Hi Reader,

Here's the thing about sensory supports that keeps me up at night.

How many times have you heard (or maybe even said) things like:

"You don't need your earmuffs, you're OK"

"You're so brave for not wearing them today!"

"Well done for coping without your weighted blanket"

We think we're helping. We think we're building resilience.

But what we're actually doing is teaching kids that their needs are negotiable, that comfort is a bonus and that asking for support is something to grow out of.

When we praise a child for masking, for hiding their true needs, for pushing through discomfort, we're setting them up for a lifetime of believing their baseline needs don't matter.

The shift we need to make is this:

Sensory supports (and any supports, really) aren't temporary training wheels. They're not a burden or something weird that makes you different.

They're a basic human right. And they should be as easy and unremarkable as grabbing a jumper when you're cold.

When a child feels safe, comfortable, connected and supported, without shame or hassle, they can actually be in tune with themselves, and show up as themselves. They can learn, play, and engage without spending all their energy just trying to cope, to exist, or to ‘seem ok’.

So instead of "you don't need that," let's try: "Here are your earmuffs if you want them. I've got my earplugs ready too!"

Instead of praising a child for ‘managing’ without their supports, normalise ensuring they have what they need or want, when they need or want it.

The goal isn't to teach kids to cope without support, or to look normal, or act like the other kids. The goal is to teach them that their needs are valid, that support is normal, and that they deserve to feel OK.

Did something in this email stick out for you, as something you want to think or learn about more? Reply and let me know!

Have a wonderful week,

Adina

Adina Levy AuDHDer, Speech Therapist & Professional Educator Play. Learn. Chat. hi@playlearnchat.com • www.playlearnchat.com ​ Learn with me Neurodiversity Affirming Practice – Introductory Workshop Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Webinars for Professionals Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Course for Speech Therapists Neurodiversity Affirming Practice PD for Teams (Group discounts) 🙋🏼‍♀️ Hi! I'm Adina, a neurodivergent Speech Therapist and professional educator from Sydney, Australia. I’m so happy you’re here! I’m an AuDHDer, (Autistic ADHDer). My life’s stories and experiences intertwine with my clinical experiences, and the lived experiences and perspectives of diverse neurodivergent people. These perspectives inform everything that I teach and share. I’m dedicated to helping families, therapists, educators, teachers and communities to understand neurodivergent children better, and develop a deeper acceptance of children’s unique interests, passions, individual strengths and support needs. I am an educator, podcaster, speaker, and I send helpful emails around Neurodiversity Affirming practice and support, that I hope will help you support the neurodivergent children in your life with more clarity and confidence! ⚫️🟡🔴​ 🔵⚪️🟢​​ ​I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which I ​live, work and play - the Gadigal and the Bidjigal people. I recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to Elders past​ and present.​ I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where you are reading this from today. GET LESS EMAILS FROM ME: If you want to stop receiving regular weekly emails but you'd like to still get any other emails you've signed up for (e.g. if you've purchased a webinar, course, you're on a waitlist, you're a Community Member) - reply saying "LESS EMAILS"

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