"The shoe that fits one person, pinches the other; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases." - Carl Jung
Come explore autism from the neurodiversity affirming lens, moving away from the deficit and disorder discussions that tend to dominate educational discourse, and lean into the unique way your child is wired.
Not less than, not disordered, not broken, but different.
Dear Parents
Imagine having somewhere to learn and reflect deeply about raising an autistic child and a community to check in with when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.
The Onwards and Upwards Psychology's self-paced online course: ‘Raising an Autistic Child, Authentically’ brings you the latest knowledge on raising an autistic child and connects you with other parents and caregivers going through the same things you are.
The course will help you deepen your understanding of what autism is, and you’ll learn to understand why your child does things the way they do.
Sandhya Menon, child psychologist, delivers a heart-centered education, where you will:
- Get the most up-to-date information about autism and understand how to discuss neurodiversity.
- Learn how to embrace life as a neurodiverse family.
- Have a safe space to feel understood, heard, and respected.
- Learn how to make small changes that make a big difference to your family life.
- Expand your knowledge about autism.
- Gain practical support.
SCHEDULE & TOPICS
Autistic Culture
- Introduction to Autism and Autistic Culture
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Understanding autistic processing
Sensory Systems
- Understanding Sensory processing systems
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Examining Sensory Accommodations
Emotion Regulation
- Understanding distress behaviour
- Uncovering and identifying stressors
- Responding to distress behaviour
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Tools to proactively support a child in distress
Family
- Parenting under Stress
- Finding our community
- Parenting Neurodivergent Children as a Neurodivergent Adult
- Balancing competing needs between siblings
Social
- Navigating Social Relationships in a Neurotypical World
- What are autistic social skills?
- Finding autistic and autistic-friendly spaces
PDA
- The psyche behind PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Demand Anxiety)
- Declarative language use
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Parenting a PDA-er
Education
- Navigating IEPs
- Disability rights in Education
- School Advocacy Procesess
Participant Review
I loved that it provided information on autistic culture (rather than only what autism is, as per diagnostic criteria for example) and it was also really helpful having things related to your own lived experience Sandhya. Importantly, everything was framed in a neurodivergent affirming way, which helps with using that same language when explaining differences to other people.
Participant Review
There was a lot of very complex information and this was shared in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
Sandhya is an excellent presenter and the fact that she has lived experience further enhances what she offers
Participant Review
I am truely feeling so much more capable to be [XYZ's] Mum now after completing this course.
Its been a whirlwind year being diagnosed, starting therapies and starting school, however I now feel settled and prepared for the next year with all my new knowledge.
I feel more content in embracing his neurodiversity, rather than thinking we need therapy to 'change' him.
