Navigating Autism and Finding a Voice for Non-Speaking Kids

In this inspiring episode of the All Kids Can podcast, Kristy Haworth hosts Tara and Steve Harnwell-Jones, who open up about their journey as neurodivergent parents devoted to understanding and supporting their autistic daughter. They share their struggles and triumphs in navigating the complexities of living with autism as they aim to provide a supportive environment for their children.

Tara and Steve delve into the innovative and practical approach they adopted to address their daughter's communication difficulties, leading to the creation of customisable communication cards and a mobile app. These tools reflect a profound understanding of the nuanced needs of non-speaking children. The episode shares strategies and personal anecdotes that provide listeners with genuine insights into living with autism and the resilience that it builds within families. For more insights and to connect with Tara and Steve and check out their Find Your Voice resources and app, visit their Instagram page linked in the resources section.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Labels: While some criticize diagnostic labels, Tara emphasises their utility in understanding oneself and advocating for accommodations.
• Holistic Views on Autism: Tara and Steve's experience unveils the complex interplay between physical symptoms like pain and psychological manifestations of autism, an area warranting further exploration.
• Creating Communication Tools: Inspired by their daughter's needs, Tara and Steve designed communication cards that are simple, effective, approachable for children and definitely not 'cringe'!
• The Education System's Gaps: The episode highlights significant challenges within the educational system regarding support for neurodivergent children, emphasising a need for systemic change.
• Community and Feedback: Continuous community engagement and feedback have been pivotal in refining their communication solutions to ensure they are inclusive and practical.

Resources:

• Follow Tara and Steve on Instagram: @findyourvoiceorg
• Discover their communication tools and app details via their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FYVORG/

Tune in to listen to the full episode to uncover more about Tara and Steve's inspiring journey and how they are making a difference within the autism community.

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