Self-advocacy is a crucial element of post-secondary success. The ability to express our needs not only boosts confidence but also nurtures independence and effective problem-solving. One prominent framework for understanding self-advocacy is David Test’s model, which divides self-advocacy into three key components: knowledge of rights, knowledge of self, and effective communication. Let’s dive into why each of these facets matters and how we nurture them at camp.

Knowledge of Rights

Accessing learning accommodations requires neurodivergent students to understand what type of accommodations they benefit from. Confidence in understanding academic rights in and out of the classroom makes it easier to advocate for yourself when your requested accommodations are not met appropriately.
How we cultivate this at camp:
We offer sessions with Curry College’s faculty on accessing college accommodations and knowing your rights. These sessions help teens proactively create a structured plan to access accommodations in their post-secondary journeys.

Knowledge of Self

An important part of building and maintaining relationships is understanding physical and emotional boundaries with different people we interact with. Neurodivergent teens are faced with many new relationships to navigate in college, with peers and faculty/staff. Recognizing personal preferences and boundaries, such as requiring a small night lamp to sleep or quiet time in the dormitory during certain hours, empowers teens to advocate proactively.
How we cultivate this at camp:
We provide a form before camp on living preferences so campers can start reflecting on their living preferences. During camp, we offer real-time feedback and check-ins to help campers express their needs. For example, if we notice a camper feeling overwhelmed during a long drive, we’ll ask, “Do you often feel like that on lengthy trips?” This supports our teens in identifying situations that may feel overwhelming for them and planning what they need to feel comfortable.

Communication

Communication as it relates to self-advocacy can be broken down into two components. First, teens must identify the right person to approach with their concern or question. Second, they need to clearly and appropriately articulate the solution or accommodation required.
How we cultivate this at camp:
We guide our teens in identifying the people to seek support from and provide opportunities for them to practice communicating their needs. Suppose a teen, who happens to be a vegetarian, notices the dining hall does not have a vegetarian protein option they usually prefer. In such a scenario, we help them brainstorm food alternatives they’d enjoy and identify the dining staff member to approach. We encourage them to take the initiative in communicating their needs with the dining staff, giving them the practice they need to become confident self-advocates.

Hear what our teens from this summer have to say:

“I feel more confident and responsible.”
“I learned what roommate situation I would like to be in.”
“I learned what I needed to prepare for my college classes.”

Self-advocacy is more than just a skill; it’s a confidence builder and a pathway to independence. It also requires a lot of practice to master. At Beyond Akeela we aim to equip neurodivergent teens with the skills they need to thrive in their post-secondary lives.

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One of our goals at Beyond Akeela is to help teens develop a comfortable exercise routine into their lives, as it is known to have well documented physical AND mental health benefits for us. While teens at Beyond Akeela are not going through strict weight training or other strenuous exercise, they are practicing routines that they can replicate in college that will support a more successful college transition. Below are some tips for how to implement a consistent routine in your college life.

When I was in college, I recognized all the incredible benefits of staying active, and I knew I’d feel better if I incorporated exercise into my life. Yet, I needed help to prioritize exercise and stick to a routine. There always seemed to be something else demanding my attention, or I simply felt too tired to hit the gym. As I navigated this journey, I discovered how to create and stick to an exercise routine. In this blog, I’ll share seven tips that have not only helped me overcome the obstacles to exercising but have also guided me in staying committed to a regular fitness routine.

1. Find a Workout You Enjoy

Finding a workout you genuinely enjoy is the key to a successful exercise routine. There’s no “best” workout. The best exercise for you is the one you’ll stick with consistently. Choose an activity that brings you joy, whether it’s dancing, outdoor cycling, nature walks, martial arts, or swimming.

2. Start Small and Gradually Increase Intensity

When you’re motivated to begin a new workout routine, diving into intense workouts immediately is tempting. However, this can lead to muscle soreness and overtraining. Start with a routine that’s manageable and easy to follow. As your body adapts, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. This approach ensures long-term sustainability.

3. Plan Your Workouts

Creating a plan helps you build consistency. It also reduces the decisions you must make when working out. You can list the days and times you will work out and put them on your calendar. You can also plan what you will do during your workout by either following a specific program or writing down the exercises you will do before you exercise. There are numerous resources and workouts available online.

4. Create an Energizing Playlist

Music remarkably influences your motivation during workouts. Create a playlist with upbeat, energizing songs that inspire you to move. The right music can boost your enthusiasm and help you power through your exercise sessions.

