Oxford Health BRC Neurodiversity Conference

Friday 19 September at 9:30 am - Saturday 20 September at 4:30 pm

This two-day public event across two locations will bring together researchers, clinicians, local organisations, and the neurodivergent community to collaborate and drive meaningful change.

Conference Themes:

Strengthening partnerships across research, community, and organisations

Advancing mental health research and support for neurodivergent individuals

Promoting inclusivity, innovation, and long-term impact

Day 1: Identifying Gaps and Advancing Mental Health Research (Saïd Business School)

Identifying Gaps and Advancing Mental Health Research

Featuring flash talks, panels, and lived experience speakers across the lifespan.

Day 2: Community Support, Advocacy, and Lived Experience (Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital)

Community Support, Advocacy, and Lived Experience

Includes workshops, mindfulness, and discussions on practical support and research engagement.

The ticket sales webpage is now live on the Autism Champions @autismchampions website

Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale! £35 for a limited time (£50 after sale ends)

Each ticket includes refreshments and lunch.

Please contact event organisers with any queries: [email protected]

Thank you Andreia Costa @neurodiverse.voices.podcast for inviting me, as @ndconnectionuk Development Lead, to be a panel speaker on the Friday - looking forward to it.

#neurodiverdiversity #bodymind #diversity #research #livedexperience #coproduction #changemakers 

This was a really fantastic event - and I’m so grateful for the York St John University academics leading this challenge and disruption in academia.

Witches have occupied the academic imagination across disciplines and have in recent years become a rebellious feminist trope. From medieval trials to modern feminist reclamations, from folklore to popular media, witches embody resistance, transformation, and power. Whilst there is lively debate about the meaning and extent of the European and American witch trials and a burgeoning cultural milieu in which the trope of the witch is explored, there is also a growing interest in the practice of witchcraft as an individualised spirituality. 
​
This free interdisciplinary conference explored the figure of the witch in all its historical, literary, sociocultural, political, and spiritual dimensions.

Session 1: Gender & Resistance: The Struggle & Subversion of The Witch.

I was the first speaker in this session of the conference - challenging and disrupting - delivering a presentation entitled, Gender, Power, and Witchcraft: Women's ‘Spelling’ Lived Experience Storytelling.

My presentation …

Explored the motivations behind the four Girl God Books anthologies, which offer diverse perspectives on trauma, initiation, neurodiversity, and pain, reclaiming the feminine through storytelling and creative expression

Highlighted the power of ‘spelling’ - storytelling in reclaiming feminine wisdom, challenging patriarchal structures, and fostering spiritual healing

Centred embodied lived experiences - the writing, poetry, and art from a global network of women – to examine the intersection of witchcraft, Goddess spirituality, gender and power

"The pain stops me in my tracks.

What I have observed is that the onset of pain happens when I am too much ‘in my head’, serving others without reciprocation and/or neglecting my pleasure.

So, from that viewpoint, the pain is an ally, showing me that I am imbalanced, fractured from embodiment.

Our collective spiritual and physical immune system is reacting and saying NO.

Pain is a political and revolutionary statement from the body. A clear message that society, paradigms, culture and systems need to change."

Let's not get distracted or bypass this.
​
I ended my Gender, Power, and Witchcraft: Women's ‘Spelling’ Lived Experience Storytelling presentation at the superb Interdisciplinary Witch Conference @yorkstjohn with my words from the @girlgodbooks Pain Perspectives: Finding Meaning in the Fire anthology I co-edited (& one of four anthologies I spoke about) 

Creating space between the stimulus & our response.

This was the overarching aim for the Becoming Nervous System, Trauma & Neurodivergent Informed training I delivered at Chalice Well Trust in Glastonbury.

In the space between stimulus & response, according to Victor Frankl, is our GROWTH & FREEDOM.

In the space there is a CHOICE ...

to react or to respond
to repeat or to repair
to be unconscious or conscious

to be extractive & dominating or reciprocal & relational
to move from I to we
to consider logic AND emotions & sensations

to choose who we want to be as a collective
to be humane & humanitarian & value diversity
to tend to our survival responses & regulation

Becoming a Nervous System, Trauma & Neurodivergent Informed organisation means ...

CHOOSING - to become educated about:
bodymind & it's diversity
the nervous system & how bodies respond to stressors
how to create space between stimulus & response

ENGAGING - individually & organisationally:
in space creating practices, resourcing & engaging in change-agency & evolution

EMBODYING - individually & as leaders:
regulation, co regulation & conscious, holistic, responsive relating.

#educateevolveembody #embodiededucation

​Delivering a three day training earlier this month at Chalice Well in Glastonbury to support the staff & trustees to become nervous system & trauma informed through a neurodiversity affirming lens, was one of the greatest honours of my life.

I've never felt more welcomed, heard & respected as a facilitator & have never had a more conscious, reflective & heart-led group of training participants.

A beautiful community which I hope to be a more active part of going forward.

Grateful.

