Judy Lipson's Newsletter for Transformation
Finding Your Light to Remember and Become Who You Really Are
JOIN ME IN BEING 'NEURO-DIVERGENT AFFIRMING'
AUTISM AND MOTOR SKILLS
If you know, or work with an autistic individual, you may have noticed various challenges with motor controls and movement. This is an interesting article that explains more about the various body movements and difficulties. I also found very interesting, the (less familiar) information regarding individuals with autism who excel at various physical sports. If this interests you, too, I hope that you will read the article.
BULLYING
For decades, I have been professionally involved with individuals and groups to help them to develop better self-advocacy to deal with bullying. Yet, this article opened my eyes to the truth of what bullying is often like in our digital era.
SOCIAL STORIES FOR TRANSITIONS
Some kids (and adults) really struggle with new activities and expectations. Social stories were originally developed - or at least made famous and accessible - by Carol Gray. They are known to help by identifying a concern or a new task for an individual who will be encountering a new scenario. Create a story with words and or pictures to describe what is to occur. I've found that social stories are not just beneficial for kids on the autism spectrum. Here's an interesting twist on a social story to potentially help individuals who don’t transition with change easily.
SENSORY SEEKING
I talk about sensory overload all the time, but it is important to recognize that some neuro-diverse individuals are sensory seekers. In fact, some folks can experience sensory seeking and sensory avoidance at different times, or with different situations. Here is a list of sensory seeking behaviors that I found in a visual prepared by @ot_mama_of_twins
- I like to rough house with my friends. I may accidentally hurt them.
- I like to stand close to the TV and toys with flickering lights.
- I like chewing on my straw, toothbrush, and shirt sleeves.
- I like to make noises and hum.
- I like to touch other people, and when people tickle me.
- I like to run and skip. Walking is challenging for me.
- I like to spin in circles and be upside down.
- I like smelling people and things.
- I love to eat bold flavors and crunchy foods.
- I fidget and like to touch things.
- I like the feeling when I stomp my feet loudly.
- My teacher says I have trouble staying in my seat. I have the wiggles.
AUTISM AND SLEEP
It's not uncommon for parents to talk about their child's difficulties with sleep. Autism professionals Atwood and Garrett address that topic here.
NEURO-DIVERGENT PARADIGM SHIFT
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I APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK
I had very positive feedback during and after my presentation to the Michigan Counseling Association: Specialized Self-Care for Clinicians and Your Sensitive Clients, including, "You had me hooked within the first few minutes of your talk - especially when you mentioned 'everything is energy'." Thanks again to everyone at MCA!
I fully enjoyed the wisdom and insights of the participants at the Full Spectrum Agency's Meet-Up where I talked about issues related to a highly reactive nervous system. I'm looking forward to an opportunity to talk with them more. Here were some of their messages to me:
"You have a lot of interesting advice. I have never heard about energies. I appreciate it."
"Judy, this has been really wonderful to listen to and learn from."
"Maybe one day you could do a session with some neurotypicals and neurodivergents, I'm curious to see how they react, can they relate to the energy?"
"I love the idea of us being a 'brain trust' that can respond to Judy’s questions with the wisdom of our collective and individual wisdom."
"Thank you Judy, very interesting ideas."
AND YOUR QUESTIONS
Q: People talk about the inequality of treating everyone the same. I sometimes find this confusing. Why can’t I treat them all the same? If I’m giving assistance!
A: I assume that we are not talking about physical, visual or hearing needs. Not everyone has the same abilities and strengths. If the result of 'giving assistance' levels the playing field and each student has an equal opportunity for success, then it works!
It's important to understand the individual's strengths and weaknesses and to offer the appropriate modifications and accommodations to the delivery (auditory, written, project-based, reading levels, etc) as well as the assessment of the material (oral, written, project, etc) and make sure that it addresses the individual's abilities. And some students need their social-emotional needs addressed so that they can more effectively learn like the others.
Q: School starts soon. What can I do to ease the transition and help my child to have a successful year?
A: I recommend several things:
- Visit the school several times before school starts and include the location of your child's classroom, locker, lunchroom, gym, music and art rooms, counselor, bus drop off, etc. For a secondary student, walk their classes in the order of the schedule.
- If your child has special needs, meet with their counselor and/or teachers in the second to third week of school to review special considerations.
- Start adjusting sleep and wake times to mirror the school day. If possible, make the changes in 15-30 minute increments every couple of days to make the transition more tolerable.
