A video blog by Heena Sahi on unfolding the truth behind “flight and fight response.
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Neurotypical behaviors!!
Neurotypical behaviors that a neurodivergent won’t get and its absolutely fine
Well we all as therapists , parents , teachers and other professional are working hard to teach and develop certain important social cues in our neurodivergent children . In this race we forget , we need to respect their individuality and it is fine that they don’t fit in. We on the other hand should work harder to understand our own neurodivergent children
So today I am talking about certain behaviors that we NTS do and what ND would actually feel about it
So today I am talking as a neurodivergent ND.
So, Lets begin
1.Neurotypicals go with the rule , eating different food every day
Well a ND would feel that same food for them daily can be quite reassuring and relaxing experience . This helps them to regulate sensorily as they don’t have to explore a different texture orally. Eating some thing daily makes it predictable and comfortable.So just think eating different food daily could make their life so difficult
2. NTs go with the rule sitting on the chair
Well a ND would feel more regulated and calm on floor as they have and face challenges of poor body awareness , coordination and struggle with muscle tone too. So sitting on chair would actually dysregulate them . So NDs are quite right on not appreciable of sitting on chair because of all the above challenges mentioned
3. NTs consider giving eye contact is important indicator of paying attention and showing respect to a speaker
Well NDs feels that giving eye contact is not a sign of respect but too overwhelming and not so comforting to build a connection . Sustaining an eye contact is more stressful
4. NTs always say how are you and promote this is important
Well NDs project that this kind of social expectation is not really realistic because when you ask or greet a person how are you , you are asking them how are you but in reality you really don’t care how the person is feeling on the other side
Also when NTs give replys of I am fine , thankyou . This socially appropriate answer makes a NDs confused and feel that the person might be broken inside and the answer they are giving is not answered with honesty . So remember NDs are most honest and you cant defy it
5. NTs usually have surface level interests
NDs usually oppose them because deep interest and hyper focussing gives them joy , motivation and satisfaction. They cannot do things only superficially
6. NTs usually do a lot of things in one day
NDs assert here that they have struggle with energy levels , NDs cannot socialise , meet work dead lines and many other things . They will land up with masking and then an intensive burnout . Sothey really don’t like the idea or behaviors of NTs doing lot of things in one day
Well I really don’t know how many resonate with the NDs point of view about NTs typical behaviors , but I do
And if you think , some where they are so correct , do we actually care when we socially greet anyone “ how are you ? “
Well we have to change the mindset and normalise how NDs behave and feel about many social cues and expectations
This can actually park a debate but we must value NDs voice and perspective because we NTs follow the social rule respecting and doing perspective taking
I now end this blog with a message that you can reflect on and do share your ideas , opinions and arguments if any
Read this “ there are many neurotypical forms of behaviors that are really unnecessary”
Thankyou for reading my blog
Creative Efforts and NT but neurodivergent affirming – Heena Sahi
A video blog by Heena Sahi on Form Constancy- a very significant Visual perception skill. View it now
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GOLDEN CHILD ! Are you the one ?
Featured artwork by Dhrov Tikoo
GOLDEN CHILD ! Are you the one ?
Well in today’s blog I will highlight about golden child and you may remember some bad or good parts of your childhood
Disclaimer: please remember , this is my personal point of view , if you have different opinion , you can respectfully disrespect my personal choice
WHO IS A GOLDEN CHILD ?
A golden child is the one who becomes highly self reliant
A golden child is the one who almost appears to raise themselves
A golden child is the one who is mature for their age
A golden child is the one who is suffering in silence
A golden child is the one who would suppress their own needs
A golden child is the one who will be easy in order to be loved and liked by all
So now I haven’t labelled it but parents call this child “ My golden child “ as they find this child too easy going and quite adjusting
Can you share or remember when you have felt you were the golden child
Well the golden child saga comes out of the generational trauma that a child might carry with them and would then pass onto their future generations and feels that is normal
My humble request through this blog is if you are golden child , please don’t create another one
“ BREAK THE CYCLE “
How can you break the cycle ?
