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7 Steps to Establish Psychological Safety for Autistic Young People
written by an autistic clinical psychologist.
"Great resource - thank you!"
--psychologist
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Shifting the paradigm around autism in education
"Absolutely amazing."
-- Director, Educational Leadership
Welcome
My name is Valli Jones.
As an autistic clinical psychologist, I am dedicated to reducing the mental health challenges faced by autistic young people by advocating for better understanding of autism, and access to the right supports and accommodations.
With this aim in mind, I've designed a set of programs to help the adults who care for autistic kids - including health professionals, educators, parents, and families - to truly understand what it means to be autistic, and to skilfully collaborate to support the children in their care with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Because it takes a village, and we're better together.
The problem
According to recent estimates, 1 in 25 Australian young people is identified as autistic.
The sad reality is that the overwhelming majority of autistic young people experience anxiety that significantly reduces their quality of life. Many are also dealing with burnout and depression.
At school they are struggling to learn and connect with peers. Some are disengaged, or unable to go to school at all.
Parents feel overwhelmed, lost, and helpless.
Schools are struggling to meet the needs of neurodivergent students.
The way forward
As a society, we need to change the way we're doing things.
The autistic community have been advocating for a very long time for there to be a shift in society's understanding of autism.
A move towards a kinder, more respectful healthcare system… education system… and society in general.
Neurodiversity affirming supports
Through the lens of the neurodiversity paradigm, autistic children are viewed as different, not disordered.
Affirming supports are sensitive to the needs of the child, and address the problems caused by a poor fit between the child and their environment.
How do we deliver them?
The Safe House Framework® is a systematic approach to collaboration.
First, we must educate the adults caring for autistic young people, so they truly understand the autistic experience..
Then, we must work together to remove the barriers autistic young people are faced with day-to-day.
What is The Safe House Framework®?
A framework for social justice
The neurodiversity movement is a human rights movement.
The neurodiversity affirming approach is a set of principles and practices that centre and uphold the rights of neurodivergent humans.
The Safe House Framework is a methodology that guides the implementation of neurodiversity affirming principles and practices.
A framework for collaboration
We have a systemic problem, and the only way we'll fix it is by working together.
The Safe House Framework® is designed to facilitate meaningful, impactful collaboration between all the members of a child's team.
There are four programs.
Parents
Health Professionals
Educators
School Leadership
How will The Safe House Framework® program help me?
It will give you a deep and nuanced understanding of autism through the lens of the neurodiversity paradigm,
and a step by step guide to the affirming approach to supporting autistic children and young people.
By the end of the program you will be equipped with the mindset, knowledge, skills, and tools to change the trajectory for the autistic young people in your life.
Here's why I believe safety is the essence of neurodiversity affirming care
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7 Steps to Establish Psychological Safety for Autistic Young People
"I love it. I'll be sharing this with everyone on my child's team."
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