Helping busy parents build kids' communication and social skills. Simple, practical tips & support delivered conveniently online by Speech Therapist Adina Levy
You don't actually have to follow these rules
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Hi Reader, A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of chatting with AuDHDer, psychologist, and author Chelsea Luker (@connectuspsychology on Instagram) on my Podcast about her new book Square Me Round World, and many other things! One of the gems that she shared was her reflections on what she wished she knew as a child: “I would like to go back to my child self and really say, it's okay.
You don't actually have to follow these rules, there's a different set of rules that might work better for you.”
This is something so big and important that I'm not going to say much else about it! I just want you to read it twice and I invite you to think... How can we each support the neurodivergent kids in our lives to figure out the 'rules' and parameters of the world that will truly suit them? How can we support each child (and of course, ourselves too!) to find spaces where we can live happily as ourselves, rather than trying to change to fit in with others' expectations that are just... not aligned for ND brains? Take care. Wishing you a fabulous week! Adina Levy Neurodivergent Speech Therapist & Professional Educator Play. Learn. Chat. hi@playlearnchat.com • www.playlearnchat.com 🙋🏼♀️ Hi! I'm Adina, a neurodivergent Speech Therapist and professional educator from Sydney, Australia. I’m so happy you’re here! I’m an AuDHDer, meaning I am an autistic ADHDer. My life’s stories and experiences intertwine with my clinical experiences, and the lived experiences and perspectives of other neurodivergent people. These perspectives inform everything that I teach and share. I’m dedicated to helping families, therapists, educators, teachers and communities to understand neurodivergent children better, and develop a deeper acceptance of children’s unique interests, passions, individual strengths and support needs. I am an educator, podcaster, speaker, and I send helpful emails around Neurodiversity Affirming practice and support, that I hope will help you support the neurodivergent children in your life with more clarity and confidence! ⚫️🟡🔴 🔵⚪️🟢 I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which I live, work and play - the Gadigal and the Bidjigal people. I recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to Elders past and present. I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where you are reading this from today. GET LESS EMAILS FROM ME: If you want to stop receiving regular weekly emails but you'd like to still get any other emails you've signed up for (e.g. if you've purchased a webinar, course, you're on a waitlist, you're a Community Member) - reply saying "LESS EMAILS" |
Play. Learn. Chat.
Helping busy parents build kids' communication and social skills. Simple, practical tips & support delivered conveniently online by Speech Therapist Adina Levy
Hi Reader, I've been busy researching, reflecting, and preparing my slides and workbook for next week's webinar Responsive Relationships - Neurodiversity Affirming Communication Strategies for Professionals to Connect with Neurodivergent Children. And in this process I've been thinking a LOT about what it takes to build stronger, supportive connections with neurodivergent children. One of the most important pieces of this is when grown ups who care for and support neurodivergent children use...
Hi Reader, Here's why telling kids “Don’t make a fuss” is problematic… Picture this: A neurodivergent child is trying to get dressed. Their socks feel wrong (maybe they’re wrinkly, crooked, and a bit wet… nightmare). Their parent is frustrated and wants to just get out the door. They say “Don’t make a fuss” When somebody’s needs are dismissed along the lines of “don’t make a fuss”, which kids hear way too often, what we’re teaching them is: that they can’t address their sensory needs in the...
Hi Reader, With the start of the school year (in the Southern Hemisphere where I am) and with the changes of routine that many neurodivergent kids are experiencing, now is SUCH an important time to ensure that you're sharing affirming messages that validate their experiences, emotions and perspectives. Here are some ideas of what neurodivergent children need to hear from you (as an important adult in their life): “I understand that feels gross to you. Let’s get rid of it” “I hear you. That...