Co-Regulation: Sharing the Work of Calming Down
Telling someone to "calm down" rarely works, especially if that someone is a neurodivergent child. Co-regulation is the process of calming down with someone else, and it's how self-regulation is learned. This post explores the Regulation Wave, what co-regulation looks like at each stage, and how educators, program leaders, and parents can put it into practice. 💙
Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 minutes
The Joy That Keeps Us Teaching (Even When It Costs So Much)
After writing about the hidden costs of teaching, I wanted to share what makes it worth it. The same AuDHD brain that makes teaching expensive also makes it extraordinary. For me, the joy of special interests, connection, creativity, advocating for kids who need someone in their corner, and the deep satisfaction of belonging is what makes the Participation Tax affordable. This post is a celebration of neurodivergent joy, and what schools can do to welcome it. 💙
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes
The Hidden Cost of Teaching (Even When You're Brilliant at It)
I'm an AuDHD teacher. I love my job, and I'm brilliant at it - but the Participation Tax of casual teaching (and even contract or permanent roles) is rarely talked about. Here's what it looks like, what helps, and why supporting neurodivergent teachers keeps passionate educators in the classroom. 💙
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes
The Regulation Wave: A Reasonable Neurodivergent Crash Out.
Every child moves through regulation states - Underwhelmed, Engaged, Overwhelmed. Noticing quiet signs before a crash or slump helps educators and leaders respond with curiosity, not control. A reasonable crash out is information, not defiance. Discover how to support neurodivergent children through underwhelmed, engaged, and overwhelmed states, with practical tips for classrooms and programs.
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes
Hidden Expectations & Hidden Barriers: The Rules No One Tells You & The Challenges No One Sees.
Despite the very best intentions, sometimes it can seem impossible to make inclusion work. Two invisible forces might be at play: Hidden Expectations (rules no one teaches) and Hidden Barriers (effort no one sees).Here's what educators, program leaders and parents need to know.
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes
The Participation Pathway: Why Some Children Check Out Before Participation Begins
Participation happens in three stages: Access (getting in safely), Engage (staying involved), and Belong (coming back over time). Here's what educators and program leaders need to know.
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes
Making Participation Impossible: When NDIS Supports Are Removed, The Participation Tax Skyrockets
When NDIS supports are cut, the hidden cost of participating (sensory, cognitive, social, emotional, transition and recovery) rises dramatically for neurodivergent children and adults. Here's what that looks like.
Estimated Reading Time: 3-4 minutes