In today’s podcast we look at autism a little bit differently. Holly Bridges, author of ‘Reframe Your Thinking Around Autism’ and founder of Autism Reframe Technique (A.R.T), shares her new and optimistic approach to working with children on the spectrum. Her method is founded on the advances in neuroscience and our understanding of mind-body connections. A.R.T seeks to change the narrative: from one of ‘what’s wrong’ to ‘how to grow and thrive’. Rather than working from a ‘brain deficit’ model of autism Holly starts from the premise that every student can upgrade their mind/body connection, if they are given the right tools and are treated respectfully, positively, and creatively. I can’t wait for you to soak up Holly’s incredible insight and wisdom!
5 Rapid-Fire questions
What is one habit parents can implement today?
To take a step back and just start to appreciate behaviours from an understanding that a person is doing the best they can all the time – even if it doesn’t look like it.
What do people never ask you that you wish they did?
People ask me really interesting questions because they are fascinated and they go “this makes so much sense”, so I don’t actually have anything they don’t ask me.
What book would you recommend all parents read?
Reframe Your Thinking Around Autism by Holly Bridges.
What is your top unfinished bucket list items?
My huge bucket list item is I want to grow a forrest in the Wheatbelt under the guidance of David Kennett from Auria.
If you could only offer one piece of advice to parents, what would it be?
Be really kind to yourself because you have a nervous system. If you give yourself grace and you’re nice to yourself you feel better. You come from a better place but you also can then give that to your children and you role model it for them. And again, I think it’s easier said than done, but I think especially mothers don’t value doing that so much because there is always so much else to do, but it is actually very useful.
Episode Resources
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So….until next fortnight, I encourage you to open your mind, respect the differences and above all believe that YOU can make a difference from homebase!
With love and hope,
