Category: Neurodiversity

Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Psychology, Wellbeing8 Comments

The Limitations of IQ Tests

Change Therapy

What does your IQ tell you? The perception of the general public is accepting of the idea an individual’s intelligence can be measured through an IQ test. IQ tests are mainly mathematical and logic-based tests. A high IQ presumes that you are a very smart person and are therefore provided with certain opportunities in life to succeed, while an individual measured as having a low IQ, usually means that restrictions are placed upon their pathway to education. Children throughout their academic years are filtered into certain categories depending on the measure of their IQ. Intelligence Quotience, also known as IQ, … Continue reading The Limitations of IQ Tests

Inspirational, Meditation, Mindfulness, Nature, Neurodiversity, Wellbeing12 Comments

Haiku – A Mindful Practice

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Clive Bennett’s guest post explores haiku as a mindful practice emphasizing present-moment awareness and nature. Originating from Japanese poetry, haiku captures fleeting experiences through structured form. Modern haiku celebrates simplicity and sensory language, inviting readers to reconnect with the world. The practice encourages observation, reflection, and emotional engagement with life’s beauty. Continue reading Haiku – A Mindful Practice

Anxiety, Health, Neurodiversity, Self Help, Wellbeing7 Comments

Deep Breathing

Change Therapy

Breathing exercises are a powerful way to manage Stress. One particular method that is becoming more popular worldwide is Deep Breathing. There are many benefits of practicing in this way of which I will explain shortly, so please stay with me. Do you ever stop what you are doing and think exclusively about breathing? It is an automatic function, where we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Breathing is a conscious and a sub-conscious process. When you think about it, breathing is one of the most important and powerful resources you can tap into, as it is the … Continue reading Deep Breathing

Anxiety, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Nature, Neurodiversity, Wellbeing4 Comments

Relaxation Walk

Change Therapy

Recently, while working in collaboration with an Edinburgh charity, get2gether, to provide a relax in nature walk, we decided on a location a few miles from Edinburgh city centre, which is aptly named Saughton Rose Gardens. Even at the end of the season there were still a few roses in bloom; it was evident that the local community who tended this area, had done a remarkable job producing healthy plants and flowers amongst beautifully landscaped gardens. I was surprised to see a statue of Gandhi as we entered at the East gate. The beautifully managed gardens that met us as … Continue reading Relaxation Walk

Anxiety, Health, Horse Therapy, Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Wellbeing23 Comments

Horse Therapy

Change Therapy

Therapy can take many forms. People with disabilities who ride horses for therapeutic purposes do so to de-stress and to improve their well-being, confidence, muscle tone, and coordination.It serves as a workout to enhance motor and sensory abilities for posture, balance, and coordination.  Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) encompasses a range of treatments that involve activities with horses and other equines to promote positive human physical and mental health. (Wikipedia) The following true story highlights one such positive experience using Equine-assisted therapy, which I want to share with you. Do dreams come true? by AJ (seen above riding Oreo) From a young age I had … Continue reading Horse Therapy

Anxiety, general health, Health, Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Psychology10 Comments

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Change Therapy

This particular Talking therapy focusses on altering thought and behaviour patterns and is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT. Although it can be helpful for various mental and physical health issues, it is most frequently used to treat anxiety and depression. It is used by mental health specialists, such as Psychologists, Psychotherapists, and Counsellors, to treat or manage emotional problems and mental health illnesses. CBT is founded on a number of fundamental ideas, such as: Psychological problems can have several root causes. These include unhelpful or problematic thought patterns, learnt patterns of unhelpful behaviour, and problematic core beliefs, such as … Continue reading Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Anxiety, Diabetes, Health, Inspirational, Meditation, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Nature, Neurodiversity, Psychology, Self Help, Weight and Diet, Wellbeing8 Comments

Mindfulness Walks

Change Therapy

The work I do every day makes a difference to others – mostly, I hope, for the better. Take a break from your routine and practice slowing down during this unique Guided Mindfulness Session. I was the first therapist to offer Mindfulness Walks in this part of the UK and many others continue to follow my lead in this field, which began around the start of the 2003. There is a difference having someone who is a highly qualified Psychotherapist and Counsellor by your side. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honours, in Psychology and Counselling, and I … Continue reading Mindfulness Walks

