There is a concept within the Autistic Community called ‘masking’, but it applies to many people across many different diversity axes. That’s because masking is basically the work we do to try to blend in with those around us – to try to pretend that we are someone that we are not – less autistic, less queer, less disabled, less ADHD … less us. In particular, these ideas are often introduced or reinforced with behavioural methods such as ABA/IBI or conversion therapy.
Category Archives: Coaching
On Waiting
So many things have been put on hold recently, haven’t they? Birthday parties, potlucks, gatherings of any sort have joined ranks with graduation celebrations, sports and even shopping.
It’s not something to celebrate, really, but I’ve been ‘waiting’ for a long time now, and I think the following 5 things about waiting are pretty universally true…
Hope
Hope is a tricky thing. Sometimes it feels like hope will just lead to disappointment – like not only is there ‘no point’ but there is almost an ‘anti-point’ – like it will be net negative to hope for something. When I first got sick people really wanted me to ‘hope’ that I would getContinue reading “Hope”
Tools for Life in Physical Isolation
After three years of living mostly in physical isolation, I’ve learned a fair amount about this way of doing life. As such I figured I’d put out some resources over the coming days to share some of what I’ve learned. Tool #1 – Rhythm, Ritual and Rest *Create rhythms to your day, marked by whenContinue reading “Tools for Life in Physical Isolation”
Emotional Regulation in Hard Times
Some suggestions for emotional self regulation during hard times: Create intentional PLANS and SCHEDULES to help organise your day and increase your sense of AGENCY and CONTROL. Don’t be afraid to Make these plans VISUAL in a notebook or on a board. Use MOVEMENT and CREATIVITY to allow your body to process stress as itContinue reading “Emotional Regulation in Hard Times”
Preventing Trauma for Complex Care Patients
I first entered the new wing of the Hospital for Sick Children in February 1993 – just over 27 years ago. Since that time I have had operations, birthed babies, spent time in the NICU, attended outpatient appointments, spent time in the ER, spent time with my kids as inpatients all in this building. IContinue reading “Preventing Trauma for Complex Care Patients”
Let’s Talk About (Disability &) Sex!
Had an incredible time today as I was interviewed on a podcast about disability, where I got to talk about not only being disabled, but being part of a disabled family, and the highs and the lows of that. One of the questions I was asked was, How do your different disabilities play a roleContinue reading “Let’s Talk About (Disability &) Sex!”
How I Can Help
Sometimes it’s hard to describe what I do as a coach – and why you might need a coach – because it can vary so greatly. So here are a few thoughts: If you are the parent of an LGBTQ child, struggling to know how to support your child, I can help. If you areContinue reading “How I Can Help”
Perspecticals
My new chair has given me a new perspective on the world. It’s incredible to me to be able to sit taller than I could ever stand, and it makes me realise the power of different perspectives or lenses on how we see and understand the world – our perspecticals. The lens we use toContinue reading “Perspecticals”
Perspective
Perspective is an interesting thing, isn’t it? When we were in Toronto this week, we stayed in a condo overnight and I had this unusual view out my bedroom window. Everything seemed both larger and tinier than in real life… Some perspectives are comfortable for us. Others leave us feeling off-kilter. Having lived my entireContinue reading “Perspective”
Heather R. Morgan 