- Begin a 20-minute practice of daily study time (which I recommend continuing throughout the school year). If your child has no summer-work to complete this month, then use this time to free-write, read, practice math problems, etc.
- Consider the following articles that address these and more (in more depth)
As well as additional articles under the Articles link of my website (click on the Educational section).
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QUOTES
REMINDERS FOR TRYING SOMETHING, DIFFERENTLY:
Instead of giving up, try looking at the problem from a new angle.
Instead of holding on, try letting go.
Instead of wishing things were different, try taking action to make a difference.
Instead of resisting, try accepting.
Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, wonder about what could go right.
Instead of speeding up, try slowing down.
Instead of complaining, try practicing gratitude and saying thank you.
Instead of pulling away, try leaning in.
Instead of being hard on yourself, try being gentle with yourself.
Unknown
Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows.
Native American Proverb
Sometimes you have to feel it to heal it.
“Spirit” via Rebecca Rosen
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HOW TO LEARN FROM JUDY
Late August, 10-noon: Understand Your Sensitives: There Are No Lazy Students. Professional Development for a local private school.
May 26-28, 2023: Finding a Pathway to the Heart of Those with Autism and Neuro-Diversities. Keynote Speaker (with colleague, Karlta Zarley) at the Healing Touch Association of Canada Conference, London, Ontario, Canada
Listen NOW: Want to learn more about transformation? Here's the half-hour talk that I did for the West Bloomfield Rotary Club
Watch NOW: Easing the Empath Experience: Modulating Energy and Draining the Receptacle (7 mins)
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
September 24, 1:30-3pm My Journey with Autism Free presentation by Tracey Cohen for Therapeutic Concepts LLC, Sterling Heights. Registration required.
October 26-28, 2022: MASSW Annual Conference, Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest.
Spring, 2023: MCA (Michigan Counseling Association's) annual conference, Holistic Health - Taking Care of Yourself, Your Clients and Your Community
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TIPS AND RESOURCES
The 988 crisis/suicide hotline has been implemented nationwide. Individuals can call or text 988. Spread the word.
Everyone needs self-care, and raising a child or adult who is on the spectrum can be exhausting. The Autistic Play Place offers respite options. (This information is not intended to imply recommendation.)
Learn about sensory friendly clothes for neuro-sensitive individuals aged 4-14 with Sense-ational You
Pathway to Hope 2021 Resource Guide offered by Healing Complex Kids. The first 4000 copies ordered with an Oakland County zip code are free, due to a generous grant! If you are not in Oakland County, or are after the 4000, then they are $9.97 + $5 for shipping and handling. |
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Judy Lipson, M.A.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Judy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who supports Sensitives of all ages - including ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism - in life, work and school. She can also help you Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Judy offers Transformational Counseling, Educational Consultations, and Academic Strategies. Presentations and Workshops also available.
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Parenting on the Go - Sensitives
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"I so thoroughly enjoyed your most recent Spiral Wisdom Newsletter for Transformation. I just loved your insights, giving clarity to things as they are, that have impacted us all.. Your metaphysical approach is so spot on, resonating, and aligning with the introspective work I am doing with my clients. Thanks for including me in your community and for inspirationally adding to my day."
- J. M.
"It worked!!! I have had numerous moments to test the outcome of the work that we did. It’s amazing. You are amazing. I hear everything. I care about it. I don’t have an emotional attachment to it. Before I saw you last week, I did not know that this was an option. Thank you so much."
– Elli A
"I just finished reading your Newsletter! It is PHENOMENAL!!!! I am so looking forward to watching the podcasts! This is going to be SO Helpful for SO many people and a great way to reach out to the community and the world! I am blown away on Every level with this newsletter!!!! It is BRILLIANT!!!!!"
- S. W.
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"I enjoyed the multifaceted forms of intervention that Judy provided. the presentation of senses and energy work may not be a widespread, common practice, but it is helpful to identify or open up the conversation to for who can feel the energy or have heightened senses. I enjoyed this presentation. Thank you, Judy!"
- MASSW attendee
"Your ability to do guided imagery with me is so comforting and
reassuring and, even though you're doing the guiding, it still leaves me with the feeling that I can help myself when need be. You're such a talented therapist!! I hope you appreciate the impact that you have on so many people!"
- Sue S
"I just wanted to let you know I have received wonderful feedback about your services =) So glad we found each other through the networking services."
- Dana S. (referring therapist)
"This is such wonderfully needed information. I am so thankful our paths crossed and I am able to grow and help others balance with the value of your insights, knowledge and wisdom."
- S. S.
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