Acceptance, Anxiety, Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Neurodiversity, Psychology, Self Help, Wellbeing2 Comments

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Change Therapy

“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment. We also gain immediate access to our own powerful inner resources for insight, transformation and healing” – Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction comes under the umbrella of Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI’s) which are intended on helping people improve their health and wellbeing. Change Therapy delivers MBSR Certification courses – get in touch for more information, using this link. Intended to increase consciousness and encourage the connection between your body and mind, MBSR uses techniques that target negative subconscious thoughts, behaviours … Continue reading Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Anxiety, Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Nature, Neurodiversity, Psychology, Self Help, Wellbeing2 Comments

Modern Art Gallery

Change Therapy

Working in collaboration with Get2gether, we arranged this month’s Mindfulness Walking therapy at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh. There are two buildings,  named Modern One and Modern Two. Both buildings are impressive examples of neo-classical architecture, with Modern One designed by William Burn in 1825, housing the independent school John Watson’s. Modern Two was designed by Thomas Hamilton in 1831 and was known as the Dean Orphanage in 1833, then became an educational college until 1999 We gathered in mid-afternoon under a warm sun and walked around the grounds with guidance on how to be mindful … Continue reading Modern Art Gallery

Autism specific, Psychology6 Comments

Thomas the Tank Engine

Change Therapy

Every so often, I get sent snippets from the Telegraph newspaper, which my parents read religiously, 7 days a week. These clippings are mainly fascinating stories of invention and progression of the world at large. My parents have always tried their best to support our neurodiverse children, while perhaps not understanding the complexities and challenges we face, they are there emotionally and use newspaper clippings similar to the one below to acknowledge they are trying to help in other ways. All appreciated warmly I must add! One short article arrived yesterday, relaying how a popular children’s television programme has altered … Continue reading Thomas the Tank Engine

Autism specific, Health, Neurological, Psychology4 Comments

Sensory Processing

Change Therapy

We have heard that people associate Sensory Processing difficulties with those on the Autism Spectrum. While this is often true, that senses become overwhelmed quickly, and the brain cannot manage or process the sensory information in the ways that neurotypical individuals can. Typically, a meltdown occurs as the mind seeks a way to self-regulate. These Sensory difficulties can affect anyone, although it is very common for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. So, if you have Sensory Processing Disorder, this does not mean you are on the Autism Spectrum. Everyone has differing experiences, and this is measured on a scale, or … Continue reading Sensory Processing

Anxiety, Autism specific, Neurological, Psychology, Wellbeing3 Comments

Autistic Masking

Change Therapy

For autistic persons, masking is a complicated and costly survival strategy. It usually entails learning neurotypical behaviours and then imitating them in social circumstances. Masking can sometimes be used to hide activities that people believe will not be approved. People may hide their autism symptoms or traits for a variety of reasons, including advancing their jobs, connecting with others, or avoiding being stigmatised by others. While masking can be helpful at times, doing so on a frequent basis can have negative consequences for one’s mental and physical health. Anxiety, depression, tiredness, a loss of identity, and negative thoughts are some … Continue reading Autistic Masking

Anxiety, Autism specific, Psychology11 Comments

Autism – a young perspective.

Change Therapy

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by the challenges it causes with social interaction, language skills, nonverbal communication; repetitive patterns of behavior; and the display of unique and highly specific strengths and differences compared with other people. One of the most amazing things that I have come to learn about people who are on the Spectrum, is their ability to see the world we live in from a very different perspective than I can. In my discipline of Psychology, I come across many individuals with interesting and varied backgrounds, including perceptions on how their own life path … Continue reading Autism – a young perspective.

