March 1, 2024Cindy HsiangBlog

“My analogy is that society sees us as Windows 1 operating systems, but actually we are Windows 10 operating systems on an Apple computer! I have seen for myself that in the right situations, even the most high support needs autistics can thrive!” said Jon, an autistic adolescent.

Recent research, like Lee et al. (2023), highlights the crucial role of emotional safety within the home environment for autistic children. While fostering a warm and loving atmosphere is essential for their growth, the studies also emphasise the need for balanced parenting. This means striking the right balance between offering support and guidance while also respecting their need for autonomy. It acknowledges that children on the spectrum may require individualised space, but finding the right amount can be a delicate yet crucial part of the parenting journey.

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February 5, 2024Cindy HsiangBlog

“I wish someone had taught me those social skills growing up” murmured Leah, an autistic woman who struggles keeping up with the unspoken social etiquettes at work. Although there are some comments about the unjustified social skills training [based on the neurotypical standard], it is essential to explore the benefits of social skills training.

Neurodiverse-focused social skills training

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March 1, 2022Dominika WehbeBlog

Behaviour is communication and it happens for a reason. We all learn new behaviours, because we do what works for us whether is it good or bad. We adapt to the environment around us. For many children, getting their needs met is often a major struggle. Most times, it is easier for them to push, scream, or even hit because with consistency, they learn that this is how they can get what they want. However, it is important to recognise the function of their behaviour.

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February 2, 2022Paul Rinder

I read an article recently that suggested children laugh about 300 times a day. (Alas, for adults, this was suggested to be approximately 15 times a day).

The sound of laughter is contagious and can trigger a domino effect of joy and amusement. More importantly, there is a significant body of evidence that supports the mental health benefits of laughter (e.g., Oosthuizen, 2021; Ruch & Hofmann 2017; Simmons-Mackie & 2003 and Sullivan 2000). A summary of these benefits in therapy includes: (more…)

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February 2, 2022Paul RinderBlog

Having emerged from a prolonged period of lockdown, many of us are more acutely aware of the importance that the role socialisation plays in our lives. The absence of social support for many of us has intensified our perceived ability to navigate a particularly stressful period of our lives.

Social support has been defined as the perceived supportiveness of significant social relationships (Paykani et al., 2020). Social support (family, friends and significant others), provides a means to manage stress in the domains of cognition, emotions and behaviours through a perceived ability to cope, a dilution of affective responses and altering maladaptive behaviours (Cohen, 2004).

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November 22, 2021Dominika WehbeBlog

As adults, we are constantly using visual support to navigate through our day-to-day activities. Things such as maps, calendars, our to-do lists, even our watches are visual aids. So why not provide similar support to our learners on the ASD spectrum?

What are visual aids and why do we use them?

Visual aids are picture, objects, sign language or text that enhance the understanding of spoken word(s) communicating a concept or idea. It helps children with ASD to process the whole message of information. For individuals diagnosed with autism, many are visual learners. When used effectively, visual aids have great potential for facilitating and enriching the socio-communicative contexts experienced by children on the spectrum.

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September 13, 2021Vaibhavi AggarwalBlog

COVID-19 outbreak has shattered many personal and professional lives. Together we faced withdrawal, hopelessness, difficulties in concentration, feeling of being less productive, disturbed sleeping and eating habits. Many people felt sad, anxious, and unhappy. During these uncertain times it is important to count our blessings. Try gratitude! It is as powerful as possible.

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August 16, 2021Cindy HsiangBlog

“We SURVIVED the first Lockdown!” July 2020, while some families scream out of frustration and relief, others reflect their achievement and gain. One shared experience from parents is “I never knew my child CAN do that!” The imposed Lockdown has brought out the challenges, along with the opportunities for families to connect, or reconnect. No doubt about the challenges, we are well informed by the news and critiques. I would like to spread some antidote reflection from parents and families with children on the spectrum.

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July 2, 2021Neeti GhaiBlog

How well the being residing within your body feels?

We often think of ourselves as just a body and forget that the “being” residing within this body is the real “YOU”. This being within you is made up of a plethora of experiences, actions, thoughts, activities and behaviours. The health of the being within us plays a colossal role in the quality of life we experience here on this earth as a humans. This contributes to the bigger picture that is our overall state of wellbeing, which affects our day-to-day enjoyment and comfort.

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