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Jonathan's avatar

Interesting. I believe I may have mild autism. It doesn't define me; it's part of my personality. Social situations are utterly draining to me, because I pay attention to *everything*.

With regard to stretching capabilities: I'm sure you already know this because your daughter has made progress, but growth in ability comes from progressive overload. Finding the right amount of stretching is the key, and it's much easier said than done.

Anyways, thank you for writing this.

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Kate Morris's avatar

Thank you for your comment. That’s really helpful, stretching is important but not to breaking point, and, as you say, it’s easier said than done. Any tips for parents on helping their children find that helpful stretch zone?

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Jonathan's avatar

I wish I had tips for that. I have four children myself, and they take after me to varying degrees. I tend to push more and my wife tends to hold back. Hopefully together we get close to the right balance. I think you have to get it wrong sometimes and learn from your mistakes.

Prayer. Grace. Mercy. Unconditional love. Trusting the Holy Spirit. You know. All the things that make a good parent :)

The man I respect most with respect to fatherhood told me that he always just wanted to see progress in his kids, because that meant the Holy Spirit was working. He and his wife raised four kids to adulthood and as far as I can tell they did a fantastic job with all of them.

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Kate Morris's avatar

Good advice! Thank you 🙂

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Julie Chin's avatar

Thanks Kate, the analogies were really helpful to understand how a neurodivergent person could be feeling.

I have felt that way myself in noisy shopping centres!

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Kate Morris's avatar

The lady who wrote about her experience is very helpful, I love learning from people who can give me insight into what it’s like for them. Text books are very helpful, but neurodivergent voices can give insight into what the lived experience actually can be! 🙂🙂

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Nate Lyons's avatar

Thank you! So many practical suggestions here to help us grow in love and care for a remarkably diverse people. I’m convicted at my quickness to assume a one-size-fits-all approach. The three questions you walked through provide so much space for loved ones to be exactly who they are instead of working off assumptions! I’m eager to explore more of your writing and findings - thank you!

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Kate Morris's avatar

Thank you so much for your comment and your encouragement 🙂

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Hannah's avatar

Empathising is relatively easy if you understand what causes the exhaustion: constant adrenaline rushes all day.

It is the same systematic reaction as running for your life, being attacked, or having to pull someone out of incoming traffic happening numerous times a day.

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Kate Morris's avatar

Thank you so much, this is a really helpful insight. That’s a lot to cope with!

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