To my dear readers ,

The term and life in the Southern Hemisphere has been flowing by …… it has been most gratifying to be back serving within the realm of education and special education. 

The intention of today`s post is to emphasise on the relevance of “safety “and the influence that “safety “has on one`s ability to stay connected and engaged regardless of one`s needs and or capabilities. The rationale for my choice is the bulk of my current work is working with children and young people who are impacted by varying levels of autism

In my post today I also intend to share 5 evidence-based facts on autism …

“Autism is not what was once considered a brain disease – it is an expression of what`s going wrong in our physiology that also affects the brain health” -Norman Dodge . 

1.  Research done by John Hopkins University indicates that autistic brains are frequently inflamed – inflammation was identified in the area of the brain that was connected to thought and movement…..

2.  Inflammation impacts on neural connections – brain research on autistic children indicates neural connections at the front of the brain (that deal with goals and intentions) are under connected or some times overconnected . 

3.  This gap in connections or over connection impacts on how the different parts of the brain work and process information – making it difficult for the brain to function effectively 

4.  Autism is therefore a product of genetic risk factors and environmental triggers that can impact on a child before or after birth -, immune reactions and inflammations are also variables that impact on autism. 

5.  The combined factors impact on neural connections within the brain- thereby impacting on a person`s ability to process information; the supports around therefore needs to be structured to develop / enhance social , communication , emotional regulation and transactional supports for children, young people and their families. 

The focus is on creating an eco-system that has a sense of rhythm, predictability , safety and structure…. with an emphasis on facilitating responses to interaction …. through carefully negotiated interactions aimed at having the child/ young person connected, regulated and feeling safe.

Amidst the evidence based methods , I am more reminded of the valuable trauma informed principle “ every interaction is an intervention.” How we socially engage to others can have a powerful impact on the feelings we create and responses we invite — 

💙 Leading through kindness ☘️

” Be kind whenever possible

It is always possible”- Dalai Lama

I remain grateful for being able to serve – to connect through my writing and my art

Much love