Unmasking Autism through Kids Life Coaching

April 2nd is a significant day for me. It's my birthday and also World Autism Day. This is an awareness day dedicated to showcasing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) globally. Over the years, I've realized that my purpose might be deeply connected to this cause. 

My journey towards understanding Autism more intricately took a significant turn when, at the age of 45, I decided to return to university in Cambridge where I pursued a Master's degree in Clinical Child Psychology. I had the opportunity to dig into the iintricate world of neurodevelopmental disorders. This experience gave me a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances of a conditions like Autism and I now fully understand the Diagnostic Criteria and assessments for this label. 

This knowledge has been invaluable in my role as a Kids Life Coach because it has allowed me to tailor my Play Based coaching programmes to meet the unique needs like children with Autism. As a global collective of Kids Life Coaches, we strive to create an environment where every child feels understood, accepted, and empowered to reach their full potential and this stems from my own personal experiences both as a special needs teacher and also in my career as a Kids Life Coach.  In line with this, I've noticed a troubling trend in the past decade, where the term 'Autism' is being misused and abused. I have seen this especially in the celebrity world and online with young influencers spouting mistruths. 

Misusing the Autism label not only trivialises the experiences of those truly living with the condition but also spreads misinformation, leading to stereotypes and stigmas. It's essential to respect the experiences of children with Autism and understand that each person's experience and brain development is unique but not everybody qualifies for a diagnosis.

Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disorder that impacts social interaction, communication, interests, and behaviour. It's not a disease to be cured, but a different way of experiencing the world. It is also not a label to be casually used or self-diagnosed for personal gain. True autism is characterised by unique strengths and differences, as well as many challenges that children (and adults) face daily. Our job as Kids Life Coaches is to provide skills to support them in their journey. It is not our responsibility nor intention to "change" them but rather we are there to offer them coping strategies towards leading a more fulfilling life. 

How do you know the difference between "genuine" Autism and the kind that I like to call "fake" Autism - the kind that some parents and adults use to explain away behaviours that are learnt and often a choice, and not necessarily inherent traits. Which is why I want to share 10 key points you should aim to understand when coaching children who may have this label. 

1. Recognising Individual Differences: Each child with Autism is unique. As a life coach, you should understand that strategies effective for one child may not work for another. Don't buy into the label but rather look beyond the diagnostic criteria. 
2. Knowledge of Strengths and Challenges: Children with Autism often have specific strengths, like attention to detail, as well as challenges, such as sensory sensitivities. You should become aware of these to tailor your coaching approach.
3. Communication Techniques: Children with Autism may communicate differently. Less eye contact, less verbal, less emotional. Being familiar with alternative communication methods, such as visual aids or sign language can be helpful.
4. Understanding Sensory Needs: Many children with autism have different sensory needs and may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain stimuli. Being aware of this means you can create a comfortable environment for the child.
5. Patience and Empathy: Working with children with autism requires a lot of patience and empathy. Not because they are difficult but because you may not (yet) understand how their mind works. You need to be prepared for this and approach each session with understanding and compassion and be open and willing to learn and adapt. 
6. Knowledge of Intervention Strategies: As a Kids Life Coach, you should be familiar with various intervention strategies that can help children with autism, such as our Play Based Coaching System®, that supports them to express themselves in an easier more interactive way. 
7. Familiarity with Resources: Don't become hyper fixated on different resources for different children. If you train with us, you will have a framework for your 'Needs Analysis Checklist" along with lots of great ready to use resources. No need to reinvent the wheel, but you should be aware of additional signposting resources available for children with Autism and their families, such as support groups, therapy options, and educational resources.
8. Understanding of Legal Rights: Children with Autism have certain legal rights in the educational system and elsewhere. You may need to be aware of these to support parents in advocating for their child when necessary. Read the child's psychological reports, assessments and listen to teacher feedback and then formulate your own profile for the child that can be used to offer support for funding etc. if needed. 
9. Continuous Learning: Research on Autism is ongoing, and new strategies and interventions are being developed all the time. In fact, lived experience is the key driver of this amazing revolution. As a Kids Life Coach, you should stay updated on the latest research to provide the best support possible. If you haven't already, you can join our online professional membership with supervision sessions and access to our support to stay in the loop!
10. Removing the Label: This is probably the most important point to remember even if you forget all the others. In our Level 2 Kids Life Coach Theory Training, we spend a lot of time supporting our students to reframe the way they view Autism and other Neurodevelopomental Disorders. We remove the 'DIS' out of disability by looking at every child's ability and what they can do, rather than what they can't do. We make sure that we leverage their strengths and talents and celebrate what makes them unique, to build a solid foundation for future success. No need to change these amazing kiddies, but rather it is your job to be their tour guide! They have uniquely wired brains that are awesome!

 This World Autism Day, I encourage all of us to take the time to understand what Autism truly is (and also what it isn't). Let's work toward a society that is more accepting, inclusive, and compassionate for all children. Together, we should be working towards celebrating the unique perspectives and strengths that people with Autism bring to our world.

Here's to a world that understands and accepts autism in its truest form and doesn't offend by using the words: "they are probably on the spectrum" to explain away the quirks and potential in children faced with this amazing trait. Here is to the children we get to coach who are our future neuroscientists, astronauts, actors, authors and artists! Onwards and upwards for demystifying this label one child at a time.