Somatic Problem Solving:
Assisting neurodiverse children and young adults progress in their communication skills, community awareness, self-motivation, and overall independence. These goals are achieved by learning to pay attention to their body's reactions to the environment and stimuli and then adjusting their behaviors and/or the behaviors of others.
As a somatic problem solver, I help my clients achieve their goals in numerous
areas involving work, home, school and recreation.
Innovating out of necessity
Did you know back in 2009 I started a side business helping neurodivergent children and adults use the iPad? Innovating out of necessity, I devised various solutions to make iPads more user-friendly for my clients. From crafting home button covers to designing gloves with the pointer finger exposed for precise interaction, every invention aimed to…
Read MorePRACTICE CATEGORIES
Whether the goal was initially described by the client, a parent, a teacher or a job coach, I understand that clients themselves must understand the importance of their actions and what is possible with patience/diligence. I know how to motivate each individual to progress toward the lifestyle they desire.
IN THE HOME
- Kitchen skills: cooking, recipe building, menu planning, shopping
- Chores: making the bed, taking out the garbage, cleaning the house
- Scheduling: maintaining a calendar, managing free time, executive functioning skills
- Self-care: grooming, showering, medication
Example: placing marks on the stove and shower, so client can set the right temperatures on their own, allowing them to relieve stress and focus on the task.
ON THE JOB
- Communication: interacting with supervisor and coworkers
- Scheduling: reporting to work on time and remembering their daily schedule
- Independence: phasing out the need for a job coach by using an iPad to help clients remember individual tasks and related steps
- Confidence: holding a conversation with colleagues or strangers (learning flexibility and representing their own interests)
Example: Use QR codes to prompt client to implement the correct workflow at each workstation
IN THE COMMUNITY
- Independence: going for walks, visiting the library or other regular locations; using multiple transportation modes and accessing locations
- Quality of life: inviting friends for activities/socializing
Confidence: learning to navigate new spaces - Family assistance: helping family members feel comfortable as the client’s independence grows
- Advocating: Representing a client’s needs regarding an allergy with community members in person, by phone or email.
Example: Shooting and creating videos onsite to later reflect on and adjust behaviors to achieve
the goal. Some clients get overwhelmed in the moment but love watching themselves.
TECHNOLOGY
- Tools: identifying and using the best apps for common tasks, self-regulating emotions,
organizing easily accessible information for library and grocery discount cards - Communication: learning how to email, using word prediction and word banks
- Independence: calling or texting others by phone
- Growth: customizing apps (like Prologuo2go) to aid with communication and incrementally
adapting them into the client’s processes
Example: Creating check-able lists on the client’s personal device, which provided a mechanism for client to start doing their morning routine on their own.