The launch of the book “Improving Mental Health Therapies for Autistic Children and Young People” marks a significant shift toward neurodiversity-affirming, co-produced mental health support. Introduced by Claire Evans from the Anna Freud Centre, the event emphasized the book’s departure from deficit-based models of autism, advocating instead for a strengths-based, relational, and empathetic approach. Professor Laura Crane shared reflections on how groundbreaking this resource is, especially given the lack of emphasis on mental health and autistic perspectives in autism research 20 years ago. The collaborative nature of the book was highlighted as essential, with autistic voices central throughout. Georgia Pavlopoulou, one of the editors, spoke about how the book emerged from training programs that encouraged co-production, curiosity, and genuine collaboration with autistic individuals. The book is positioned as a practical, compassionate, and transformative resource for clinicians, educators, and families, offering concrete ways to adapt practice and genuinely support autistic children and young people’s mental health.
Sensory Play Made Easy: 5 Steps to a Perfect Sensory Table
Setting up a sensory table doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a clear theme, using safe and engaging materials,
