The Unique Struggles of Postpartum Autistic Women
Perinatal Mental Health, Autism Janine Kelly Perinatal Mental Health, Autism Janine Kelly

The Unique Struggles of Postpartum Autistic Women

Navigating the postpartum period can be a challenging journey for any new mother, but for autistic women, the transition to motherhood comes with its own unique set of hurdles. From sensory sensitivities to difficulties in emotional regulation and communication, the complexities can be overwhelming.

In this blog, we delve into the specific challenges faced by autistic women during the postpartum period, shedding light on how sensory sensitivities impact baby care and breastfeeding, the struggles with emotional regulation and social isolation, and the executive functioning challenges in parenting tasks. Understanding these obstacles is vital, but equally important is knowing how to support autistic mothers during this critical time. We explore practical ways partners can provide meaningful support, from fostering open communication and flexibility in parenting roles to offering sensory accommodations, patience, and emotional validation.

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Respecting Autistic Communication for Social Connections
Autism Janine Kelly Autism Janine Kelly

Respecting Autistic Communication for Social Connections

In a world where social interaction is a fundamental aspect of daily life, understanding and respecting diverse communication preferences is essential. Navigating social connections can pose distinct challenges for individuals with Autism. Autistic individuals often have distinct communication styles and preferences that may differ from neurotypical norms. However, fostering meaningful social connections while respecting these differences is both possible and crucial for building inclusive communities.

In this blog, we'll explore ways for improving social connection while honoring autistic communication preferences.

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Play Therapy Supports Neurodivergent Children with ADHD & Autism
Autism, ADHD Janine Kelly Autism, ADHD Janine Kelly

Play Therapy Supports Neurodivergent Children with ADHD & Autism

Neurodiversity is a concept that celebrates the natural variation in the human brain, acknowledging that neurological differences, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience.

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at ADHD and Autism, examining their connections through a lens that appreciates and supports neurodiversity. Additionally, we'll explore the therapeutic powers of play therapy in supporting individuals with these neurodevelopmental conditions.

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Autism Janine Kelly Autism Janine Kelly

Strategies to Help Your Autistic Child Cope with Sensory Overload

Children with Autism may experience sensory processing difficulties, which can lead to sensory overload and heightened stress levels. Parents of Autistic children often face the challenge of managing sensory overload in their children.

In this blog, we will discuss coping strategies for parents of Autistic children to manage sensory overload.

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Autism Janine Kelly Autism Janine Kelly

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Guide to Raising an Autistic Child

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects children in different ways. It is characterized by difficulties with social communication and interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Autistic children may also experience challenges with sensory processing, which can make their day-to-day very overwhelming. In this blog, we will explore ways to embrace neurodiversity and provide support that honors the strengths of your Autistic child.

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Autism, Anxiety Janine Kelly Autism, Anxiety Janine Kelly

The Damaging Effects of Masking for Autistic Children

Masking is the practice of suppressing or hiding one's autistic traits in order to appear more "normal" or socially acceptable. Autistic children are often encouraged to mask by parents, teachers, and other authority figures in their lives. This can involve mimicking the behavior of their neurotypical peers, forcing themselves to make eye contact, or suppressing their stims (repetitive physical behaviors like hand-flapping or rocking). Masking can be exhausting and stressful, and it can lead to a number of negative consequences for autistic children.

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Autism Janine Kelly Autism Janine Kelly

Play Therapy Supports the Mental Health of Autistic Children with Sensory Issues

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may experience sensory processing differences that impact their daily lives. Navigating sensory experiences can be exhausting and overwhelming for children with Autism. This can lead to Autistic children experiencing mental health issues. Play Therapy can be an effective intervention for addressing sensory issues in children with Autism and improving their mental health.


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