Neurodiverse Connection 3-Part Blog Series:Neurodivergence, Trauma and Recovery

Connecting back to Nature and Cyclical Living

Blog Part 1

​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

​Connecting Back to Embodiment

Blog Part 2

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

​Connecting back to Community

Blog Part 3

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

​Free webinar for all Educators

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]