This podcast follows on from Melanie’s presentation in our Webinar series Hot topics in inclusion and discusses how educators can sensitively support parents to move toward a strengths-based perspective of their child during the early days after receiving an Autism diagnosis. In this Podcast Melanie responds to the following questions:
- Can you tell us more about ‘Reframing Autism’ and how preschool educators can engage with this organisation.
- How can educators sensitively support parents to move toward a strengths-based perspective of their child during the early days after receiving an Autism diagnosis.
- Can you elaborate on the concept of mind-mindedness?
- How can we use a strengths-based approach to support positive behaviours in Autistic children?
- What are the 3 key messages you would like educators to take away in relation to this area of inclusion?
- What would be one practical step you could recommend educators implement in their practice?
About our speaker
Mel is an Autistic mother of three Autistic children, who has postgraduate qualifications in autism and is a passionate advocate for creating a better world for herself, her children, and the Autistic community. Mel has given feedback to numerous governmental inquiries and consultations and provided testimony at Parliamentary Inquiries on behalf of the Autistic community. She sits on several advisory committees to guide respectful, inclusive best practice, and is on the Board of Autistic Self-Advocacy Network Australia and New Zealand.
The cornerstone of Mel’s advocacy vision is the not-for-profit organisation, Reframing Autism, which she originally founded. Reframing Autism aims to create a world in which the Autistic community is supported by families and allies to achieve genuine acceptance, inclusion, and active citizenship, and in which Autistic culture and identity are celebrated and nurtured.
Mel has a deep commitment to bringing parents of Autistic children to a more accepting, optimistic and hopeful parenting perspective, and firmly believes that social change can only occur when Autistic individuals are supported to explore and celebrate their authentic identities.
Watch the full webinar to learn more about Reframing Austim.
