MoodLifter

There’s been an idea sitting on my “big ideas for later” list for a very long time.

Many of these ideas sit on the list until they are no longer relevant, I lose interest. OR someone else has the same idea and does it well and meets the need.

The barrier to most of my ideas is usually a combination of prioritising other things with my time & money.

A few months ago .rcot Independent practice specialist section advertised they had a grant available for trying out innovative ideas. I ignored it, I thought I don’t have time to fill in the form let alone do a project… but the pull of my idea was too strong and I set aside an afternoon to speak to a few people and fill in the form.

Well I am thrilled to announce that I won the grant.

Over the next year I will be working on collaboration to develop a training package for health professionals working in physical health to get better health outcomes for neurodivergent people, alongside this we will be making a reflective CPD journal.

Whilst it doesn’t cover my time it does cover the costs of being able to buy in other neurodivergent people’s expertise to collaborate. I had a planning meeting this week with the wonderful who has said yes to being my co lead in this project 🥳🥳🥳

Last bit of admin before I go on holiday is finally completed. A blog

I want to exercise but getting out of breath panics me Deciding you want to start exercising can be daunting, especially when the physiological changes in your body—like a racing heart, tight lungs, or heavy muscles—feel overwhelming. These sensations can be particularly intense if you've experienced panic attacks or if you're neurodivergent and fin...

If you ARE NOT dyspraxic please can you complete this questionnaire for some research looking at dyspraxic experience of falls (the researcher has had lots of responses from dyspraxic people and there parent and is now looking to compare that to a none dyspraxic experience.

Adult falls survey link: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/mmu/falls-in-adults

Parent survey re Child falls survey link: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/mmu/falls-in-children

app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk

Please share!

There is a consultation on PIP (disability benefits). It was initiated by the conservatives but labour have not scrapped it. This is not about improving the process for disabled people but is about saving money as theres a perception it isnt good value for money. Disabled people have significantly higher living costs that non disabled people.

The consultation finishes on the 22nd July,
The government process for giving feedback is incredibly inaccessible for disabled people so please respond even if it doesn't directly affect you.

This is the link to the online form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6fbxllcQF0GsKIDN_ob4wy4AdhV04YtOnxNXoi82ciFUN00yS0lJSTgzOVNaUzI1TVpYRkZGN1RUQSQlQCN0PWcu

This is the link to the full consultation document that I found the link in.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper -to-respond

There is no save function on the form so you You can also respond by email [email protected] Or post

Disability and Health Support Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions
Level 2
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

I have found this response online which might be useful for those who don't know or feel it is too much.https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/images/resources/consultation-response.pdf

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

There is a green paper proposing changes to PIP. The proposed changes reduce autonomy, add uncertainty and I anticipate woukd result in a poor value system in which certain providers will profit. Consultation closes 22nd July. The goverment process in increadibly inaccessible for disabled people so please respond even if it doesnt directly effect you.

This is the link to the online form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6fbxllcQF0GsKIDN_ob4wy4AdhV04YtOnxNXoi82ciFUN00yS0lJSTgzOVNaUzI1TVpYRkZGN1RUQSQlQCN0PWcu

This is the link to the full consulation document that I found the link in.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper -to-respond

You can also respond by email [email protected] Or post

Disability and Health Support Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions
Level 2
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

Fill | Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper Consultation response form

Ever feel like you’re constantly changing to fit in, like a chameleon? 🦎

My latest blog, "Contrasting Confusing Chameleons: ADHD Masking, Apologies, and Humour," delves into ADHD masking, why we often apologise or seem to be funny.

If you have ADHD or know someone who does, this one’s worth a read. Let’s talk about how we can all be our true selves and create more understanding spaces.

Also its worth a read just for the example of the most embarring thing I've ever done in my career.

https://www.moodlifter.co.uk/post/contrasting-confusing-chameleons-adhd-masking-apologies-and-humour

Contrasting Confusing Chameleons: ADHD Masking: Apologies, and Humour "I like to be surprised by what I say… it makes me work harder to find out what I mean." This quote from Robin Ince’s Bibliomaniac resonates deeply with me. Ince, a brilliant comedian, broadcaster, and author, also happens to be an ADHDer. Recently, I heard him on an episode of the history podca...

Despite having clinically supervised these wonderful OTs for years I have never met them in person. When I saw that there was an assistive technology brunch event on I couldn’t resist the drive to Leicester to see them whilst also updating my knowlwdge on some of the amazing technology out there that supports people in the work place and whilst studying

Allotment icecream … because is determined to make me like rhubarb

I am on a roll with new blogs... the latest one is for neurodivergent therapists and health professionals and is about assistive technology and some good ole analogue solutions.

