The Changing Face of Neurodiversity (Autism) in schools and the community

Come along and hear Mark LeMessurier, 2022 South Australian, Senior Australian of the Year...in person...right here in the Riverland!

Flow Child Therapy is proud to bring Mark LeMessurier to Berri, to present...

The Changing Face of Neurodiversity (Autism) in Schools and in the Community

Community Workshop –presented FREE to the Riverland -

'The CHANGING FACE of NEURODIVERSITY (Autism) in the community and schools; a revolution in the way we think about, discuss, and respond to people under the neurodivergent umbrella.'

Everything around neurodivergence is on the change! New neuroaffirming attitudes are rapidly influencing our thinking, language, conversations, interventions and supports.

A few months ago, I was asked to define Autism. I can do that easily, but I couldn’t. I now refuse to use the medical adjectives that focus on limitations, restrictions, deficits, deficiencies, and disorders. I can only define Neurodivergence/Autism in a completely neuro-affirming way.

This is to say there are many neurotypes, or unique ways in which a person's brain is wired. We know that the differences in these neurotypes, are the result of physical differences in brain structures and functions. So, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, dyslexia, and many more neurotypes represent a distinct cognitive style. A brain that processes and interacts with the world differently; now and forever. We view these differences as natural variations in the human rhythm, rather than deficits that must be changed or fixed. Make no mistake, quality early intervention remains critical.

We now teach from a strength and individuality perspective, rather than a focus on shortfalls and disorders. We now understand that no amount of frustration, threats or rejection are capable of changing a person’s neurobiology. We no longer bombard children with a string of therapies in the hope they’ll “look” more neurotypical.

I'd like to raise the differences between the traditional approaches to neurodivergents, the arrival of the ‘double empathy problem and solutions,’ and new ethics surrounding neuroaffirming principles. You are caught up in this awkward and rapidly evolving space and you need to know.

Themes in this workshop include;

• Why more children are being identified. No, we are not in the midst of an Autism epidemic!

• The Federal Govt. National Autism strategy

• The FB page – Neurowild – be liberated.

• What is a neurotype and what does this mean?

• Autism is a spectrum: the true meaning.

• Being “Autistic” compared to “a person with Autism”.

• Acceptance is in the language we use; say Autistic and never “ASD”

• Puzzle Pieces Vs. Infinity symbol.

• Resistant myths and misconceptions about Autism.

• My fav movies and series that embrace neurodiversity (Autism).

• Some FAST AUTISM FACTS.

• Emily Pearl Kingsley’s ‘Welcome to Holland’ – just for you.

• Some personal things about Autism in my family

• My opinion on the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child.

• PDA - change it up and call it - ‘Persistent Drive for Autonomy’.

• A little on masking, and spoon theory.

• Understanding the ‘double empathy problem’ and how the solutions can be achieved - it's everything!

Through case studies, storytelling, research, reflection, and conversation I want to support you to build a neuro-affirming place in your heart. My goal is to reach you personally. I want the session to be real, to leave

you encouraged, and to understand the unfair and unnecessary barriers our neurodivergent young people face.

And I'll leave you with two neuroaffirming thoughts to take away.

The first is that our neurodivergent kids are not broken, not less, not disordered, and do not need to be fixed up. They simply walk to the beat of another drum.

The second is they always will walk to the beat of that unique drum. They will grow up to be adults with their very own neurotype. Let's value their neurodivergence so they can grow into it with pride. Without us showing our acceptance and absolute positivity, they cannot grow into their uniqueness with pride.

I hope this sets the scene for shared growth in this space.