5. Seek Support and Guidance

Starting your exercise journey with professional guidance can be incredibly effective. Working with a trainer offers valuable insights and a structured plan tailored to your needs. Trainers can also help prevent overtraining and reduce the risk of injuries.

If a personal trainer is not accessible, consider joining group classes. Group workouts provide social interaction, opportunities to learn new skills from trained professionals, and accountability through class schedules and cancellation policies.

6. Have a Clear Intention

Why do you want to exercise and lead a healthier life? Having a strong personal reason and narrative can significantly boost your motivation. Take time to define your “why,” write it down, and refer to it when you need a motivational boost. Connecting with your intention will help you stay committed to your exercise routine.

7. Incorporate Non-Exercise Physical Activity

Research shows that non-exercise physical activities contribute significantly to an active lifestyle. Try to incorporate movement where you can. Simple habits like walking for 5-10 minutes after each meal, taking the stairs, or riding your bike to class can make a significant difference.

These tips can help you build a consistent exercise routine. While working on building your exercise routine, it is essential to be mindful of your self-talk and overall well-being. Please exercise at your own pace and try not to compare where you are with anyone else. We all have our journey, and the purpose of building an exercise routine is to support you in living a happier life. Exercise is not about what you can’t do but a celebration of what your body can do.

During our coaching conversations this summer, we had several campers ask us: “How do I stop my cycle of negative thoughts?” We get it – we’ve all been there, feeling trapped in a swirl of negativity. So, in this blog post, let’s dive into some common challenges we’ve talked about at camp and explore some strategies to dial down or even stop negative thoughts.

Challenge 1: Self-Judgment and Meta-Thoughts

Sometimes, we’re way too hard on ourselves when we feel down. We think that we’re not allowed to feel sad or angry. Plus, we even get upset about being upset – stacking emotions on emotions!

What could I do?
Your feelings are 100% valid. Emotions are your mind’s way of altering you to something important. No matter how long you have been working on coping with negative thoughts, there are going to be situations that come up that you cannot control or that makes you feel upset or think a negative thought. While it’s awesome to want to be your best self, it’s just as important to accept where you are right now. To tackle self-judgment, try making a little script to repeat to yourself. I like saying, “I’m feeling [emotion], and that’s completely fine. Everyone feels this way sometimes. Can I be kind to myself?”

Challenge 2: Feeling Fake When Trying to Stay Positive

We’ve all heard the advice to think positive thoughts when we’re feeling low, but sometimes, it feels fake because our emotions and reality don’t match.

What could I do?
Instead of forcing positivity, take a breath and don’t rush yourself. Ask, “What’s one thing that I could do that would make me feel slightly better?” For example: what is something that I could do that would make me feel frustrated instead of angry?

Challenge 3: The Never-Ending Loop of Negative Thoughts

Ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending thought loop, feeling like, “I can’t stop this!”?

What could I do?
Engage in a different activity you enjoy. Plan this activity when you’re feeling calm, so it’s ready when you need it. You can have a reminder of what this activity is in your room or with you. Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or trusted adult for help – leaning on your community can be immensely helpful when we feel like we cannot stop our cycles of thought.

Working through these patterns takes time. When you’re feeling calm, praise yourself for the efforts you’re making to feel better. Reflect on your wins and notice how you’re dealing with challenging situations differently than before. You’re not alone, and you can absolutely develop the skills to work through big emotions.

***Note: The challenges and solutions explored here are based on conversations with our teens and exploring what strategies worked for them. It is not intended to be therapeutic advice.

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Technology is ever-evolving and such a ubiquitous part of our lives. Our families often ask us: how can we best support our teenagers in this digital age? To discover some potential solutions, I recently read a book called “Technology’s Child” that offered some great insights. Let’s dive in and explore some of my takeaways from this book.

Understanding the “Why” is Key

Each teen uses technology differently and the resulting impact is dependent on their usage. It is important to step back and ask why a neurodivergent teen is so engrossed in technology. Is it about connecting with friends? Does it help them cope with life’s challenges? Are they trying to fit in with their peers? Knowing the reasons behind their tech use can foster numerous opportunities for conversation. It’s all about addressing the root causes rather than labeling their behavior as problematic.

Bringing Their Online and Offline Worlds Together

Many neurodivergent teenagers find community in online spaces. Platforms like fan fiction communities offer them a chance to express themselves and explore their identities freely. However, a common challenge occurs when these online communities don’t blend with their “real life.” Encouraging neurodivergent teens to bridge the gap between these two worlds can significantly benefit their mental health and self-identity. For example, a teen who enjoys Dungeons and Dragons may enjoy finding a D&D group to join through school or otherwise in the community.