If you're navigating the "Access to Work" process or just looking for some tools to make your work life easier, check it out! I cover everything from bullet journals to mind mapping software, and even smart solutions for keeping track of important items. 📓🗂️

If you love a tool I haven't listed let me know.
If you woudl like a more detailed "How to" step by step on any of the tools I have mentioned then vote for your favourite by commenting with the one you woudl like me to write about.💪✨

https://www.moodlifter.co.uk/post/assistive-technology-for-neuordivergent-therapists-and-health-professionals

Assistive Technology for Neuordivergent Therapists and Health Professionals I am currently going through the "Access to Work" process for the second time. "Access to Work" provides funding in England to employed and self-employed people for equipment and support. From my experience supporting others through this process, I've noticed significant inconsistency in the assessm...

I am on a roll with new blogs... the latest one is for neurodivergent therapists and health professionals and is about assistive technology and some good ole analogue solutions.

If you're navigating the "Access to Work" process or just looking for some tools to make your work life easier, check it out! I cover everything from bullet journals to mind mapping software, and even smart solutions for keeping track of important items. 📓🗂️

If you love a tool I haven't listed let me know.
If you woudl like a more detailed "How to" step by step on any of the tools I have mentioned then vote for your favourite by commenting with the one you woudl like me to write about.💪✨

https://www.moodlifter.co.uk/post/assistive-technology-for-neuordivergent-therapists-and-health-professionals

Can you believe there is no research into the impact of falls in dyspraxia!

I’m on the Patient Public Involvement group for this dyspraxia research if anyone want to take part the links are:

Link for adults with dyspraxia: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/mmu/fallsinadultswithdyspraxia



Link for parents of children with dyspraxia: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/mmu/fallsinchildrenwithdyspraxia

Falls in children with dyspraxia (DCD)

📢 I just wrote a new blog post about the fascinating connection between ADHD and hormones.

🌸🔍 If you’ve ever wondered how your hormones might be impacting your ADHD symptoms, this is for you. From clumsiness to focus challenges, I wanted to know why they happen and I hope I have covered it all in a way that’s easy to understand. Let’s navigate this journey together!

👉 Check out the full post https://www.moodlifter.co.uk/post/tldr-someone-made-the-mistake-of-asking-a-question-about-adhd-and-hormones

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments. 💪✨

TLDR: Someone made the mistake of asking a question about ADHD and hormones… Ever since getting a couple of personal training certifications for menopause and post pregnancy I have been interested in hormones and why they matter in our everyday lives. In the last year I had been to a couple of talks on ADHD in relation to hormone health but they never seemed to answer my que...

Yesterday, I stood up for something because it was the right thing to do.

As an occupational therapist, advocating for our clients and their needs is something many of us are familiar with.

But what about when it isn't for our clients and it is for ourselves in our professional life? The follow-up—setting professional boundaries and communicating the impact on ourselves—is equally crucial yet challenging. I managed to navigate this, and now the next step involves repairing and nurturing the professional relationship. This part is the hardest, with many elements beyond my control.

So I am curious to know how do you handle setting boundaries and repairing relationships in your professional life? What strategies work for you?

Hi-eeer…. Your trump-eso policy of build a woolen wall is no match for me

Feeling slightly hypocritical today. Despite my strong belief that rest and leisure are important, I am spending the second day of my day off editing my friends book chapter and then I will be treating myself to watching a course that I have wanted to catch up on.

I could very eloquently argue that a change is as good as a rest but who am I kidding. To balance it out I am refusing to brush my hair or get changed out of my hooded blanket

Wow, blown away that a talk I hadnt written two days ago could have such impact. I am loving all the messages about what you are going to do / change because of the ideas the talk has sparked. To those that helped me out with prep thank you and thank you so much for those who took the time to listen. Wishing you all stimmy joy

I'm speaking at the North East Autism Society "Acceptance Matters Conference on Thursday.

Did I agree to this on impulse four hours a go - Yes.
Did I provide a title and confidently describe what the talk would include - Yes.
Did I then look to see who I was replacing and had a meltdown because they are incredibly well respected and have written two incredible books - obviously yes
Will I put together the most amazing powerpoint in the space of 24 hours... Obviously yes.
Will Tony see me tonight.... hmmmmm

Tickets are amazingly only £12- £15

Sensational Stimming Presenter: Sarah Meharg Having agreed to cover this timeslot at short notice, it is likely you will see some self regulatory stimming in action as Sarah explores the world of stimming.  We will talk about the impact that pathologising stimming has onneurodivergent wellbeing and gain insights in...