#educateevolveembody #embodiededucation #embodimentspirituality #inandthrough #fleshyknowing #glastonbury #chalicewell #conscious #community #consciousliving #nervoussysteminformed #traumainformed #neurodiversityaffirming

​So we find ourselves again in the darkest portion of the year (see below my latest NdC blog on tips for coping with seasonal change!) This November newsletter highlights my most recent and upcoming work.  Hope something resonates for you amongst it all.

Diversity of BodyMinds.


Humanity is a collective of diverse bodyminds. There is no 'normal' body or mind.

Institutional measures of 'normal' are ways of thinking, being & behaving which do not systemically challenge the status-quo & so ensure the current distribution of power, resources & opportunity continues.

Think about it.

Embodied Education:

why it is important to radically rethink how we educate

why embodied education - as a model which centres body-first and bottom-up perspectives - alongside nervous system education and co-regulation - is vital for classrooms and schools to become trauma-informed

Embodied Education: Creating Safe Space for Learning, Facilitating and Sharing:

relational, neuro-inclusive, and creative strategies and approaches for learning environments, as a way of supporting the shaping of non-abusive, positive and trauma-informed school culture, safeguarding student and staff wellbeing and educational outcomes.

Nov 5th 2024 10am - 3 pm

FREE DAY ONLINE WEBINAR
SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IMPACTED BY TRAUMA
(from domestic abuse)

Hosted by Dr Ruth Smith, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire. Interested in joining? Emai
[email protected]

I'm really looking forward to supporting this event.

As the second speaker, I'll be presenting at 11am on Embodied Education.

#educateevolveembody #embodiededucation #fleshyknowing #inandthrough #trauma #traumainformed #domesticviolence #domesticabuse #children #schools #education #neuroinclusion #northyorkshire

I am so delighted that our piece - Embodied Education: Weaving our Way Beyond Mind. Radically rethinking learning and sharing spaces - was selected to be featured in this diverse and inclusive upcoming @womancraft_publishing compendium of contemporary women’s wisdom, one which will carry us forward through these strange and uncertain times.

Superbly edited by @lucyhpearce & it's an honour to be part of this alongside @carly_mountain & others

Weaving our Way Beyond Patriarchy is available for pre-order now from Womancraft Publishing.  
Click here - ships on Nov 15th

#educateevolveembody #embodiededucation #embodimentspirituality #inandthrough #fleshyknowing

​In this three-part series of blogs, as Neurodiverse Connection Development Lead I examine the complex entanglement of Neurodivergence and trauma, and the implications this has for the concept of “recovery”. In this first part, I explore how natural rhythms, such as the seasons, can illuminate an understanding of trauma and recovery. 

"Whatever our rhythms, connecting to nature shows us that just as the seasons turn and the trees bud, bloom, shed and rest, and the sun rises, shines, sets and disappears, and the moon waxes to fullness, and wanes to darkness, so do we need to find our unique rhythm, which is our best season and do our utmost to find out which environments echo that to support us be most regulated."

Full blog here
https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/trauma-and-recovery-part-1

In this second part, I explore how connecting to the body can illuminate an understanding of trauma and recovery. 

"It is vital for recovery that all individuals reconnect with embodiment to make sense and find meaning and belonging in being alive in the body they have. This is especially important for Neurodivergent individuals and their regulation, who have unique and often amplified sensory and emotional processing differences. 

It is important to remind ourselves here that, as Nick Walker writes, the ‘mind is an embodied phenomenon’ and that Neurodivergence is a difference in embodiment. So, when I say that neurodiversity is the diversity among minds, I’m really saying that it’s the diversity among bodyminds’."

Full blog
https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/trauma-and-recovery-part-2

In this third and final part, I explore how connecting to community can play a part in recovery from trauma. 

"And here is the double (or triple) bind, in which we can find ourselves as Neurodivergent people.

Within interpersonal relationships and community, we can experience a lack of connection and harm is a frequent occurrence for Neurodivergent individuals.

This leads to trauma.

Trauma leads to not feeling safe and difficulty trusting people, leading to a lack of connection.

We need co-regulation and connection with others to heal from trauma, so we seek connection and community, but in doing some previous trauma is triggered or more trauma ensues and we are re-traumatised.

Recovery is impeded. 

So, what can we do?"

Full blog here https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/trauma-and-recovery-part-3-community where I discuss what we can do & the importance of connecting to communities which are:

* #Nervoussystem and #traumainformed
* Focused on #culturalchange
* Understand #intersectionality & are #antiracist

We would like to invite Headteachers, Deputy Head Teachers and Safeguarding Leads to a free online workshop:  

Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by Trauma (from Domestic Abuse) hosted by Dr Ruth Smith, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire on Tuesday 5th November 10am – 3pm


The aim of the session is to:

• Give you a better understanding of the impact of trauma (specifically Domestic Abuse) on children
• Understand more about how the impact presents itself in children and young adults
• Share some practical tools and techniques to support children
• Build an awareness of the various organisations and charities in the region who can help

We will be joined by various speakers from a number of different organisations throughout the day.  You will have the opportunity to hear from a wide range of speakers and there will be chance to ask questions. Speakers include:

• David Trickey, a consultant Clinical Psychologist who specialises in working with traumatised children, young people and their families since 2000
• Kay Aldred, an experienced teacher and author who specialises in ‘embodied education’
• Lindsay Oliver the CEO of New Beginnings Peer Support, a charity which supports women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse
• Teesside Mind, an independent charity who have undertaken a recent project to involve young people in designing effective mental health support based on lived experience
• Gail Donnan, the founder and CEO of The Wellness Gateway, who is the author of two mental health and wellness books on trauma and childhood adversity
• Brigid O’Reilly and Kerri Rose of IDAS, a prominent Yorkshire charity focussing on supporting adults and children and young people experiencing domestic abuse
  
  
  

The workshop brochure is attached and/or can be viewed online here.


