In honour of World Autism Level Up Month, I was delighted to be interviewed by Sharon McCarthy for Autism Journeys Podcast. We explored strategies to support behaviour, anxiety and emotional wellbeing, how to make a ‘Back to Basics' and ‘Social Connection' plan, the 1% improvement secret and much more.
2:15 How the work of autistic adults has helped me see that I'm a novice in autism after working in the area for 19 years
5:40 Be curious not furious – a person's behaviour is a window into their nervous system – and what to do about it
11:00 Hidden signs of anxiety
13:00 Three step approach to anxiety management
18:00 Three core needs for wellbeing
20:00 Why the pandemic and school closures have had such a big impact on First Years in secondary school
22:00 How and why you should make a ‘Back to Basics' plan to help young people cope with stress and anxiety
24:20 How and why you should make a ‘Social Connection' plan
26:00 Supporting children with remote learning – environment design, sensory strategies, music for focus
31:15 Supporting young people's psychological wellbeing by layering protective factors
34:00 How to counteract our inbuilt negativity bias
37:00 Simple ways to make the ordinary extraordinary
39:00 The 1% improvement secret
40:30 Self care as the foundation to good parenting – how and why to make a selfcare plan
42:40 Be the adult you want your children to become
44:40 Supporting kids to get back to school
46:20 Creating a supportive environment in school
48:40 Free parent club
49:30 Reclaim Parenthood membership with masterclasses, Q&A sessions and guest expert sessions
50:45 Why I don't recommend reward charts, time outs and punishment and what I recommend instead
52:00 The most effective discipline approach – High Structure, High Nurture
54:40 Sibling fighting, emotion coaching and conflict resolution
1:03:30 My top tips for parenting autistic children
Really enjoyed this segment! Lovely refresher to what we have been learning through membership. Key points being mind yourself, listen to them & be your child advocate. I cried & laughed listening in! Especially loved that Anna’s special Tea Party Thursday was mentioned! 💕 you mentioned that we can change our parenting by tuning in & within a year really see a difference and hand on heart… I can say this is true. It is a privilege to l to listen & learn from you Catherine. I feel like I am evolving as a human being as much as a mother. I feel excited about the kids future & supported by you. Connection was discussed, anxiety as the number 1 mental health issue, recognising how it manifests itself therefore gives us the hint that we need to pause, the importance of movement… etc… you fit so much in! It was another wonderful section! Thank you 🙋♀️ Michelle xx