Think Autism

Connection is the foundation that makes everything else possible. When a child feels safe and connected - through strong, trusting relationships - they can access learning, explore their environment and engage meaningfully with others.

Through these relationships, we come to understand a child’s interests, strengths, sensory needs, communication style, pace, preferences and patterns of regulation. We discover how to individualise support, how to respond in ways that feel safe for them, how to adapt their environments, and how to move at their pace.

Without this foundation, even the best strategies can fall flat. Because how can we expect communication, engagement or regulation… without safety and connection?

🟢 Connection is not optional.
🟣 It is not a bonus.
🟢 It’s not a phase we move through.
🟣 It’s not something we tick off before the “real” work begins.

It is the work. It IS the intervention. ✨

What do you want for Christmas?

This Christmas, we wish for:

🔴 Understanding and celebration of neurodivergent children
🟠 Inclusive education in our schools
🟡 Greater awareness and acceptance in our communities
🟢 Accessible accommodations for all
🔵 Therapies that empower and honour individual needs
🟣 Workplaces that value neurodiversity
⚪️ Timely funding from the NDIS for essential supports
⚫️ Neuroaffirming practices from professionals

At its core, co-regulation is about two nervous systems connecting, where one person’s regulation influences another’s. Co-regulation is necessary first to survive and then to thrive. It is a biological imperative - a need that must be met to sustain life and to experience well being. As we grow, we add the ability to self-regulate, but we never lost the need and the longing to be safely connected to others. Through co-regulation, a foundation of safety is created and nourishing connections follow. (Dana, n.d.)

Here are some ways you can foster co-regulation:
🔴 Attune to the person’s pace and emotions
🟠 Structure the environment to support emotional and physical safety
🟡 Focus on connection
🟢 Model regulation strategies
🔵 Validate their feelings
🟣 Signal safety in tone and body language
🟤 Be present
⚪️ Practise active and empathetic listening

What strategies do you find most effective in supporting co-regulation?

What was your school pathway? The educational journeys of neurotypical and neurodivergent students can differ significantly. While neurotypical students often follow a more linear trajectory - enrolling in local primary schools, attending pre-school, navigating friendships, and transitioning to high school and post-school studies - the journey for neurodivergent students is often more complex. For neurodivergent learners, the educational experience may involve additional elements such as medication management, liaising with a therapy team, navigating school accommodations, experiencing burnout, and facing assumptions and misunderstandings from the school system. This post aims to highlight these vastly different educational experiences, emphasising the need for greater understanding and support for neurodivergent students. How do you wish your pathway was different? #disability #education #inclusion #inclusiveeducation #neurodivergent #neurotypical #neurodiversity #school

🎂 Think Autism turns 3! 🎂

The last 3 years have flown by, but what an incredible journey it has been. To the amazing families and children we support - thank you for welcoming us into your homes and lives, and for teaching us so much along the way.

We’re honoured to play a part in creating a more inclusive world for the Autistic and neurodivergent community. 🌈🩷

Stay tuned for what’s to come! 💫

🎂 Think Autism turns 3! 🎂 The last 3 years have flown by, but what an incredible journey it has been. To the amazing families and children we support - thank you for welcoming us into your homes and lives, and for teaching us so much along the way. We’re honoured to play a part in creating a more inclusive world for the Autistic and neurodivergent community. 🌈🩷 Stay tuned for what’s to come! 💫