Empowering Autonomy and Self-Direction

Empowering teens with a sense of autonomy and self-direction in their technology use is crucial. While technology companies often design platforms to keep users engaged for longer periods, we can help our teens become aware of these design tactics. Engaging them in open conversations about algorithms, platform design, and its impact on their usage can foster a sense of control. This awareness enables them to make more informed choices about when to start or stop using a particular platform

How Caregivers Can Support

Navigating the complexities of technology use is a challenge for both teens and their caregivers. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, “Technology’s Child” offers some valuable suggestions for supporting our teens:

• Get Curious: Engage in conversations to understand why your teen is drawn to technology.
• Celebrate and Validate: Celebrate your teen’s wins and interests on social media. At the same time, let them know it’s okay to have struggles and challenges.
• Offline Engagement: Encourage and facilitate the creation of offline spaces and connections. Help your teen find ways to express themselves and hang out with friends beyond the screens.

There is no magic solution to managing tech use for neurodivergent teens. However, by embarking on this journey alongside our teens, we’re not just helping them navigate the digital world; we’re building resilience and fostering skills like self-reflection, self-regulation, and crafting well-being plans tailored to their unique needs.

Interested in discussing Beyond Akeela for your neurodivergent teen? Let’s Connect!

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The practice of mindfulness has garnered significant attention in recent years. It holds the potential for profound positive changes in our lives. But a lot of the research on mindfulness has been conducted with a neurotypical population. It is important to explore the benefits and challenges of mindfulness practices with neurodivergent folks.

Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice; it can be adapted to cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Here are some of the advantages demonstrated by research with neurodivergent participants:

Reducing Repetitive Negative Thoughts
Participants reported that mindfulness practices helped promote awareness of repetitive negative thoughts, and empowered them to manage their thoughts effectively.

Promoting Self-Compassion
Mindfulness fostered a kinder, more accepting attitude towards oneself. Participants reported a reduction in self-judgment.

Improved Sleep
Participants reported that directing attention to their body (body scan meditation) helped them fall asleep more easily.

Challenges in Mindfulness for Neurodivergent Individuals

While the benefits of mindfulness are evident, there are certain aspects of mindfulness practices can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals:

Sensory Overload
The heightened awareness of the present may lead to overwhelming sensory experiences. This is especially true for mindfulness practices that involve paying attention to smells, sounds, and taste.

Abstract Concepts and Language
Some mindfulness practices involve very abstract and metaphorical language that might not resonate with neurodivergent individuals, making it challenging to engage with the practice.

Techniques Involving Strong Vibration
Singing bowls and sound healing can feel overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities.

Mindfulness Practices Ideas for Neurodivergent Teens

Affirmations
Repeating positive affirmations offers an effective alternative to focusing on breath. It boosts mood and self-confidence while fostering mindfulness.

Alternate Anchor Points
Instead of focusing on your breath, choose an anchor point in your body that feels comfortable to you. Some ideas include concentrating on your heartbeat or the rise and fall of your stomach.

Connecting with Nature
Take mindful walks in nature, observing plants, textures, and colors. Nature provides grounding and can promote a positive mood.

Active Mind-Body Activities
Activities like dancing, yoga, or martial arts that blend physical movement with breath, can help you cultivate a mindful state while staying active.

Art as Mindfulness
Creative pursuits like drawing, painting, or sculpting can serve as forms of mindfulness. The process of creating art enables complete focus and presence.

Mindfulness practices hold immense potential for neurodivergent teens. However, it is important to adapt mindfulness to meet your own needs by exploring different techniques. There is no mindfulness practice that is the best; the goal is peace and self-acceptance.

During Autism Acceptance Month, Autism advocates challenged schools and media to focus on accepting and celebrating folks with different neurological makeups.

In honor of this celebration, we reflect on some of the critical moments and publications in the evolution of the neurodiversity movement.

Critical Moments in the Neurodiversity Movement

1993 – Jim Sinclair gave a speech titled “Don’t Mourn for Us” at the International Conference on Autism in Toronto. In his remarks, Jim urged folks not to try to change their children or pity them but instead accept them for who they are. He did not use the word neurodiversity explicitly. However, his speech is often referred to as the birth of the neurodiversity movement.

1998 – Harvey Blume published his article “Neurodiversity” in the Atlantic. This was the first appearance of the word neurodiverse in literature.

