Dynamic Parenting

Top 3 tips from Dr Ross Greene!

I asked Ross what are his top 3 things to focus on and he said:

1) Kids do well if they can

2) Meeting kids where they are at

3) Understand their developmental variability (looking at the individuals development is super important for neurodivergent kids)

Plus: Moving adults away from focusing on behaviours and focus on theproblems that are causing the behaviour problems

I’m glad too! I’m so grateful to be able to support families to feel understood and supported. It’s the best job in the world.

💛 Kate
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ID: Text Reads, “I am so grateful that we found you! You really get us. Thank you.” Parent of 6 year old gifted, Autistic, PDAer with other learning differences.

I use headphones everywhere - in the car, around the house, when I go for a walk. My go-to device for helping lessen the daily sensory overload in my life.

What about you?

💛 Kate
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ID: Kate wears a white shirt and white headphones over her head. She’s smiling at the camera. Text reads, “My go-to device for helping lessen the daily sensory overload in my life.”

Do any of these look familiar?

Autistic masking is different to other types of masking. People say everyone masks sometimes, and this is true. People mask at work or around certain social groups so they will be liked, included, and fit in. Autistic people can do this type of masking too. There is another type of masking called adaptive morphine and it is a stress response where autistic people mask out of fear. Adaptive morphing is not a choice and happens unconsciously. Adaptive morphine has very harmful effects on the body and nervous system. When we adaptively morph in childhood it impacts our developing sense of self and identity. It is a contributing factor to the extremely high rates of anxiety, depression, and other stress related health conditions.

Whilst this is often done instinctually, this constant effort takes an enormous amount of energy and often leaves us feeling drained and disconnected from who we really are. I’m so glad I am able to safely unmask and live a neuroaffirming lifestyle but there are still situations that I instinctually adaptively morph. When I do, I make sure I am very kind to myself afterwards and use restorative strategies. I love supporting other neurodivergent individuals to find ways they can become their authentic selves.

Please reach out if you or someone you know needs some assistance with this. Or if you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child, and you’d like to be the best advocate for your child in embracing their neurodivergence, please check out my Dynamic Parenting Course.

Find out more here: https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au/parents

💛 Kate
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ID: Titled, Autistic masking can look like… with a caricature of a girl with a forced smile in the centre and arrows and text around her. They read,
Saying ‘yes’ to things out of obligation
Holding back stems or your natural body movements
Mimicking the speech or behaviour of those around you
Scripting/planning conversations before they happen
Suppressing your feelings and thoughts in the moment
Stopping yourself From talking about your interests

"The world is a better place because of biodiversity. In the same way that the world is a better place because of neurodiversity." - Kate Donohue

Our world is richer and more vibrant because of the unique ways our minds work. Neurodiversity brings creativity, new perspectives, and strengths that make us all better together.

I love the creative process of baking. I love the making, the decorating, and the eating - win win win. 😘 I made this lemon curd meringue cake recently. It was so yummy. And how pretty do those flowers look?

✨What do you love about neurodiversity? I’d love to hear! 😊

💛 Kate
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ID: three images of a cake. Yellow lemon curd sandwiched between two meringues, and covered in silky white cream. The cake is covered in pink, purple and white flowers, and lots of greenery. In the last image the cake has a large wedge cut from it.

You’re in good hands.

Kate not only has lived experience as an autistic, ADHD, PDAer herself, she also raises multi-neurodivergent children and has built secure relationships with her children by understanding and meeting their needs and preferred communication and relationship styles. She has two decades of experience building safe, neuro-affirming relationships with autistic and neurodivergent people, including offering her neuroaffirming parenting training where parents get evidence-based education and mentoring to raise neurodivergent children within a community of like-minded parents.

Kate would be thrilled to work with your family and bring you into the Dynamic Parenting Community. There’s no start date, you can join at ANY time, so if this sounds like something you could benefit from, head to: https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au/parents

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[ID: Kate sits at her desk, green plants are beside her computer. Text reads, ‘Kate is contributing to the evolution of secure relationships between nuerodivergent young people and their families.’]

Are you looking for support, strategies and tips for parenting Neurodivergent children?

We are neuroaffirming on all levels at Dynamic Parenting. If you are having a low spoon day and you turn up in your PJs to a group call, great, if you forget and don’t turn up at all, there will be no judgement. If your child needs you, you leave at any time. We are here to support you, and you get to choose how you show up.

The Dynamic Parenting Community is a self-paced 6 module course that includes your step-by-step guide to parenting Neurodivergent kids.

You’ll also find strategies and approaches through our fortnightly group video sessions and support in our community forum and Facebook group.

If you’d like to learn more or are ready to sign up, head to: https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au/parents

💛 Kate

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ID: Kate is smiling as she leans forward against a shovel beside a tree. She wears a blue skirt and a blush coloured top. Text reads, Are you looking for support, strategies and tips for parenting Neurodivergent children?

Validation is affirming that your feelings are real, it is an acknowledgement that what you are going through is real, it is being and feeling heard.

