Self-advocacy is not as simple as just learning one skill or one isolated thing. In the neurodiversity affirming world and in the therapy world, we love talking about self-advocacy, but what is it and how do you get there?     I like to think of the components of self-advocacy is being broken up into four main sub parts:

• Supportive Environment & Community - Safe people and spaces that encourage, believe you, facilitate and offer support
• Self-awareness of Needs & Preferences - You need to be aware of what you like, need, and don’t like or don’t want
• Self-worth & Confidence - You need to believe you’re worthy of support, and feel confident and secure enough to ask for what you want/need
• Ability to Communicate - You need to be capable of communicating your preferences, choices and protests in a way that others around you understand

  In this episode, I outline what each of those parts are, why they're so important. And some ideas and examples for how this can look in practice.   Keep learning with me!   Register for the Communicate and Connect Webinar Series for Professionals who support Neurodivergent Children: https://playlearnchat.com/c-and-c   The 3 webinars in the series are:

• Responsive Relationships: Communication Strategies for Professionals to Connect with Neurodivergent Children
• Collaborative Connections: Coach and Communicate with Carers & Teams of Neurodivergent Children
• Supportive Spaces: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Environments to Support Neurodivergent Children in their Communities

  Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat