Welcome to the Different Skill Notebook Podcast. The different skill notebook discusses skills that promote quality of life, adaptation, and agency for autistics and those with related conditions. Typically, the discussions on autism and neurodivergence focus on behaviors and barriers resulting from the characteristics of autism. The focus should be on “the skills” that autistics need to thrive. Ana the host shares the autistic perspectives shared with her from her work for the last 15 years at her Center the Social Mind Center.
Listening First: Transforming Relationships Through Play
Welcome to the Different Skill Notebook Podcast, hosted by Ana Anselma, a smart parenting tool empowering families with vital life skills. In this episode, Ana delves into a transformative approach at the Social Mind Center's Brick Club, where listening first strengthens relationships with neurodivergent and autistic individuals. Reflecting on years of experience, Ana shares how listening and removing expectations create an environment where trust and connection thrive.
Listen to inspiring stories of new members like Brian, who overcame past challenges and embraced active participation through the thoughtful and flexible orientation process at Brick Club. Anna reveals how enabling these individuals to take the lead reduces anxiety and fosters engagement and learning.
This episode highlights the importance of connecting before teaching and how trust paves the way for meaningful interactions with children. Gain insights on ensuring parents and children feel welcomed, understood, and respected without the pressure of performance during their first visit to the Brick Club. Discover the powerful impact of listening and choice-making in nurturing a supportive and inclusive community.
https://www.socialmindcenter.com/different-skill-notebook-blog/listen-to-neurodivergent
10 Jun 2024
Unveiling Social Communication Challenges in Autism
Welcome to the Different Skill Notebook Podcast, hosted by Ana Anselma, co-owner of the Social Mind Center and an educational consultant. In this episode, Ana delves into the crucial topic of social communication and autism, exploring why it's essential to equip neurodivergent individuals with the skills to communicate their thoughts, needs and desires more effectively.
Ana shares insights from her extensive experience, including the consistent narratives from parents seeking help for their children who struggle with social communication despite years of behavioral therapy. She highlights the gap in the school system's approach, which often focuses on minimizing behaviors rather than building communication and self-advocacy skills.
Through the story of the Social Mind Center's inception and its mission to provide real-time interaction and practice for children, Ana emphasizes the importance of teaching social communication skills. She outlines the strategies and approaches used at the center, such as social groups, modeling, and understanding the perspectives of individuals on the spectrum.
Join Ana as she provides valuable insights into social communication, its significance, and practical ways to support neurodivergent individuals in developing these vital skills. Stay tuned for the next episode, where she will discuss cognitive flexibility and its role in perspective-taking.
For additional information, definitions, and references, visit the blog at socialmindcenter.com. Feel free to comment or ask questions on the different skill notebook blog, and Ana will be happy to respond.
Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to our next podcast!
27 Aug 2023
Adulthood with Autism Part 2: What Finding Support can Mean
In this episode, Melissa Pascucci shares her success finding and pursuing a profession she loves. Melissa shares the steps she took to help find her new career. Melissa never stopped attending events at her school, Marino Campus. She participated in all professional and community events hosted and promoted by the Dan Marino Campus.
She emphasizes the importance of pursuing learning and growth. She says that one must stay connected to the community. Attending events helps you to make new connections with people that can help you find a career that is your passion. Melissa also stressed the importance of volunteering to obtain experience and exposure.
Melissa connected with a mentor, Gabriella Procci, whom she met through a program Dan Marino Campus had started called the Academy. The Academy offered continuing education for graduates of the Dan Marino program. This mentor encouraged Melissa to pursue working with the neurodivergent population.
Gabrielle recommended Melissa for an internship at the Social Mind Center. The Social Mind Center had not had this type of internship before; we were sure we could all learn from each other. Melissa started as a paid intern at the Center, coming several days a week to assist in social communication groups. She would shadow Dr. Savinelli in social groups. It modeled running a social group, which requires lesson planning, teaching strategies, and promoting opportunities for the kids to engage and connect.
There is also the part of managing the sticky situations that arise. Melissa learned to help children/teens to cope with stressful situations. Melissa also became a moderator with the Brick Club (Brick-by-Brick Programme). Becoming a moderator for Brick Club required her to complete a course and additional hands-on training running a group.
The internship gave Melissa a preview of what a career working with a neurodivergent community may be like. It allowed her the opportunity to experience teaching and managing a group. We both agreed that the best possible experience to determine your career path is exposure to different opportunities to observe and work in a field of interest, as an intern or even a volunteer.
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