October is a significant month for raising awareness and celebrating neurodiversity. It’s a time to promote inclusivity, challenge stigmas, and advocate for the acceptance of individuals who think, learn, and experience the world differently. While neurodiversity covers a broad spectrum of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, October is filled with key observances that recognize the strengths and challenges of these diverse minds.
Spinning objects often capture the attention of autistic individuals, providing both joy and therapeutic benefits. Let’s explore why this activity is so appealing and how it can be beneficial.
The concern of an autistic child getting lost can be amplified due to the unique challenges their children might face. Autistic children may have difficulty understanding danger, communicating their needs, or finding their way back to safety. It's crucial for parents to address this topic with sensitivity and clarity, and to implement practical safety measures to help prevent such situations.
For individuals with sensory processing challenges, particularly those with autism, finding effective ways to manage sensory input can be crucial. One powerful tool in the sensory integration toolkit is bouncing on a trampoline or gym ball. This simple activity offers a multitude of benefits that can help regulate sensory input, improve motor skills, and promote overall well-being.
The field of education is continually evolving, driven by the need to accommodate diverse learning styles and capabilities. For autistic students, traditional educational approaches often fall short in addressing their unique challenges and strengths. However, the advent of assistive teaching and learning tools has transformed educational landscapes, making learning more accessible and effective for autistic individuals.
Communication is the bedrock of human interaction, yet for individuals on the autism spectrum, expressing oneself can be a challenging journey. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods offer a lifeline, providing diverse tools and strategies to bridge the gap between silence and expression. For those with autism, AAC isn't just a means of communication; it's a pathway to empowerment, independence, and inclusion.
All these matter as we commemorate international observances.
Gone are the days when the puzzle piece represented the autistic community. Granted, back in the day, people with autism were seen as puzzles. We are quite fortunate that we live in a world where we now have autistic self-advocates telling us, they are not puzzles to be solved and how it is a spectrum and no two autistics are alike.
WRTS Kid's Gym Bangsar proudly presents a workshop hosted by our very own, Nori Abdullah, alongside esteemed Guest Speaker, Desiree Kaur, Founder of Project Haans who holds a Master's in Education (Special Education). It will be held on 30 March 2024, 10:30am - 12:30 pm. Online option available.
In the realm of supporting individuals with social and communication challenges, Social Stories have emerged as powerful tools for fostering understanding, empathy, and positive behavior. Developed by Carol Gray in the early 1990s, Social Stories are concise narratives designed to help individuals, especially those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or other developmental differences, navigate social situations with greater ease. This article explores the concept of Social Stories, their purpose, and the impact they can have on social development.
Meet Vishaka at his solo exhibition on 16 December from 10am - 2 pm at the Kalamandapam Hall in Brickfields.
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