deaf together’s Post

Did you know that there are around 50,000 deaf children in the UK, with approximately 7,200 under the age of 5?    Unfortunately, at present, deaf children in the UK face the prospect of lower academic achievement, and lower employment, and are at higher risk of poor mental health, bullying and social exclusion. But it doesn't have to be this way.     With early and effective support to develop language and communication, whether their families choose to communicate with spoken language, sign language or both, deaf children can thrive at school and beyond and have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers.    This #DeafAwarenessWeek take the quiz on our website to help challenge perceptions, test your knowledge and gain valuable insight into deafness:     https://lnkd.in/ecih6pUB  

How you say something to your child can be just as important as what you actually say. To make them feel truly heard, it's important to match your tone, facial expression, and body language to the energy they’re bringing. If your child is upset or frustrated, responding with empathy in your voice and on your face helps them know you’re genuinely listening. You want them to feel like you're resonating with their emotions, not just giving a surface-level response. At the same time, it’s important not to overdo it or underplay their feelings. Responding with too much intensity can shift the focus away from them, while a tone that’s too calm might make you seem distant or uninterested. Striking the right balance helps them feel validated without overshadowing their experience. Using your voice, eyes, and expressions to mirror their emotions allows your child to feel understood and supported during difficult moments. #attachment #attachmenttheory #parenting #mentalhealthprofessionals #childmentalhealth #integrativeattachmentfamilytherapy

Emotional regulation is complicated, especially so for non-verbal autistic people whose system is Alexythemic. In my book, No Place for Autism?, I explain that alexythemia is not just difficulty identifying or naming emotional states but also difficulty understanding the source of those emotions. When combined with our often hyper empathy, it can be quite overwhelming. If you run out of spoons quickly, chances are alexythemia and hyper empathy are at the root. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gW5ny2ZF Artist: Grant Snider

Three Takeaways from Deaf Like Me—and My Own Journey I'm not quite done reading this one as yet for the new website is being done by myself as well. So far in reading this story by Dave Blackwell I have the following to share ... - Living Deaf in a Hearing World:  George's pandemic challenges struck a chord with me. I faced resistance even when presenting official government exceptions for mask mandates. Hearing Cultural norms of tattling amplified the stigma, leaving me ostracised at work—once even sent out of a meeting in front of 40 colleagues like a naughty school kid from the classroom and told to stand outside the door. - This was outside the premises in the open air. I was humiliated and discriminated and no one did a thing about it. - Humour and Humanity:  Laughing matters. Without humour, frustration could lead to tears or negativity, risking not only mental health, but our physical health can take a toll too. A positive mindset fosters resilience and well-being. - Life-Changing Lessons:  Accepting what we have instead of chasing what we want creates space for impactful growth, both personally and in our communities. To look inwards and read/listen to the sign posts of life can be a lesson not to be forgotten. Have you managed to check this book out as yet? if not you can do so via the link below: Link: https://a.co/d/hoM00xZ

This could be a neat visual to present the sometimes overwhelming emotions we experience as people to some of the kiddos we work with! (And then, of course, teach the skills to manage those emotions/tetris pieces)

#The_Hearing_Handicap_Inventory_for_Adults(HHIA) is a self-assessment tool designed to measure the emotional and social impact of hearing loss on individuals. This 25-item questionnaire addresses real-life scenarios, such as difficulties in understanding conversations or feelings of isolation due to hearing challenges. The test results help clinicians assess the psychological and social burden of hearing loss and guide the development of personalized treatment or rehabilitation plans. The HHIA is particularly valuable for adults experiencing permanent or temporary hearing loss, offering insights into how hearing issues affect their daily lives and interactions. I would like to share this with you to benefit

More than 400 thousand Canadians are projected to adopt hearing aids this year, with this figure steadily increasing. 📈 When you begin noticing difficulties with your hearing, consider these three compelling reasons to invest in hearing aids: 1️⃣ Hearing aids are tailored to amplify the frequencies in which we experience challenges, restoring the clarity we've been missing. 2️⃣ Improved hearing has been linked to enhanced happiness levels. 3️⃣ Neglecting hearing loss can have adverse effects on mental well-being. #hearingaids #hearing #hearwell

Are we asking the right questions? When it comes to communication, especially in autism, we often focus on HOW people communicate rather than WHAT they are trying to communicate. Jodee Simpson, our Speech and language therapist, an advocate for neurodiversity and a mother of an autistic child, is an exemplary inspiration for everyone to reshape our perception. Jodee’s journey into speech and language therapy was shaped by her lived experiences, both as an autistic person and as a caregiver. She recognises that communication is about differences in expressing our thoughts, emotions and desires. Autistic communication may sometimes include stimming or alternative methods like pictures or technology. These ways of communication are natural and meaningful and are not always signs of distress. By asking the right questions and embracing diverse communication styles, we can create a more inclusive environment where every voice is heard. Read more about her experience and views in the new blog series from Leaf Complex Care, 'In the Heart of Care' ▶️ https://lnkd.in/di5Ak2gG

This is such a great analogy of emotional regulation. This is a huge challenge with some people with autism, AuDHD and ADHD. Neurological differences affect the brain's ability to regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are crucial for mood regulation and emotional control. An imbalance can lead to heightened emotional responses and difficulty managing emotions. Being a person with ADHD, emotional regulation is a daily challenge for me. Slowly I am learning new methods, new "tricks", to try and regulate my emotions in a more positive way.

If you notice your partner can't hear very well when you're in a quiet space or when you're in a louder area, it might be time to talk to them about getting a hearing test. Hearing tests are important because we know for a fact that people who can’t hear well often become disengaged, which can turn into isolation. That in turn can result in feelings of anxiety and depression, and impact one's balance and lead to an increased risk of dementia. It's important to talk to your partner about taking a hearing test before being hard of hearing becomes a bigger problem. Go to AARP.org and read Dr. Adam's column for more on talking to your partner about taking a hearing test.