Neurodiversity Belgium

Have you ever heard of Alexithymia? 🙃 This is a common experience for AuDHD-ers, linked with: 👉 having 'no words for emotion' 👉 difficulty identifying, feeling, and processing emotions 👉 emotions not being felt unless extreme, resulting in meltdowns or shutdowns, or the feeling of being ‘too much’. 👉 challenges for individuals in processing their own experiences and needs - or trusting themselves 👉 troubles setting goals or agendas 👉 difficulty in getting 'excited' about things in the future - or nervous 👉 struggles to articulate feelings or ask for help, potentially resulting in significant danger Alexithymia affects 1 in 10 people, and 1 in 5 autistic people. I assumed this wouldn't affect me, because I have always heard how 'dramatic' and 'emotional' I've been since childhood. However, I scored 131/200 on the Online Alexithymia Questionnaire (113 and above indicates Alexithymia), when told to do this as part of my autism assessment. This made me realise why I love coaching others so much: I feel feelings through other people - empathy. Also, why 'normal' coaching didn't work for me: I had no idea what I wanted to do , my goals, or who I was - I had to meet myself where I was already at, first. This is why I created our ADHD Works Executive Functioning Framework - so so maybe in this way it's a blessing - I'm still figuring out how I 'feel' about it. 🙃 You can do the free online test here: https://lnkd.in/eU2zHhZT Does this resonate with you? What did you score? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eDVB3RpP Become an ADHD Works Coach here: https://lnkd.in/eBqn4NRP #alexithymia #audhd #autism #adhd

Let’s make sure everyone enjoys this festive season!     As excitement builds in the run-up to the festive season, changes to the familiar school environment, timetable and sensory stimulation can be overwhelming for many autistic children and young people.    Spontaneous and festive activities that might be exciting for non-autistic pupils can create anxiety and stress for your autistic learners, which can result in overwhelm leading to autistic meltdown or shutdown.     Our easy read 10-point checklist can help guide you to make those all-important environmental adjustments.    Share our festive tips with your colleagues and let's create inclusive environments that all autistic learners can enjoy.    #AET #Autism #AutismEducation #GoodAutismPractice #DifferenceNotDeficit

PDA can affect people in many different ways, and we know it can sometimes be challenging to understand. To help, we've created a free webinar that raises awareness and sheds light on how PDA can present across ages and experiences: https://ow.ly/7l7r50U9Sr9 As one person in the video explains, "A demand is something I want to do but can’t because I'm telling myself to do it." This video combines experiences from children, young people, and adults, as they share their unique perspectives on living with the PDA. Whether you're supporting someone with PDA or simply want to learn more, this resource is here for you.

I think the disconnection from the food that we are eating is one of the core underlying issues of our agrifood system. My main recommendation is to visit farms and to rebuild relationships with the people growing our food. If this is not an option for you, then growing food even in your city apartment on a very small scale can be a great first step. I still remember a cherry tomato plant that I grew in my apartment in Amsterdam 10 years ago. It completely escalated and provided more delicious tomatoes than we could ever eat with the 4 people in the house. To get you started/inspired, some of the ideas in the video below might help :) Disclaimer here, I have not tried any of these methods myself, but I would warmly invite you to do it and to see what happens.

When we think about anxiety in children, we often picture lots of worrying. But anxiety can show up in so many different ways. 💡 WholeHearted School Counseling

I'm exhausted - but elated! I've passed another benchmark - Now I have more than 7,000 entries in The Dyslexia Map, and counting! Over 110,500 views. This thing is really taking off. If you're looking for a dyslexia-focused organisation, school, or support group, anywhere in the world, then this is the resource for you!!! Please check it out! 👇 https://lnkd.in/ehvXU6xf #DyslexiaAwareness #DyslexiaOrganisations #TheDyslexiaMap #DyslexiaMap