Tag: Autism

Autism specific, Health, neurological disorders, psychologyLeave a comment

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, general health, Health, Mindfulness, Self Help, WellbeingLeave a comment

Mindfulness of Anger

Change Therapy

Anger is an unpleasant feeling. It is like a blazing flame that burns up our self-control and causes us to say and do things that we regret later. When someone is angry, we can see that they are in a form of hell, a cycle of never-ending rage. Anger and hatred are the materials in which hell is made. A mind without anger is cool, fresh and rational. The absence of anger is the basis of real happiness; the basis of love and compassion. When our anger us placed under the spotlight of Mindfulness, it immediately begins to lose some … Continue reading Mindfulness of Anger

Anxiety, Autism specific, neurological disorders, psychology, Wellbeing2 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

Health, Inspirational, Mindfulness, Self Help, Wellbeing3 Comments

Distractions

Change Therapy

How many of you reading this get distracted? Whether you are reading, talking or listening, many a time you will have experienced being distracted. It can be annoying, frustrating and takes you out of your stride until you can focus again. What about when we are listening to someone speak. It can take a lot of concentration to hear their voice and what subject they are talking about. Listening takes a lot of effort, and sometimes it is hard to shut out other noises. Can you think of times this happens to you? Sometimes it is not just noises that … Continue reading Distractions

Anxiety, Health, Mindfulness, psychology, Self Help, WellbeingLeave a comment

Strategy for Panic Attack

Change Therapy

The following exercise is suggested for anyone that needs help in coping with a Panic Attack. This also works for Anxiety Attacks. This strategy is one of the best and comes with the best intentions to alleviate the stress. Being aware of your Five Senses. Look around you. Name 5 things you can Hear Name 4 things you can See Name 3 things you can Touch Name 2 things you can Smell Name 1 thing you can Taste. You can feel your Senses at work, reinforcing that you are very much alive and making connections to the world you live … Continue reading Strategy for Panic Attack

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

Meditation, Mindfulness, Nature, Self Help, Wellbeing8 Comments

Transformation

Change Therapy

I thought I would share one of my Mindfulness Meditations. Close your eyes and ask someone to read this out to you for maximum benefit. Imagine you are a bright and beautiful caterpillar. You are full and resting on a leaf. You have eaten, explored, and ready for a rest.  Now, take in a deep breath, and imagine yourself becoming more still. You feel calm and settled. Notice the gentle wind passing your body making you relax and feel sleepy. Your chrysalis is beginning to form and wraps around your body and you notice the sensation of being close to … Continue reading Transformation

Anxiety, Autism specific, general health, Health, neurological disorders, Wellbeing10 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 disorders, 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

Anxiety, Autism specific, Diabetes, general health, Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Nature, neurological disorders, Weight and Diet, Wellbeing3 Comments

Giving something back.

Change Therapy

I predominantly offer Psychotherapy sessions for parents/carers of children who are on the Autistic spectrum or who have Special Needs. We walk and talk in Nature, rather than sit inside a room, and this form of therapy is found to be more relaxing, while enjoying the natural environment. There are not many people who can afford to pay out in excess of £50 for an hour of Counselling or Psychotherapy, as these sessions are never just once a week; they go on for weeks, months and sometimes longer. This is an expensive outlay for most people. As a parent of … Continue reading Giving something back.

Anxiety, Health, WellbeingLeave a comment

Coping with Anxiety – Moving up a gear with Fitness

Change Therapy

Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19   4 – Moving up a gear with Fitness       Thank you for continuing to follow this short helping strategy for anyone who needs a little help in changing their way of life. Anxious or just a feeling of never ending sameness, can put you into a negative cycle and promote unhealthy habits. I hope these instructions can assist positive change to your routine. Stand in an area where you feel safe, for instance if you have balance issues, stand beside a wall. Now I want you to march … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Moving up a gear with Fitness

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Coping with Anxiety – Engaging in a Useful Activity

Change Therapy

Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19   1 – Engage in a Useful Activity Concern over the outbreak of the Coronavirus is perfectly common. Some individuals, however, can experience extreme anxiety which can affect their everyday lives. My first suggestion to help manage anxiety in this present situation, would be to try and engage your brain in a useful activity. I am not talking about watching the latest box set of your favourite drama on TV! Decide to tidy up one room in your house, like a spring cleaning? Go through your items and … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Engaging in a Useful Activity

Autism specific, WellbeingLeave a 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

Autism specific, Health, NatureLeave a comment

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

Autism specific, Health, WellbeingLeave a comment

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

Diabetes, general health, Nature, Weight and Diet, WellbeingLeave a comment

A good therapist

Change Therapy

  The talking therapies are a form of storytelling, where many conclusions are possible. A good therapist teaches you to get along with the world, not to blow it up. Mindfulness walks can help you get some peace and quiet in your mind, and help to offload some of the negativity surrounding your life. Come and join me for an hour that will start to change your life.     Continue reading A good therapist

Health, Nature, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Walking in Nature – Walk and Talk

Change Therapy

Massive thanks to Stephen Newlin at Business Gateway for publishing an advert promoting Change Therapy in the Buzz (Business News) magazine. Have a look; 3 minute read please. The link to get the download is https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/downloads/download/12586/east_lothian_business_buzz_newsletter The service I provide, is free. I have a life long disability which prevents me working again (career wise), so with the help and support of Business Gateway, we have come up with this Social Enterprise (unpaid) idea in which I can try to help people overcome challenges that they may face,by utilizing my Psychology and Counselling skills to make positive change happen. Did … Continue reading Walking in Nature – Walk and Talk

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Walking in Nature Works!

Change Therapy

The idea of Walking in Nature, has recently been subscribed to patients by the NHS in Shetland, which have shown that health issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety and sadness, are massively reduced over time by walking in nature. Change Therapy embraces this notion, and offers the unique therapy of Walk and Talk, which encourages positive growth, promotes confidence and increases Wellbeing. Change Therapy is the leading provider in Scotland of Walking in Nature, providing specialized therapies for parents/guardians connected with Autism, and for people struggling to adapt to life changes after serious illness, including heart attacks. I use … Continue reading Walking in Nature Works!