I always validate parents and educate on neuroaffirming ways to parent and grow as an individual. There is no place for criticism or judgement at Dynamic Parenting but there is always space to learn and change.

For parents of neurodivergent children, we question, doubt, and second guess ourselves daily, so I’m so glad I can support parents in this small way.

💛 Kate
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ID: Text reads, “Thanks for all of your support and validation. I can't actually begin to explain how appreciative I am.” - Parent of 10-year-old autistic, ADHDer, PDAer with Learning Disabilities and High IQ

Taking a moment to recharge but I’m not sure I intended for my photo to be taken. 😂

Sensory swings are like being wrapped in a warm, cozy hug! I love aerial yoga for this reason as it's a very “adult” way to get the same sensory input plus use gravity to manage stiffness and pain associated with hypermobility. I learnt how to stretch my neck in my last class as I hold most of my tension in my neck and shoulders. This is the best way I have found to release tension.

You’ll often find my daughter in the swing with an audiobook - she finally let me have a turn. 😘

💛 Kate
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ID: Kate lays sideways over an armchair on a veranda, her back arched over one arm and her knees hooked over the other. Behind her is a sensory swing which Kate has her head resting in, supporting her.

Have you been thinking about joining our Dynamic Parenting Community, but not quite sure what to expect?

As a part of our Community, you’ll get access to:

💛 A self-paced 6-module program
💛 Fortnightly group video sessions
💛 30-min connection call
💛 Community Forum
💛 Welcome kit
💛 Facebook group
💛 Video library
💛 Tool kit
💛 And so much more!

Want to know more?

Book a free 15 min online session with Kate from Dynamic Parenting to learn more about how the course and community can support you https://calendly.com/dynamicp/30min?month=2024-08
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I.D: Green plants in white pots sit on little white tables. Text reads, What do you get when you join our Dynamic Parenting Community? Followed by tick boxes with the list as mentioned in above text.

Once you’ve formed trust with your child, the possibilities swing wide open because with trust comes safety, and when we feel safe, we're able to open up and be vulnerable and willing to try new ways of being. This is how you can explore options that your child might not be open to without your support. It might be trying a new food together, exploring sensory supports, or discussing new ways to resolve conflict together.

This trust can take time to build, especially if you've had battles and head-on conflicts with your child over the years. Allow them time to warm up to this new way of interacting, and show them through your actions that you are by their side.

The first step is to think about some things you can do to deeply relate with your child and bring more connection so you can begin to build those foundations of safety and trust. In this first stage the focus is connection and not compliance so find ways you can enjoy each other's company without the demands of life to build that bond.

During the Dynamic Parenting Course we unpack this further, and look at strategies to implement as a way to support this trust and your child’s growth.

Find out more here: https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au/parents

💛 Kate
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ID: Text reads, “When our children feel like we’re on their team and that we’re there for them no matter what, they start to trust us and learn to look to us to help them.” - Kate Donohue

⭐ Would you like to learn how to be a Neuroaffirming parent?
⭐ Would you like to develop practical, actionable skills and knowledge that you can use to parent your neurodivergent child?
⭐ Would you like to be involved in safe, constructive conversations with other like-minded parents?
⭐ Would you like to learn some more Neuroaffirming options, strategies and approaches for you and your child?
⭐ Would you like the specialised support from an experienced professional who uses evidence based practices with lived experience?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might benefit from the Dynamic Parenting Course and community.

Book a free 15 min online session with Kate from Dynamic Parenting to learn more about how the course and community can support you https://calendly.com/dynamicp/30min?month=2024-08
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ID: Kate sits on a sofa with pink and white cushions. She wears blue pants and a white top. She has a phone to her ear and a notebook resting on her knee. Text reads, Would you like to learn how to be a Neuroaffirming parent?

We all deserve to feel valued for who we are as it’s a basic human need to feel like we belong and are accepted. Thank you for this beautiful review, Alexander.
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ID: Text reads, Kate has helped me to know myself in a deeper way and not just how to overcome my differences, but also how to walk in harmony with them. One of the many splendid things about Kate is that she does not try and change you to be someone who you are not, but rather values you for the amazing person that you are.” - Alexander - 13 year old with Autism, ADHD & Touretts

🌸I stumbled upon the sweetest little fairy garden today while I was out on a walk! 🌿 I can just imagine the joy this sparked for the people who made this. Connecting with nature, choosing the bits to add to the pot, imagining the fairies coming to visit. Their joy gave me joy. It was another reminder to slow down and appreciate the magic around.🧚‍♀️

A walk around my neighbourhood always surprises me. Sometimes I discover a tiny world like this one, but most times just being out in nature grounds me and energises me at the end of my day.

Do you enjoy getting out in nature? What’s the last amazing thing you saw while you went out on a walk?

💛 Kate
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ID: a shallow, wide pot sits at the base of a tree. Inside it, a little arrangement of ornaments and pebbled has been set up as a fairy garden.