Anxiety, Autism specific, Health, Mindfulness, Psychology, Self Help, Wellbeing4 Comments

Items to help Cope with anxiety

Change Therapy

At first glance you may see a person squeezing a bunch of grapes, yet on closer inspection, you can see that these are not real fruit. I see adverts regularly while surfing the internet, for toys that help calm your kids down. Squishy balls, Chewy toys, Spinners, Fidget toys in fact anything to keep the hands busy. There are many different types of toys which are predominantly meant to distract the user from the anxieties they experience in their minds. Are they aimed at children only? No, is the short answer. They look like something that you would amuse a … Continue reading Items to help Cope with anxiety

Anxiety, Autism specific, general health, Health, Neurological, Wellbeing11 Comments

Weighted Blankets

Change Therapy

What Is a Weighted Blanket? Occupational therapists have been prescribing weighted blankets to help manage sensory-related symptoms for decades – especially for children and adults on the Autism spectrum. A weighted blanket is a specially made therapeutic blanket with some additional weight, generally weighing between 5 to 30 pounds. They come in different weights to accommodate the user’s size. The idea behind weighted blankets is to make them a little heavy so they can apply a firm pressure on the user’s body. Depending on the manufacturer, these blankets are filled with different weighted materials, including barley, glass beads or even some kind … Continue reading Weighted Blankets

Autism specific, general health, Health5 Comments

Autism and Increased risk of Covid

Change Therapy

Recently the US Government started to offer Covid vaccinations to children aged 12 +, and hopefully the UK and other Nation’s Goverments around the world will follow suit. While there are many differences of opinion on whether vaccinations should be given to young children, I wanted to outline some recent research highlighting the increased risk of death for people with Developmental or Intellectual disabilities. As this affects both my children; one with Autism, and the other having an Intellectual Disability, I am very keen to protect them from the virus, even more so since reading the following information. Individuals with … Continue reading Autism and Increased risk of Covid

Anxiety, Autism specific9 Comments

Cutting Autistic child’s hair

Change Therapy

Going to the hairdressers can be a very distressing experience for autistic children due to sensory issues such as a sensitivity to noise and touch. In this article Jim the Trim, a hairdresser from Wales whose barbershop was awarded the National Autistic Society’s Autism-Friendly Award, gives us his Top 5 Tips on how hairdressers can make autistic children more comfortable during a haircut. Top 5 Tips Take your time to get to know the person and for them to get to know you. You may have to be very gradual and just allow the person to come in and watch … Continue reading Cutting Autistic child’s hair

Autism specific, Neurological, Wellbeing3 Comments

Autism and Meltdowns

Change Therapy

Most parents are familiar with a child’s temper tantrum and the disruptive, angry outbursts where the child demands attention, including getting their own way. In contrast, when a child or adult on the Autistic Spectrum has a Meltdown, they are reacting to emotional overload, and their brain struggles to make sense of a situation or behaviour. Ultimately, a Meltdown is a loss of control brought about by changes to the routine or expected behaviours, resulting in the senses being over stimulated all at once. Explosion of emotions! The Meltdown responses displayed by the Autistic person may include verbal expressions, of … Continue reading Autism and Meltdowns

Autism specific, general health, Health, Nature, Wellbeing28 Comments

Walk and Talk Therapy

Change Therapy

From a young age I was aware that being out in the open countryside was good for you, both physically and mentally.  As a wee boy, I would always feel better for having played outside. I was lucky enough to grow up near enough to woods and parks, so being able to run freely outside my home was second nature to me. Now, many decades later, I have come to appreciate that being out in the elements really is therapeutically good for you.  And that is why I offer my clients the opportunity of doing what I call “Walking and Talking Therapy” – which … Continue reading Walk and Talk Therapy

Autism specific, Health, Uncategorized, WellbeingLeave a comment

Baking with our Autistic Child – Part 3

Change Therapy

From our day of Baking cakes, I can proudly state that this was very successful. Our son finding relief from his daily struggles with extreme sensitivities to textures, smells and keeping clean, even though only for a couple of hours, is something that we will revisit as often as we can. Our neighbours, family and friends will benefit over the coming months I am sure! The other positive thing that we discovered, is the decrease in anxieties during the busy times of preparation; even waiting for the finished cakes, were less demanding times for our son. Naturally as a parent, … Continue reading Baking with our Autistic Child – Part 3

