Gaudenzia, Inc.’s Post

Redefining Our Language, Redefining Our Approach In the dynamic world of personal and professional development, the power of language is undeniable. Today, I invite you to join me in a crucial conversation- one that transcends our usual discussions about substance use disorder and treatment In a recent post, “The Language of Stigma: Why ‘Clean’ and ‘Dirty’ Harm More Than Help." This topic is a call to challenge and change the entrenched stigmatizing language surrounding people who use drugs (PWUD). Words like 'clean' and 'dirty,' though seemingly harmless, can inadvertently perpetuate harmful perceptions and treatment. As substance use counselors, clinicians, supervisors it's vital we understand the impact of the words we choose. This isn’t just about being politically correct; it’s about being humanely correct. Our choice of language can either build bridges or barriers. I encourage you to read, reflect, and engage with this post. Let's contribute to a dialogue that supports empathy, understanding, and positive change. Your insights are valuable, and together, we can foster a community that champions respect and inclusivity. #LanguageMatters #EmpathyInAction #InclusiveLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #CommunityBuilding

When we think about how to effectively navigate #MentalHealthAtWork, we understand that language is incredibly powerful, but - just like #EDI in its entirety - prioritising the right language is also vital when we think about how we can celebrate and promote #neurodiversity. 🗣️ The words we choose can either help someone to feel seen and heard or feel utterly misunderstood and judged. 🗣️ The words we choose can either create psychological safety or completely erode it within a matter of seconds, and 🗣️ The words we choose can either help people in their developmental journey or exacerbate stress, fear and trauma - potentially leaving a lasting imprint for years to come. And so, for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we want to bring your attention to the language used when referring to neuro-developmental differences, in particular whether to use person-first or identity-first language. If you look online, you will see a wide variety of expressions and definitions. Some organisations and people to use prefer person-first language ("a person with autism," "a person with Down syndrome") when referring to neurodivergent conditions. However, research and feedback has shown that the majority of the autistic community actually prefer identity-first language ("an autistic person"). Just like with all things in life, language will resonate differently with each of us. Therefore, my guidance on this - just like we teach with #MentalHealthFirstAid - rather than making assumptions, it is best to ask directly about a person's preferred language, and how they want to be addressed. I always think... if in doubt - ask! And, if we get it wrong - gently apologise and ask for guidance on what language would be most helpful. Language will always be a moving beast, and that's a natural part of evolution. We're not always going to get it right but we have to be open to learning and developing our understanding. My question for you: What are you doing to celebrate and promote #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek this week? It's up to each of us to be the change we wish to see in this world!

Words are powerful. They give us the incredible ability to inspire, educate, heal, and connect. Correct terminology even has the power to help reduce prejudice, misconceptions, and stereotypes for communities like ours and beyond. There is no excuse for using terms that have long been deemed offensive, disrespectful, and simply incorrect. People often ask us what they can do in their daily lives to make people with Down syndrome feel more included. Using proper terminology and correcting others when they do not is one big way you can foster inclusion. Feel free to download, print, and share our "Let's Talk About Down Syndrome" poster at your office, at school, or at home to teach others about using person-first language: https://buff.ly/3TV9BKj #LanguageMatters #NoGoodWay

During therapy we need to be mindful of alternative modes of expressing and seeking connection. Normalising and exploring the 5 love languages of neurodivergent people as valid parts of a neurodivergent identity can greatly enhance well-being and the therapeutic relationship. https://buff.ly/4fvl5xk Our new course with Jennifer Kemp will explore concepts like this in more detail and help you to learn: ➡️ Practical strategies to facilitate key behavioural strategies in sensory soothing, emotion regulation, safe relationships, executive functioning, effective boundaries, unmasking, self-advocacy, and more. ➡️ Methods to adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of neurodivergent clients and how to implement affirming principles into your practice. ➡️ How to work more skilfully and effectively with neurodivergent clients. Sign up👉 https://buff.ly/4eVcmUK Meant for practitioners who have already had basic introductory training in ACT, we recommend this workshop for all #mentalhealth professionals including #psychologists, BCBAs, UKBA (Cert)s, psychiatrists, #socialworkers, #nurse practitioners, #coaches, #therapists, #counsellors, #GPs, and #OTs.

