Interactive Session on Communication and Anxiety with Heavenly Angels - HA I had the honor of participating in a stimulating and insightful session with the wonderful team at Heavenly Angels - HA. The session revolved around the captivating theme of "Communication and Anxiety," with a special emphasis on understanding the word "ANXIETY" letter by letter. A - All at once The session kicked off by emphasizing the importance of recognizing that communication is not limited to verbal speech. It encompasses a variety of forms, including signs, pictures, and technology. Additionally, it drew attention to the interplay of the 8 sensory systems in a child's communication process. The discussion highlighted the impact of sensory overload and information processing challenges, which can sometimes lead to anxiety in communication. N - Need to communicate / No-Nonsense The session underscored the significance of focusing on a child's essential needs before niceties. Pushing unnecessary niceties can induce anxiety and obstruct what is genuinely necessary in a child's life, such as needs, wants, emotions, and safety. I - Imitation / Iteration Imitation and repetition play a crucial role in a child's learning process. Children learn by observing how others communicate, particularly in situations that they experience frequently. The more predictable and repeated opportunities a child has to communicate, the more likely they are to imitate and communicate effectively. Context-specific teaching was encouraged to facilitate this learning process. E - Engage / Error Correction / Escape / Encouragement This part of the session stressed the importance of recognizing that communication is a two-way process. Both parties involved are essential, with a need for mutual understanding and adaptation. It was noted that when teaching communication in a social setting, the setting itself and the peer group or individuals the child communicates with play a significant role. The focus during error correction should be on what needs to be done rather than dwelling on mistakes. Encouragement was encouraged but with a balanced approach, avoiding excessive reliance on external reinforcement. T - Time / Technology The session acknowledged that processing information and adapting to new communication methods takes time. Patience was emphasized, particularly when repeating instructions or providing explanations. It was also noted that technology can be a valuable tool to enhance communication, but its use should be individualized based on the child's specific needs and current functional level. Y - Your Anxiety matters The session concluded with a powerful message about the role of parents and caregivers in a child's communication journey. It stressed that everything starts with the parent's own anxieties about their child's communication, both within the family and in society. Parents were encouraged to focus on what the child truly needs for a meaningful and independent life, rather than conforming to societal expectations. In summary, the session with Heavenly Angels - HA was a remarkable exploration of communication and anxiety, offering valuable insights and guidance for parents and caregivers. It reminded us that effective communication is a multifaceted process that involves patience, adaptation, and, above all, understanding the unique needs of each child. It was a pleasure to engage with a community dedicated to the well-being of children and their families.