Places are limited so please confirm your place as soon as possible:  To reserve your place, please contact [email protected]

In this three-part series of blogs, as NdC Development Lead I examine the complex entanglement of #Neurodivergence and #trauma, and the implications this has for the concept of “#recovery”. In this first part, I explore how natural rhythms, such as the seasons, can illuminate an understanding of trauma and recovery.

Extracts below. Link to read the whole blog & to the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach Training in comments: 

"In the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach course, I talk about the importance of connecting to and eventually honouring and structuring our life around our unique energy rhythms, through observing, being mentored by, and communing with nature’s rhythms. These #cyclical rhythms include the #seasons and the #lunarcycles.

Living coordinated with our inner seasons leads to better nervous system regulation and more sustainable living habits. This is especially important for Neurodivergent individuals who may ‘buck the trend’ (as I do) of being most energised and uplifted in summer.

Whatever our rhythms, connecting to nature shows us that just as the seasons turn and the trees bud, bloom, shed and rest, and the sun rises, shines, sets and disappears, and the moon waxes to fullness, and wanes to darkness, so do we need to find our unique rhythm, which is our best season and do our utmost to find out which environments echo that to support us be most regulated.

Trauma is healed through connection and nature offers us connection in a gentle and comforting way. It reassures us that we can be a wild, non-conformist, fast-growing climber (think some types of clematis) which can’t/won’t be tamed and flourishes in peak heat or a sturdy, reliable, prickly holly bush which dependably produces red berries, nourishing the birds in the hardest, coldest winter.

Everything is welcome; there's space for all ways of being a plant, tree, or flower. Seasons remind us that we, as living beings, need to figure out how long it takes and what we need to bud, bloom, harvest, and rest. That is why I advocate for cyclical living education in schools, mental health care, and therapeutic intervention within the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach training."


Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach Training starts Oct 1st. More info here: https://ndconnection.co.uk/ndwatraining


Read the full blog https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/trauma-and-recovery-part-1

Last Tuesday I started facilitation of the latest round of the #Neurodivergent #Wellbeing Approach #Training for Neurodiverse Connection.

The Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach is a holistic, Neurodivergent-friendly well-being curriculum that offers education and practical strategies for the #mind, #body & #spirit of Neurodivergent individuals, their family members, friends, caregivers, and professionals who support them.

This #nervoussystemfriendly system & #traumainformed programme is based on the concept of ‘experience to share’ and is designed to promote the wellbeing of participants, which they can then share with those they care for and support.

The next round of early evening training starts on Oct 1st & there are only a few places remaining.


Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach Training starts Oct 1st. More info here https://ndconnection.co.uk/ndwatraining

In addition fellow Neurodiverse Connection Development Lead Grace Lee @somegalart examined in another blog how Neurodivergent minds can be vulnerable to #exploitation and #radicalisation by by far-right narratives and deliberate #misinformation.

As an appendix (below) I considered what can be done to find a way forward:

"#Safeguarding #neurodivergent communities against racism and radicalisation involves creating supportive environments that are growth-orientated; aware and reflective, equity-focused, and inclusive, proactively educational, and responsive. Supportive, safe, and regulated environments mean there is a willingness within the community or organisation to engage with and sit with ‘taboo,’ triggering and uncomfortable questions, and topics, be messy and make mistakes in discussions, and individually and collectively assess bias, privilege, power, as well as acknowledge and bridge knowledge deficits.  

As a learning organisation, at Neurodiverse Connection, we are committed to becoming anti-racist and are making space to explore how we can safeguard our organisation and community against racism and radicalisation.  

Last year, as part of our #Grooming and #CoerciveControl Summit, the red and green flags around communities and groups in our NdC curated resource Safeguarding Neurodivergent Individuals from Spiritual Abuse and considered the applications of it to online hate speech promoters and influencers, such as Andrew Tate. The points made in this resource around why neurodivergent individuals might be more at risk of spiritual abuse – social exclusion, challenges in discernment, a desire for belonging, reliance on authority figures, difficulty in self-advocacy and isolation - might equally apply to specific vulnerabilities of risk of radicalisation. 

We recognise the importance of understanding diverse cultural backgrounds within the Neurodivergent communities to address internalised and structural racism by seeking representation, voices, and perspectives. Our focus on service and community accountability, some of the green flags listed in the resource means that we look to create safe space, peer support, allyship and collaboration opportunities."


Full blog here https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/unpacking-radicalisation

Happy Full Moon and Equinox and I’ll write again in October.


Best wishes, Kay