗣 Speak your truths, desires, and needs with confidence. Remember, self-advocacy isn't just about advocating for yourself; it's paving the way for others too! 🌈🤝 💙 Autism Awareness: Let's light up the world with understanding and acceptance. 🌟💙 By spreading awareness, we pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let's celebrate neurodiversity and the beautiful spectrum that colors our lives! 🌈🌍 #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity 🌱 Growth Mindset: Like a flower pushing through cracks in the pavement, your potential knows no bounds. 🌷🌱 Embrace challenges, for they are the stepping stones toward a more resilient you. 🚀💪 #GrowthMindset #UnlimitedPotential 🌟 Embracing Uniqueness: Our differences are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of humanity. 🧵💖 Let your uniqueness shine bright, for it's a beacon of hope and inspiration. 🌟🌈 #EmbraceYourself #BeUnique #autism #autismawareness #adhd #asd #autismacceptance #autismfamily

Our emPOWER UP: Independence at Home program is specifically for young autistic people looking to become more self-sufficient in the family home, preparing to move out or making improvements for those already living on their own. The program empowers participants to use their problem solving, goal setting and self-reflection skills applied across practical areas such as self-care, domestic chores, scheduling or time management, budgeting, and community access. We value all participant feedback both positive and ways we can improve as an organisation. But when we have feedback like this, we just had to share with our hashtag #linkedin community. This is why we do what we do when we truly empower our autistic community. #autism #autismsupport

Autism is a lifelong journey, and an autistic person's needs, strengths, and challenges may change over time. It’s essential to recognize and support these evolving aspects to help them thrive at every stage of life. 💡 Changing Needs: As autistic individuals grow, their needs may shift. Early childhood might focus on developing communication and social skills, while adolescence could bring new challenges related to independence and self-identity. Adulthood often requires support in areas like employment, relationships, and daily living skills. 🌟 Recognizing Strengths: Every autistic person has unique strengths that can shine brightly with the right support. These might include exceptional memory, attention to detail, creativity, or specialized interests. Celebrating and fostering these strengths can boost confidence and lead to fulfilling opportunities. 🚀 Addressing Challenges: Challenges can vary widely among autistic individuals and can change with different life stages. Sensory sensitivities, social interactions, and communication barriers are common challenges that may require tailored strategies and interventions. Early and continuous support can make a significant difference. 🤝 Our Commitment: At The Different Peace, we are dedicated to providing ongoing support and resources to help autistic individuals and their families navigate this lifelong journey. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can flourish. . . 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/dJiBvmFE . . #TheDifferentPeace #GratitudeInAction #ABAProud #ASDAwareness #ABAHeroes #AutismSupport #ThankYouABA

Are you creating resources for or regarding autistic people, such as a report from a study you've done, or educational resources or info sheets? It's vital that you involve actually autistic people in this process, to make sure the content is actually helpful and hits the mark. I'm available to consult on projects, or edit finished documents, to help achieve these goals. Message me here on LinkedIn (via my Services page if we're not connected), or send me an email, to discuss how I can help. (Email address in the comments) #Autism #AutismSupport #ActuallyAutistic #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Thought for the day - Autistic Strengths 4 Multiple Thoughts 🧠🛣️🎨 Autistic individuals often have multiple simultaneous ideas, offering a range of unique perspectives and solutions that may not be immediately apparent to others. While it may seem that showcasing one idea is the most effective way to demonstrate contributions, embracing the diverse ideas of autistic individuals can lead to innovative approaches that save time and drive financial success. Listening to and considering these multiple ideas without judgment can greatly benefit organisations by fostering creativity and unlocking new opportunities for growth. #autism #contributions

When are we going to be educated rather than simply “aware”? Every neurotype has tremendous value. And potential. And strengths. So why is the average age expectancy for autistic individuals just 36 years old ? When you’re not understood, not heard, when you’re not included, when your gifts remain stifled inside you, you don’t want to be here anymore. #autism #autistic #inclusion #suicide #mentalhealth #value #potential #globalcommunity #employability #education #school #schoolleadership #ehcp #neurodiversity #neurodivergence

Autistics are frequently Gestalt processors, meaning that we understand information in chunks or whole pieces rather than in parts (think of the difference of learning to read phonetically vs learning the whole word at once). This is why it's harder for autistics to "change gears" or even cope with small plans changing. It's the difference of trying to round an unexpected obstacle with a mountain bike vs a semi-truck. Autistic people need more context, more direct information about the entirety of a process or plan, and for our curious questions not to be met with disdain. There's no guile, we genuinely want to know the answers to avoid future misunderstandings. 😅 #disabilityawareness #autism #actuallyautistic #neurodiversityatwork