CommuniAction

Nice article on helpful adjustments for neurodivergent people at work

‘I was terrified of the tea round’: the small changes that can help neurodivergent people thrive at work Workers with ADHD and autism bring impressive skills and dedication to their jobs, but face challenges neurotypical employers may not consider. A few key adjustments can be transformative

Good article.

The truth about ADHD and autism: how many people have it, what causes it, and why are diagnoses soaring? Growing awareness about ADHD and autism is reshaping thinking in science, social science and medicine. Scientists explain what’s behind the rise – and the best ways to improve neurodivergent lives

Do you recognise any of these?

Autistic masking often comes with a toll on mental health and self-identity. Constantly conforming to societal expectations can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a loss of self-esteem. With more acceptance and understanding, we can empower individuals to embrace their true selves.

Online workshop

An Autistic experience of anorexia: Unpicking its purpose and planting seeds of hope in recovery. - Booking by Bookwhen We invite you into a reflective and neuro-affirmative space, as Remie shares her lived experience of recovery from anorexia, through an autistic lens.

Check out these resources

Are you a parent or carer of a child with ?

Our comprehensive range of free SEND legal guides and template letters can help you navigate the SEND system and secure the education your child is legally entitled to. From information on EHC plans and SEN support, to how to prepare for an appeal or make a complaint - our resources explain what you need to know.

Explore here ⬇️
🔗 https://buff.ly/2LOXmgS

Useful tips

Useful signposting tool from IPSEA

(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) - helping children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law

Upcoming Webinars and Workshop, March to April

Parents and carers 📣

We have a handful of places available on our EHC plan masterclass training on 15 November (delivered virtually via Zoom).

Places are £65, but we also have a few funded places available for parents and carers who are unable to access a full cost place.

For further information, and to book a place, visit: https://buff.ly/47a68f9

Croydon Active Voices is organising a Coffee Morning with Croydon Transport Team.

Something fun to do!

We’re excited to announce the launch of Inclusive Dance with Aim High for SEND young people aged between 4 – 11 starting from Monday 18th September.

The sessions will be adapted to all needs of the group and the group is open to all abilities and disabilities. Come and learn new moves and try new routines.

Please could we ask you to share this information and the flyer attached across your network.

Please find further information below:

When: Mondays (starting from the 18th September)
Where: South Norwood Leisure Centre, SE25 4PT
Time: 4.45 – 5.45 pm
Age: 4 – 11 years old
Cost: £3 per session
Register here: www.aimhighacademy.co.uk – book now

'Autism is a “dynamic disability”. What this means is capacity & functioning are not concrete & may fluctuate dependent on factors such as environment, cognition, executive function, processing capacity, Interoception/exteroception, neuro-fatigue, anxiety, communication differences, burnout & sensory overwhelm. This means Autistics may be capable of a task one day, but unable to perform the task at another.'

Credit: Neurodiversally unbroken

Look beyond the surface.

UNDERSTANDING SCHOOL ANXIETY...

What we see (exposed portion of the iceberg):
▪️ Feeling sick
▪️ Not sleeping
▪️ Tantrums
▪️ Stomach aches
▪️ Big emotions
▪️ Refusing to go to school
▪️ Crying
▪️ Being quiet

What might be underneath (unexposed portion of the iceberg):
▪️ Sensory overload
▪️ Find the work confusing and hard
▪️ Bullying
▪️ Learning difficulties
▪️ Don't know where to go
▪️ Feel lonely
▪️ Worries
▪️ Separation anxiety
▪️ Exam stress
▪️ Loud & busy classroom
▪️ Bereavement
▪️ Friendship difficulties
▪️ Unfamiliar faces
▪️ Young carer (carer responsibilities at home)

Credit: Lucy Roth (Educational Mental Health Practitioner) .

It's alexithymia, not lack of emotion and empathy!

ALEXITHYMIA & AUTISM

Alexithymia is the difficulty in identifying, processing and conveying one's own emotions and sensations or recognising those of others. It is very common among Autistic and other neurodivergent people. As one of our Autistic mentors describes, "It means I often don’t know how to recognise and communicate my emotions - NOT that I don’t have emotions at all."

Image credit: Emily Lees (). Shared with permission.

Autism in school

Speaking of autism... terminology matters!

Disclaimer: I am not a professional or expert, I am interpreting behaviour based on my own lived experience and thus it won't be correct for all.

and neurodiverse community, I invite you to add your own interpretations to these as well. For the sake of simple graphics I have given one possibility, however it would be great to show a range of what can be happening 'underneath' a behaviour.