Autism, a word that many are aware of but sadly still a word steeped in misconceptions.
Autism spectrum condition is a neurodevelopmental condition meaning that brains are formed and think slightly differently.
Not wrong, not broken, just different.
Autism acceptance is an individual feeling accepted and appreciated as an autistic person in a positive way.
Acceptance is not about changing the individual but changing the world around the individual.
The more you know, the more you can help, knowledge is key. Unlearning misconceptions and learning ways in which we can change and adapt.
As we approach the end of Autism acceptance week you might be sat with a mixture of emotions. Frustration that there are so many misconceptions around autism. Anger at a system which is so dated and can be challenging to navigate. Or just pure exhaustion in having to advocate and fight for understanding and acceptance of your child and challenges they might have.
I firstly want to say I hear these frustrations and they are so valid. I see you, I hear your stories, I stand in rooms with you hearing the heartbreak and exhaustion from various situations. I see how hard you are fighting for your child’s voice to be heard, to be an advocate for how wonderful they are. I see the teachers spending their free time and evenings trying to gain as much knowledge as possible to help these little ones, to create an environment where every single child in their class can flourish. I hear each story and feel deeply privileged to even be the smallest part in your journey.
I sit with a mix of emotions during Autism Acceptance week.
At times, I will admit I feel overwhelmed by how much there is to change, how many families and individuals there still are to help. But within that, within every story, within every moment that feeling of overwhelming I hear the hope. I see the glimmer of change. Hope of a future that is full of individuals who are confident in their diagnosis, who embrace their differences instead of hiding it away and hope that tomorrow will be a place where neurodivergent children are loved and accepted in every part of our society. Together I truly believe that our tomorrow will be one that is full of hope. The tide is slowly turning on change and I am deeply thankful for you all allowing me to be a part of it.
In the meantime there are small changes we can make that over time can have a huge impact. Below I have included some of my top tips and included free resources of visuals and social stories to try and help take a first step toward change, whether in your home, school, youth club etc.

Top Tips and Helpful Approaches 

Visuals
It will be no surprise to many of you that visuals are my number one resource. Creating predictability in an unpredictable world is vital for our young people. Whether your child is 5 and pre verbal, 10 years old and won’t stop talking or 16 and sitting exams. Visuals can help for each individual. Creating predictability in their every day morning routine/ bedtime routine can be life changing for children and young people to feel safe and to ease anxiety. Whether your visuals are ones attached to this email, tick lists or actual photographs of items they are essential for supporting children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum. We also have plenty of resources/ videos on our social media showing examples of how to use various visuals. 

Social Stories
Social stories are a short description of a situation, creating an internal monologue of safety and predictions for our children. Whether that is a social story about going to the dentist, going to the cinema, Easter holidays, brushing your teeth or your body changing as you get older. Social stories are a vital part of supporting young people on the Autistic spectrum. I have attached some of our most popular for you to look at and use if you wish. 

Use of Language
If you have attended any of my training you will have heard me say ‘Watch your language’. By this I mean the way in which we communicate. Often as adults we over complicate situations with our words, we use too many words, sarcasm and language that can be taken literally. Shorten your instructions to three simple steps - now, next and then. Remember acceptance isn’t about changing the individual but changing the world around the individual and that includes each of us.
Increasing our knowledge and Understanding
By increasing our own understanding and knowledge we will in turn be creating an environment where these amazing individuals can thrive and flourish. I have attached one of the Parentline NI podcasts I spoke on (there are three more) why not have a listen this weekend and learn some new information that you can take out into the world around you. Or if you've listened to it before, do you have a friend or family member who might learn something new from it?