Don’t teach your child to be a people pleaser
Teach your child to respectfully disagree with other perspective
Listen to understand your child when they say they are anxious
Listen to understand and don’t turn away your child when they say “ I am depressed”
Teach your child to be problem solvers and don’t say go do it your self I am busy , ask questions , build curiosity
Don’t teach your girl child to mother their brother.
Communicate clearly with your child about your expectations and other way round
Review and rethink about your parenting styles
Reflect on your language , body language that you show your child. If you wish to give feedback , try to comment on what they did right or not so right rather than pointing on their personality “ you are lazy”
Well , gold is always thought to be something precious and valuable but it can have negative association too , just like how we founded about the golden child today
With this message I end my todays blog and I know it might have hit hard to many but my only intent is lets rethink where we are going.
Do share and spread the word .. and lets stop creating GOLDEN CHILD
Creative Effort and God’s special child – Heena Sahi
Creative representation for this blog is done by our extremely talented CreativeSaathi associate Dhrov Tikoo
Featured artwork for this blog is titled “Kintsugi” by Artist Dhrov Tikoo
Kintsugi is a pottery technique. When something breaks, like a vase, they glue it back together with melted gold. Instead of making the cracks invisible, they make them beautiful.
To celebrate the history of the object.
What it’s been through.
It is based on the belief that something broken is stronger and more beautiful because of its imperfections, the history attached to it, and its altered state.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects an individual’s physical and cognitive development. Individuals with Down syndrome often face communication challenges due to speech and language delays, making it difficult for them to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions effectively.
It is not hidden and cannot be denied at all that some individuals with disabilities like Down syndrome have difficulties using spoken language. This is where Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) methods come into play.
Comprehension would be hard for them even after they have tried language development programs.
They are helped by number of approaches and strategies like gesturing, facial epressions, writing, body language.
This is where augmentative and alternative communication can help
Augmentative and alternative communication systems pair tasks, actions, objects or concepts with pictures or hand signs. For e.g the world ok , want or eat is paired with a picture or hand sign with these words
It is also believed that using an AAC can slow down the epressive language skills and the child would avoid speaking at all. This is not true at all.
AAC refers to any means of communication other than spoken language. It includes communication aids such as picture cards, communication boards, sign language, and electronic devices that speak for the individual. AAC can enhance communication, improve social interaction, and boost self-esteem for individuals with Down syndrome.
An AAC works like a foundation or readiness program for language and oral speaking skills . This is well supported by research
AACs work on two main steps that are required for good social communication.
Let see those two steps
Step 1: Augmentative and alternative communication systems are an effective way for children to learn and use early words. That’s because children remember the speech sounds and the visual image of the object, picture or hand sign that’s paired with the word. This is likely to help autistic children who respond best to information that’s presented visually.
Step 2: Augmentative and alternative communication systems are improving children’s understanding of words. This is because speech on its own can be very quick, whereas a visual image lasts longer and often stays still, giving children more time to understand the information. Also, people tend to slow down when they’re using visual aids or hand signs.
Thus AACs is purely working in the direction of developing communication and leading the child to be an independent talker.
AACs are a blessing to the world of disability and should not be criticized.These are active catalyst in which a child on spectrum can communicate needs, feelings easily and in positive ways .
AACs improves understanding between you and your ward.
AACs are easily available and at access to a non verbal child thus it creates less stress to the child.
AAC methods can also help individuals with Down syndrome improve their social interaction skills. By having access to effective communication tools, individuals with Down syndrome can better express themselves and interact with others, building social connections and friendships.
AAC methods play a crucial role in improving communication for individuals with Down syndrome. These methods can help individuals express their needs and wants more effectively, improve social interaction skills, and enhance their overall quality of life. By using AAC methods, individuals with Down syndrome can become more independent and confident in their communication abilities.
Less stress and better communication via AACs is eventually leading to a stronger relationship
Creative Efforts and Honest opinion by – Heena Sahi
Creative representation for this blog is done by our extremely talented CreativeSaathi associate Vinayak Raj