I would guess that about 6 times a month I am emailed or messaged to ask about my recommendation for an ADHD assessment.

I really value that people come to me for this and I always take care to reply. But each time I do I think, Argh this information needs to be publicly available, I have a brief thought about posting a blog and then I forget all about it till the next time...

Well until this time...

This time instead of replying I finally wrote the blog. SO if you or anyone you know needs this info, it is now on a website instead of being inaccessible in my brain

What is the best way to get an ADHD assessment in England? what if "I am making a big thing out of nothing", "maybe I am just" "lazy", "unmotivated" , "flakey", "stupid".

There’s a reason cats aren’t classed like therapy dogs. Not the blank monitor… mid me presenting to thirty people she switched the PC off

I’m processing that the dyspraxia foundation has closed

Dyspraxia Foundation We write to you today with heavy hearts but with utmost transparency and respect. It is with profound regret that we must announce the closure of the Dyspraxia Foundation.

Anyone else use subtitled when watching TV? - it’s something I’ve always done due to my family’s deafness but when I worked out it helps my attention because I am processing the info from both sight and sound it adds more information.

I always have loved a podcast but I can only usually listen when walking. Well I am so happy! There is a new feature on apple podcasts, they are now transcribed. They’ve chosen an accessible font which is dyslexic friendly. It hightlights the text to show where you are up to. You can also search the transcript and it will start playing the podcast from the part you click on. If I zone out and miss a bit I don’t need to rewind I can glimpse at the text.

Now for a new game of searching for how many times does the word happy get mentioned in each podcast. Julias episode of com com pod is a respectable 8 times… are we saying higher or lower for the next episode.

Amazing morning collaborating with students thinking about how sensory strategies can support their student life. Each year I volunteer with the George Fentham Trust in collaboration with , the trust give out grants to local students in exchange for their time engaging with the community.

I love seeing all the passion coming from Autism acceptance posts saying that we need to move beyond acceptance.

But I actually don’t agree with needing to move from it if we actually look at where it has come from and what we mean.

It was not that long ago (well 2007 which isn’t that long ago to me) that autism acceptance day was a radical stand, led by autistic folk, against autism awareness led by none autistic people promoting harmful interventions.

I use principles of acceptance in my practice with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In this type of therapy acceptance is a beautiful concept. It’s to acknowledge and embrace rather than deny or change.

To quote the founder of autism acceptance day Paula C Durbin-Westby:

ACTUAL ACCEPTANCE, not “tolerance,” not “I accept you but not your autism.” The intention is *radical* acceptance, not ABA, not compliance training, not “fitting in,” unless we make that decision on our own.

Why can’t I look this glamorous at the gym.

A lovely fried gifted me some books of Birmingham photographs and of course this is the first page I opened.

Queensbridge operatic society… did you know singing exercises the upper body, pelvic floor as well as thoracic spine. There are also some studies that show Pilates can improve your singing voice (if only it helped me sing in tune)

Theres some interesting looking webinars/ panels on today. I’m not able to go as I’m delivering training but if anyone does go to any do share your thoughts with me

2024 Events Schedule | Neurodiversity Celebration Week We've created a diverse schedule of events for you to enjoy during Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024! All events are free of charge.

Help me out, I always struggle to condense who I am and what I do into a short social media profile.

What I currently have doesn’t seem to fit at the moment.

Can you tell me what you would come to me for?

Let’s honor the incredible diversity of our minds! 🧠💫 reminds us that no two brains are alike, each processing information uniquely.

Instead of focusing on labels and judgments during , let’s embrace the beauty of our differences as individuals. 🎉 Every person operates uniquely, and those who think differently are valued as neurodivergent. Let’s celebrate our diversity!

And yes I did prioritise creating this rather than preparing this mornings work

Send me links about PDA! persistent desire for autonomy is a cognitive feature in which any perceived demand can create overwhelm or shutdown. I’m becoming really interested in how it links to how people process sensory information. “praxis“ is the ability to plan and initiate actions. There‘s not much research out there. Theres some great articles from a lived experience perspective https://www.umhan.com/articles/pathological-demand-avoidance-demand-avoidance-or-pervasive-drive-for-autonomy?fbclid=IwAR1685-J6Ww6DcTMCfoYtag-w2RsRZE9_lANy8DQ-49Da2gpsrIjHv73qPw And there is this useful summary from Damien Miltonhttps://kar.kent.ac.uk/67064/1/PDA%20and%20alternative%20explanations.pdf

kar.kent.ac.uk