Cards comprising strengths and challenges to help children and teens gain a positive understanding of their autism diagnosis
Glòria Durà-Vila is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist working in the Surrey and Borders NHS Trust with a main clinical interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is experienced in assessing, diagnosing and treating children and young people with ASD, and she works closely with parents and educational and social services. She is passionate about the importance of communicating the ASD diagnosis to parents and to the child in the best possible way. She is an Honorary Lecturer at University College London, Department of Mental Health Sciences.
How can something so simple be so brilliant? For years, one way to
describe the diagnosis of autism was to liken it to a bagful of
strengths and challenges. Each person reaches into the bag and
grabs a handful that are unique to themselves. Gloria Dura Vila has
created such a 'bag'. Her insightful cards, beautifully and
sensitively illustrated by Rebecca Tatternorth make diagnosing and
understanding the uniqueness of autism a pleasure.
*Kathy Hoopmann, author of All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum*
Gloria has created a truly wonderful resource which will support so
many practitioners and parents as they introduce autism to autistic
young people and others. The strategies and approaches outlined in
the accompanying booklet, presented with Gloria's humour and
passion, ensure that young people are supported to understand and
value themselves as an individual. I can't wait to use these cards
with my students.
*Clare Truman, teacher and education consultant supporting autistic
students, author of The Teacher's Introduction to Pathological
Demand Avoidance*
No more nerves and clumsy conversations. The Amazing Autistic Brain
Cards are a must-have resource for anyone involved in sharing and
discussing an autism spectrum diagnosis with children and young
people. Rather than giving a one-size-fits-all description of
autism, I love that these beautifully simple cards can be used to
tailor-make a portrait of autism that suits the child and
celebrates their individuality.
Dr Glòria Durà-Vilà leads the way by reflecting on her extensive
experience as a clinician, offering insight and guidance that I am
certain will empower and equip parents and practitioners alike with
the confidence to have positive conversations with children about
their autism. I especially like that the cards can be adapted and
revisited over time to accompany a child's own developing sense of
self. This is a wonderful resource that will ultimately be of huge
benefit to children and young people as they learn about themselves
and what it means to be autistic...and amazing.
*Elaine Brownless, specialist autism liaison teacher and author of
The Autism Detective*
In addition to being an invaluable tool for professionals, Gloria's
wonderfully empowering cards are a fabulous hands-on way for young
people to build self-awareness, facilitate discussion and enable
self-advocacy, creating a balanced and unique 'this is me' profile
for themselves and others.
*Reuben Hoole (13 year old autistic boy) and his mother, Vikki
Threlfall*
Gloria has found a very practical and effective way to explain
strengths and challenges to a population of young people when
diagnosed with Autism. Using her humour and passion she touches all
the key points so vital for young people and their parents, not
only to understand, but also empower themselves in life choices.
Brilliant!
*Dr S Marco Mura, NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist,
Surrey and Border NHS Trust*
These cards have the potential to fundamentally change the
experience of talking and learning about Autism and neurodiversity
for the better. It is exciting to have such a simple and effective
tool which could transform discussions at the critical point of
diagnosis. They will be equally useful for any broader explorations
in different settings and for lots of different purposes.
Genius!
*Sally Russell OBE FRSA, Chair of the PDA Society*
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