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I address how to help children navigate group participation designed for neurotypical children, such as Sunday school, sports and summer camps, and offer practical advice for parents. I share my personal experiences as a mother and educator and explore how identity and family stories contribute to a child's courage and belonging. Drawing inspiration from Amber Johnston's book "A Place to Belong," nurturing a strong, harmonious family story to combat societal pressures.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Helping Children Navigate Participation in Neurotypical Groups
• Importance of family and faith in forming identity
• Double empathy problem: communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals
• Role play scenarios at home
• Focus on strengths
• Allow breaks for regulation
• Supporting an Autistic Child with Severe FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
• Reframe FOMO as an issue of prioritization and commitment
• Importance of teaching prioritization (executive functioning skill)
• Create rituals and visual calendars
• Addressing fear aspect of FOMO
• Coping skills and regulation techniques

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Anxiety and Sensory-Based Coping Skills For Kids- The OT Toolbox
• Addressing Childhood Anxiety- OT Strategies For Calm
• The Anxiety Toolkit
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm
• Connect With Me On Instagram
• If you need help implementing these strategies, book a call with me!