acornABA

Empathy. I think it means something different to everyone. We probably all feel that we have it and we can pull it out the bag whenever we need to to support the people around us. But I’m starting to question whether it is actually that easy at all. Working in the field that I do, the need for empathy is essential on a daily basis. Whether that be with the talented teams I work with, the parents I support, or the learners themselves. But the way that I show empathy to any single person, will always look different. I think that sometimes when I try to show empathy, I try to find a solution to help the other person. That’s not really empathy at all is it, that’s perhaps more self-serving albeit with good intention. Brene Brown talks about empathy being ‘the brave choice to be with someone in their darkness- not the race to turn on the light so we feel better’. That quote really resonates with me. I think that really meaningful empathy is sometimes not saying anything at all, but simply listening, simply being available, simply reassuring that you hear. ❤️ #bcba #bcbauk #ukbacert #leadship #leadingwithvunerability #empathy #autismuk

Sometimes running the wrong way up the slide is exactly the right way! It’s so easy as a behaviour analyst to look at curriculum checklists or assessments and teach the next step for our leaners, often an important pre-requisite for a more longer term skill or target. But that doesn’t always meet the needs of the individual themselves, it doesn’t take into account what they want to learn and what they value in that particular step of their journey. I’m learning to listen more to the people I work with, to hear them in whatever way they communicate, and to challenge my own pre-conceived ideas of best practice. I don’t always get it right, but I’m doing my best to try. My son teaches me every day that there really isn’t a ‘best’ or ‘right’ way to do many things. And sometimes, running up the slide is far better than sliding down… he usually knows best! #bcba #ukba #uksba #values #neurodiversity