🌟 Tips for Talking to Your Family and Friends About Neurodiversity 🌟 Discussing neurodiversity with family can be tough, especially if they’re unfamiliar with it. Here’s how you can make the conversation easier and more meaningful: 1️⃣ Start with Education: Share simple, clear information about neurodiversity. You might want to explain how it relates to you or someone else in the family. 2️⃣ Use Personal Stories: Share your own experiences to help them understand what neurodiversity means in everyday life. Personal stories can be powerful in making abstract ideas relatable. 3️⃣ Be Patient: Some family members might need time to process new information. Be patient and open to ongoing conversations rather than expecting immediate understanding. 4️⃣ Address Misconceptions: Gently correct any myths or misunderstandings. Focus on what neurodiversity is and isn’t, emphasising strengths as well as challenges. 5️⃣ Invite Questions: Encourage your family to ask questions. This can help them feel more comfortable and engaged in the conversation. Remember, every conversation helps build understanding and acceptance. 💬✨ #Neurodiversity #FamilySupport #StartTheConversation

That is a very good question. I was just asked how I relate to the articles on neurodiversity. I've been through most of the things that happen when I post articles on here and can relate to them quite well because I turn them into my own lived experiences. Also, I have dyspraxia, which is part of the neurodiversity umbrella, and have had this since a young age. Honestly, it's good to even talk about lived experiences because you get to share; however, it might get people interested or not interested at all. I got some good content that I will write for Neurodiversity Celebration Week. I am writing it now rather than during the week (in case I get tired), but I got some stories covered. #livedexperiences #livedexperience #dyspraxia #neurodiversity #dcd #share  

Building confidence & resilience as a #neurodivergent person: Embrace your uniqueness, set small achievable goals, seek supportive communities, and practice self-compassion. Celebrate progress, not perfection. 🌟https://buff.ly/4csVqmz #mediumwriters #writingcommunity

https://lnkd.in/eKfJm5dA I think we're all guilty of this in our lives, picking up slang heard in our social circles, environment and the media. Often, ableist terms make it into our vocabularies based on a skewed/stereotyped/deeply misinformed definition of a condition, not realizing that it is harmful to others until someone points it out. Being "so OCD" or "so ADHD" are common examples. "Falling on deaf ears" and "flying blind" are other examples, which often suggests a tendency to be uninformed or ignorant. I stopped using "falling on" very quickly after I began working with the Deaf community, but I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't immediately cease using "flying" at the same time. But once it clicked, I stopped. I think we ALL know that using the "R word" is never okay in any colloquial fashion, even if some of us used it when we were younger or less educated on the matter. We just need to apply that to using other examples! As the article says, "Think about what you mean. Don't just repeat a phrase because you've heard it, think about what you're trying to convey." ✌🏽 #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs / #DisabledWorker / #DisabilityPrideMonth / #DisabilityAwareness /#Inclusion / #Ableism

Speech and language disorders can create barriers in communication, making it challenging for individuals to convey their thoughts and emotions. Our therapy sessions are designed to break down these barriers. With each word and every breakthrough, we celebrate the courage of our patients and the dedication of our therapists. . . . . . . #SpeechTherapy #LanguageDevelopment #CommunicationBreakthrough #communication #speech #quotes #motivationalquotes #motivationalspeakers #SpeechDisorders #SpeechDelay #SpeechPathology #SpeechAndLanguageTherapy #SpeechTherapist #SpeechProgress #SpeechTherapyWorks #trending #hot #FluencyDisorders #Stuttering #girl #VoiceTherapy #SwallowingDisorders #ExpressiveLanguage #osangeles #encino #speechplaninc #speechplan

I'd personally add that if you're engaging with someone who considers themselves disabled by their neurodivergence, or who face significant challenges with their traits, to be careful not to diminish that by stating that e.g. "everyone is forgetful sometimes" or "I don't much like a noisy office either". This may seem like a nice thing to do. Creating commonality or thinking you're being inclusive 👍 But there is a vast difference between occasional forgetfulness, or experiencing a dislike of something vs. the disabling affects of daily/hourly occurances of not knowing where you've put something you just had in your hand (and don't remember putting down!). Or the intense physical and mental discomfort of noisy environments, that can shut down your brain and impact your ability to function. #neurodivergent #neuroinclusion #disabilityawareness