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Baking with our Autistic Child – Part 2

Change Therapy

Thinking that the kitchen table would be in an absolute mess of flour, sugar and sticky dough, I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. Every plate and utensil was cleaned as soon as they were finished with, and this may have something to do with having a hot bowl of soapy water readily available – bubbles and children often go very well indeed! So, after putting the cup cakes in the oven, then having a light lunch, in anticipation of leaving plenty room for the finished article, it was time to get the icing sugar made. This … Continue reading Baking with our Autistic Child – Part 2

Autism specific, Wellbeing1 Comment

Baking with our Autistic Child – Part 1

Change Therapy

Most of the people in the UK have recently had more time on their hands than usual, due to the Lockdown. We were fortunate that we were pretty well stocked up with items that could keep our children busy and engaged. One of the popular activities for families has been trying out Baking from home. The supermarkets and shops emptied of the necessary ingredients of flour, icing and sugar, very quickly and for a couple of months, these items above were like ‘gold dust’ to have.   One of the concerns we had prior to our decision to make Cakes, … Continue reading Baking with our Autistic Child – Part 1

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Walk in Nature – ASD

Change Therapy

Take a break from your routine and practice slowing down during this unique Guided Mindfulness Session. I can help you activate your body, improving concentration and reducing stress. Especially, great for newcomers or those that can’t sit still! Mindfulness can help you create some time to think clearer. I can teach you how to be more self aware, even for a few minutes a day, which will help you discover that ‘me-time’ is possible. This ‘Me-time’ is crucial for your Well-being, and provides you with a goal to improve not only yourself, but the well-being of the family too. Everyone … Continue reading Walk in Nature – ASD

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Meltdown v Tantrum

Change Therapy

  Almost every parent of a child has encountered a child’s meltdowns and/or tantrums. But dealing with an autistic child can be slightly different. So we’re going to give you some strategies for calming tantrums and meltdowns that actually work. First, it’s important to differentiate between tantrums and meltdowns because for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, they are not the same thing. A tantrum is a cluster of undesirable behaviours that are related to the child wanting something that he or she can’t have. Meltdowns for the autistic child are undesirable behaviours that are the result of sensory overload. … Continue reading Meltdown v Tantrum

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Sensory-Friendly Clothes for the Autistic Child

Change Therapy

Sensory-Friendly Clothes for the Autistic Child Clothing for the autistic child can cover a wide range of needs. What is important or helpful with one child may be totally different than what is needed by another child. Fortunately, today, there are many brands of clothing specifically designed for the autistic child. Some of these companies were started by parents of autistic children in order to make available what was previously lacking—and needed—on the market. Here is a list of some of the common issues that appropriate clothing addresses. Sensory-friendly (soft). Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) find clothing that … Continue reading Sensory-Friendly Clothes for the Autistic Child

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Autism and accessing Home Deliveries

Change Therapy

I have come across a number of articles in various publications, which highlight the difficulties that individuals on the Autistic Spectrum are having when it comes to getting groceries delivered to their homes. If you are deemed as in the high risk category by the Government, you should have been given a priority slot for deliveries, however if your health issue or disability does not fit their criteria, you have to rely on neighbours or family members to get supplies. Autism is not in the Government list. Getting through to your local Asda/Sainsbury/Tesco is another story, and waiting for 4 … Continue reading Autism and accessing Home Deliveries

Autism specific, general health, Health, Wellbeing3 Comments

How to deal with Quiet Stress.

Change Therapy

How to deal with Quiet Stress “Despite getting a bad rap over the years, expressing anger or frustration is far healthier than smiling sweetly while feeling quietly stressed.” according to Prof Cooper of Manchester University. “There is a growing epidemic of people who don’t voice their anger, and suffer just as much.” When she was growing up, Kate was aware her father had a temper. “He would fly off the handle very easily. My mother was forever telling him to calm down before he had a heart attack,” she remembers. “Growing up, if my brother or I ever lost our … Continue reading How to deal with Quiet Stress.