1999 – Judy Singer published her Master’s thesis titled “Odd People In” and coined the term neurodiversity. She is often credited as the founder of the Neurodiversity movement.

2004 – Amy Harmon published her article “Neurodiversity Forever; The Disability Movement Turns to Brains” in the New York Times. This was the first publication on neurodiversity in a prominent newspaper.

2004 – Kathleen Seidel created the website Neurodiversity.com after her children received an autism diagnosis. The purpose of the website was to honor the differences in human brains.

2005 – Susanne Antonetta published the first book on neurodiversity titled “A Mind Apart: Travels in a Neurodiverse World.”

2006 – The central theme of Autistic Pride Day, celebrated on June 18th each year, was “Celebrating Neurodiversity.”

2009 – Higher education institutions began researching and publishing articles on neurodiversity. One of the first articles published was titled “Student Experiences of Neurodiversity in Higher Education.”

2015 – Steve Silberman published his book “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity,” spreading the framework of neurodiversity to a broader audience.

These activists’ profound efforts and contributions transformed how society understands neurodiversity.  Together they are helping create a more inclusive world. While we have a long journey toward an equitable society, we hope that these stories highlight the power research and advocacy can have.

Our teens at Beyond Akeela can make a big difference by sharing their stories, advocating for their needs, and celebrating what makes them unique!

We recently came across a comprehensive video by Stanford Neurodiversity Project on incorporating universal design principles to create an inclusive dorm community. The video was created by undergraduate college students as a final project for a psychology course and features two neurodivergent students sharing their experiences living in college dorms.

We reflect on the actionable takeaways from the video to foster an enriching living experience for all our campers.

Creating Activities with Structure and Intention

At Beyond Akeela, we consciously build in evening activities like trivia night, mini-golf, and bowling, that offer teens opportunities to socialize while simultaneously giving them the option to focus on the activity without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to interact with others. Additionally, all our dorm lounges have a variety of games for teens to have more choices on how they socialize during their free time.

Being Mindful of Sensory Stimulation

We intentionally schedule most group activities outdoors or in a spacious room to minimize sensory overload. We also establish group norms for being mindful of sensory stimulation indoors, such as snapping instead of clapping and normalizing stepping out from an overwhelming space.

Encouraging Multiple Means of Communication

At Beyond Akeela, we understand that initiating a conversation about a challenge with an advisor or peer can sometimes feel stressful. Consequently, we encourage teens to harness the power of different communication modalities. For instance, teens can leave their advisors a note explaining what they want to discuss to frame the face-to-face conversation.

Practicing Compassionate Humility

Advisors at Beyond Akeela support campers using a strengths-based approach and center the teens as the experts of their experience. We seek to learn from our teens and intentionally incorporate their feedback to ensure they receive the individualized support they need to thrive.
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Overall, the video emphasized how simple, tangible actions can profoundly improve accessibility and how accessibility allows every individual to tap into their potential. We carry these reflections with us as we continue to empower our teens by designing an enriching and inclusive community.

One of our families recently shared an article from Think College that lists overnight camps as a powerful strategy to prepare neurodivergent youth for post-secondary life. Summer transition programs can help adolescents build confidence, increase self-awareness, and foster community.

While attending camp has several benefits, we wondered what specific elements of a summer program that help neurodivergent teenagers succeed in post-secondary life. We set out to discover the answer and came across research by Emily Hotez et al. in 2018. They developed and implemented a week-long summer transition program for adolescents with autism. The researchers evaluated the program using interviews with the participants. Results demonstrated that a summer transition program for autistic teens could help teens self-advocate and engage with diverse peers in college contexts.

The program participants also had several suggestions for improving summer transition programs. Their recommendations align with our programming at Beyond Akeela. Here are the four elements that the teenagers highlighted.

Longer Programming

The participants felt more time was needed to practice the new skills they were learning. A 2.5-week program like Beyond Akeela gives teenagers the space and time to practice post-secondary skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

More Field Trips

The teenagers wished they had more opportunities to explore exciting locations independently. At Beyond Akeela, teens have numerous opportunities to go on college tours, adventure day trips, museums, and nearby towns. The teens independently explore these locations in small peer groups, exercising the skills they’re building at camp in new environments.

Interactive Learning

Teens did not want to feel like they were in a classroom all summer. They expressed wanting opportunities to learn through different modalities. All our programming at Beyond Akeela is interactive and hands-on; teens learn through activities, community service, group discussions, and practicing skills in a truly organic setting.