Rocking my sunflower land yard for my flight back home from Sydney for a neurodivergent educators catch up. Thanks so much Siobhan Lamb for having me stay!

So many families have clashes with their sensory needs. It’s helpful to identify them and find strategies that work for you and your family.

Here’s some suggestions…

If you need help with any of this, please get in touch.
https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au

💛 Kate
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I.D: Infographic text reads, Ways to manage SENSORY CONFLICTS - when one person’s sensory needs are triggering another person’s sensory overwhelm
Normalise sensory needs - Normalise having different sensory needs without blame or judgement by having open conversations about everyone’s individual sensory needs
Identify Sensory Conflicts - Identify specific times where the family experiences sensory conflicts and what might help each person to manage. Car rides, busy functions, and sudden changes are common times for sensory conflicts to occur so make a plan for what each adult will do and what resources will be needed.
Sensory kits - Identify each person's sensory needs and develop individual kits with regulating items and ideas - these kits will need to evolve as the individual grows and changes
Plan for known conflicts - Create action plans before predictable conflicts arise. You could try:
Planning what you will bring when going out
Discussing what each person can do to support others (if they have capacity)
Plan what regulating activities to do beforehand and afterwards
Create space - Create quiet spaces and respect those who need longer alone time to regulate without interaction
Collaborative problem solving - Plan for ongoing conversations to problem solve and find solutions that meet everyone’s sensory needs. Revisiting problem solving and coming up with new strategies is an important part of managing sensory conflicts

Soaking up some cozy vibes by the fire.🧡 There's something about the crackling flames and a comfy armchair that makes everything feel better, don’t you think?

It’s been a quiet week around here – my kids were off on holidays, while I stayed behind, embracing the warmth! They have enjoyed medieval castles and tours while I’ve had the ADHD conference and an opportunity to catch up on all the work and projects that seem to pile up when the house is busy and full of demands.

Now that the house is warming back up with their return, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your go-to cozy spot or favorite way to unwind? 😊

💛 Kate
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ID: Kate sits laid back in an armchair, wearing jeans and a mustard coloured top, beside an opened fire. The fire is set back in a stone wall, the flames are bright orange.

One of the most crucial factors in finding the right support for yourself or your neurodivergent child is connecting with professionals who have lived experience. At Dynamic Parenting, we understand the unique needs of neurodivergent adults and children because we live this life too. We combine our extensive professional knowledge with this personal experience to provide the best possible support and guidance.

Learn more about our approach here: https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au/parents

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ID: Kate sits with her hands folded on her knees She is smiling and wearing a a light blue skirt, navy blue top and a green scarf. Text reads, ‘Authentic, compassionate education and coaching grounded in 20+ years of professional experience and a lifetime of lived experience.’

Personalised Learning Plans, known by various names depending on your state such as ONE Plans or Individualised Learning Plans. Learners with disabilities, learning difficulties, English as an additional language or dialect (EALD), distinct language, cultural or social requirements, vulnerable learners including: - mental health needs and trauma, learners who are Aboriginal, in care, gifted and who need substantial adjustments are all eligible to access a Personalised Learning Plan at their school.

These plans are written:
with a strength-based focus • reflects individual learning needs • documents the teaching and adjustments required for the learner • is regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet changing needs

Personalised Learning Plans are vital because they create a framework agreed upon by both you and the school, detailing the support and accommodations that will be provided by the school for your child.

This is something I teach during the Dynamic Parenting Course, in our Took Kit section. I offer practical guidance to help you put together a thorough representation for your child and their needs.

If this is something you and your child might benefit from, you can get more details here: https://www.dynamicparenting.com.au/parents

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ID: Text reads, ‘What is a Personalised Learning Plan?

Being MC has been super fun and was made even better by the amazing presenters!

Thanks for inviting me Rebecca Challoner and My Spirited Child

If I am 100% honest I do prefer monologuing on stage about ADHD for 45 mins then keeping myself and everyone onstage at the right times for the whole day but I did love it even if it’s not my natural skill set 🧡

Have you purchased your ticket to the My Spirited Child ADHD conference yet?

It’s on in 2 days, and this year I’m MC for the day. So thrilled to be part of this conference again this year, if you need/want to learn more about ADHD from some incredibly educated speakers, make sure you get your ticket.

I’ll also have a Dynamic Parenting stall set up for the day. If you have questions you’d love to ask about what I do or the Dynamic Parenting community, this is your opportunity. You’ll also have the chance to look at the Welcome Pack and Companion folder provided when you sign up for the course.

If you are coming along, I’d love you to wander past and say hello. 👋

THIS Saturday, September 14th, 10am - 4pm (doors open at 8:30 am) at the Adelaide Convention Centre. To find more details, head here, https://bit.ly/3YkI5sE

or book your ticket via this link https://bit.ly/3YlsR6E

I look forward to seeing you there!

💛 Kate
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ID: Kate stands wearing a dark blue top and a string of gold necklaces. She is smiling. Text reads, ‘ADHD conference THIS Saturday.’