Programming That Aligns With Their Interests

Beyond Akeela offers unique activities, such as Dungeons & Dragons and Wilderness Survival. We strive to tailor our programming to our teens’ interests through choice-based programming to help them have a memorable and transformative summer.

Many families ask us how our program creates the social growth and increased self-confidence for ASD teens. Some of the most important work that we do occurs in the non-summer months when we set up the structure of our programming. We recently read this Harvard Business Education article about supporting neurodivergent learners in classrooms. The articles affirmed some of the practices we utilize at camp to create successful experiences for ASD teens.

Creating Community Before Arrival

Helping teens feel comfortable BEFORE they arrive is essential to our process. We meet with every teen before they arrive to go over the camp schedule. This ensures they know what to expect from the activities and when they will have downtime to recharge. Further, teens are invited to group hangouts over Zoom to connect with peers they will meet at camp. These steps, together, reduce the anxiety of teens upon their entry at camp. Most importantly, they increase their likelihood to take positive social risks which build lifelong connections.

Elective-Based Programming

Teens at Beyond Akeela are empowered to pursue their interests. Each camper selects activities, electives, community service options, and trips prior to their arrival. This increases their buy-in from the start, allowing them to get more out of the experience. Teens have a heightened sense of responsibility for their time at Beyond Akeela because they have selected a path that makes it their own experience.

Direct In-the-Moment Coaching

ASD Teens learn best by doing. At Beyond Akeela, they receive coaching from experienced staff mentors as they navigate their camp experience. Staff members develop rapport with teens quickly due to our 1:3 staff-to-camper ratio. Their relationship allows them to provide direct, honest, and compassionate social feedback to teens to enhance their social success. This same coaching model is applied to executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, and multi-step task completion.

You can learn more about the outcomes ASD Teens experience at Beyond Akeela here: Beyond Akeela Outcomes.

Reading aloud was the scariest thing for me when I was younger. I stuttered each time as I looked at the words dancing on my page and wondered how those jumbling letters translated into a meaningful sound. I kept thinking: What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I understand what everyone else seemed to grasp so effortlessly? Was I not working hard enough?

I found the missing puzzle piece when I watched Taare Zameen Par (Stars on Earth). I finally felt understood. Taare Zameen Par (2007) is a Bollywood film that follows the life of 8-year-old Ishaan, who has dyslexia. Ishaan is kind, curious, and incredibly artistic. But, he struggles to adapt to the rigid ways of learning at school. The film explores Ishaan’s journey of discovering himself as he navigates the myriad of injustices of the Indian education system.

Taare Zameen Par was the first mainstream depiction of neurodivergence in Indian cinema and profoundly transformed how Indian culture understands neurodiversity. Policymakers, educators, and parents finally realized the true impact of oppressive learning paradigms on a child’s self-esteem. As I revisit one of my favorite movies, I reflect on my key takeaways from Taare Zameen Par.

The Power of Belief
Believing in a child promotes the idea that they inherently have all the talents they need to accomplish their goals. It helps children develop a strong sense of self. Ishaan’s art teacher’s belief in him allows Ishaan to share his talents, engage in his learning, and foster connections with peers.

Connection is Paramount
Ishaan’s parents send him to a strict boarding school as a punishment. But Ishaan did not need more discipline; he needed more connection. He feels ashamed, defeated, and isolated. Once Ishaan feels accepted and connects with his art teacher and peers, he thrives and excels.

Accessibility Matters
Assessments in Indian public schools primarily test a student’s ability to recall content.
Ishaan grasps the concepts he learns and understands how to apply them. But, he finds it challenging to recall the content he learned verbatim. Ishaan’s art teacher advocates for different modalities of teaching and testing. He teaches Ishaan spelling and mathematics through audiobooks, art, and play. He also requests that Ishaan be able to take his tests orally. Ishaan received straight A’s that semester and built his confidence.

Learning is Play
During play, children use all of their senses, convey their thoughts and emotions, and explore their environment. In the context of play, children test out novel knowledge and theories. Ishaan builds a boat with scrap during art class. He creates a rotating fan by winding up a rubber band. This mechanism creates tension and helps the boat move through water. He expresses his understanding and application of mechanics through his creation.

Learning should be joyful. It is not just about academics but about helping young folks become the best versions of themselves. We emphasize play, connection, and accessibility in our community at Beyond Akeela and aim to create a safe space for each teenager to feel supported and empowered to discover their unique strengths and identity.